Kyoto

Nijo Castle: Honmaru Area 2 Tenshukaku Ruins, the Honmaru West Koguchi & West Bridge

Climb the keep base Emperor Go-Mizunoo ascended in 1626, then the masugata West Koguchi and West Bridge. 2026 marks the visit's 400th anniversary.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

Nijo Castle: Ninomaru Palace AreaKaramon Gate, the National Treasure Palace & Special Scenic Garden

The National Treasure palace where the shogunate ended in 1867, the gilded Karamon Gate and the Special Scenic garden. Allow 1–2 hours; photos and maps.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

Nijo Castle: Perimeter & Entrance AreaHigashi-Otemon, Bansho & the Southeast Corner Turret

Five early-Edo structures at Nijo Castle's entrance: the Higashi-Otemon gate, Bansho guardhouse, Southeast Corner Turret, Tsukiji walls and South Gate.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

Nijo Castle: Honmaru Area 1 Higashi-bashi, the Honmaru Yaguramon & the Castle Itself

The bridge an emperor crossed, the Yaguramon gate that survived the 1788 fire, and the Meiji-era Honmaru Garden — four spots with dates, maps and photos.

Ieyasu Travel Guide DetailedKansaiKyoto

The Historic Stage of Lady Gracia’s Newlywed Life

A first-hand guide to Shōryūji Castle, Hosokawa Gracia's newlywed home in Nagaokakyō, Kyoto. Free admission, 5 spots, and the North Gate stone walls.

Gracia Travel GuideKansaiKyoto