Kyoto Nijo-jo Castle’s Gardens

Three Japanese gardens from different ages

Tomoko Kamishima Dec 07, 2013 - 1 min read

<p>Ginkgo tree in the plum tree garden</p>

<p>Bird’s-eye view of Nijo-jo Castle</p>

<p>Autumn leaves of a weeping cherry</p>

Notice

Structural reinforcement and restoration will be carried out on all historic structures within Nijo-jo Castle. The various renovations are planned as follows: Honmaru-goten Palace (2017-2023), Tamarigura (2024-2027), Ninomaru-goten Palace (2024-2036), and Tonan Sumi-yagura (2028-2036). <a href="https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/donation/info/?lang=en" target="_blank">Read more</a>

Latest on Nijo Castle

Nijo-jo Castle was the official lodging for the Tokugawa Shogun when staying in Kyoto. Tokugawa Ieyasu (the 1st Shogun) started the construction of the buildings in 1603 and Iemitsu (the 3rd Shogun) completed them in 1626. This was also the place where the last Shogun, Yoshinobu, restored Imperial Rule in 1867. There are three beautiful gardens inside the moat; Ninomaru Garden built in 1626, Honmaru Garden in 1893, and Seiryu-en Garden in 1965.

More info

Find out more about Nijo Castle.

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...