The former residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijo Castle is often considered to be Japan's best surviving example of castle architecture from the feudal era. The castle is composed of three separate parts: the Honmaru (first ring of fortification), the Ninomaru (second ring of fortification), and the peaceful gardens found between the two main rings of fortifications.
Only the Ninomaru Palace and the gardens are regularly open to visitors, although the Honmaru Palace is sometimes opened to the public for special occasions. English audio guides can be rented from a kiosk just inside the main gate.
604-8301 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nijojocho 54, Phone: 7-58-41-00-96