Castle Tour: Shogun vs. Emperor Rivalry

180 Ratings

Kyoto

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Explore Nijo Castle’s rich history, admire stunning fusuma paintings, and experience the unique nightingale floor on this captivating Kyoto walking tour.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Nijo Castle - Admission to Nijo Castle is covered.
Nijo Castle was constructed by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the samurai era that spanned 260 years.
Explore the samurai history and enjoy a walk through the stunning Japanese gardens.

What's Included

Entrance fees
Local Guide

Additional Information

[Highlights]
・Intimate group experience with a maximum of 10 participants
・Entry fee is covered
・Explore the historic Shogun and Emperor conflict
・Capture stunning photos of gardens with vibrant koi carp in the castle’s moats
・Join a guided tour that commemorates the conclusion of the Shogunate
This is the castle of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun…

Location

Nijojo-mae Sta.(Nijo-jo Castle)

Please meet outside Entrance (Exit) 1 of Nijōjō-mae Station. There will be a guide holding a sign with our company name .

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(180 Ratings)

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Experthucker

Feb 3, 2026

Great tour that doesn't take all day. - Very Knowledgeable and stunning surroundings. Amazing insight into Shogun life. So much tradition and culture that requires the insight of a guide.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

G3873uemiak

Jan 28, 2026

Best tour in Japan! - We had a 2 hour tour with Alex through Nijo Castle which was an amazing experience from Guru Walk. He was a very sweet guide who gave fantastic insight into the origins and history behind the castle that I doubt would be covered by other tour guides. Furthermore, he made the experience fun and comfortable which contributed to the warm atmosphere despite the cold weather. I highly recommend doing this tour and other tours with them!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Mkobyli

Jan 28, 2026

Nijo Castle tour - We booked walking tour with Alex from Guru Walk through the Nijo Castle and it was amazing. Alex provided so much depth and insight into the castle and different aspects of it which made it 1000 times better, not only making the tour fun and memorable but insightful. I would highly recommend doing this tour with Alex. Truly appreciate your knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to yours walking tour. Thank you

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Alexandrosr558

Jan 28, 2026

Castle - Alexander was great 👍 learned a lot about the castle 🏯. No heating though please wear thick socks. Cool garden . Felt like a Shogun

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Dgiannone1085

Jan 27, 2026

Informational Sightseeing - Had a great experience with our guide spoke very clear English and was very knowledgeable about the castle and samurai. We also got some great insight on ninjas how the castle was protected. Overall, very positive experience would do it again.

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Ames138

Jan 26, 2026

Short and sweet! - Nao was the guide for our intimate group of 3 today. I enjoyed how he shared tidbits of information regarding the history of the castle and the historical traditions practiced by the shoguns. He was able to link these stories to everyday practices that still exists in modern day Japan! The tour has really helped save time that would have been needed if i wanted to learn the same amount of information through reading the descriptions!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Rubypt909ro

Jan 25, 2026

Beautiful Shogun Tour - The tour was an amazing experience and we learned so much from our tour guide Nao. He was very informative and super friendly! I loved every part of seeing the shogun castle, it was like being transported back to a different time. 10/10 would recommend.

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Relax13641768791

Jan 25, 2026

Great tour with Nou! - Nou was a great guide and really knew his history. Fantastic tour and learned a lot about the castle and history of the shogunate. Would book again!

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Maki_h

Jan 25, 2026

Kyoto royalty tour - Fantastic short tour of Kyoto shogun legacy with fabulous tour guide Nao. Wear thick socks during winter since palace interior requires removal of shoes. Swing by souvenir shop afterwards, highly recommend red bean mochi soup.

Review provided by Viator

Silentkj11

Jan 25, 2026

Akiyoshi is THE MAN! - Akiyoshi was so nice and insightful telling us about the Shogun and buildings. Then he walked us to a nice place for lunch. Would definitely recommend!!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Check Availability

From $42

up to 10 guests

1 - Adult