1. How can I get to Nijo Castle from Kyoto Station?
There are a few different options for getting to Nijo Castle from Kyoto Station:
1. By subway: Take the Karasuma Line (green line) from Kyoto Station and get off at Marutamachi Station. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to Nijo Castle.
2. By bus: Take bus number 9, 50 or 101 from the Kyoto Station Bus Stop (located at the north side of the station) and get off at Nijojo-mae Stop. It is a short walk from there to the castle.
3. By taxi: Taxis are readily available outside of Kyoto Station and can take you directly to Nijo Castle.
4. By bicycle: You can rent a bicycle at Kyoto Station and cycle to Nijo Castle in about 15 minutes.
5. Walking: It is also possible to walk from Kyoto Station to Nijo Castle, although it may take around 40-45 minutes.
Note that entrance fees are not included in public transportation tickets, so you will need to pay separately when you arrive at the castle.
2. Is there a bus or train stop near Nijo Castle?
Yes, there are both bus and train stops near Nijo Castle. The closest train station is Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai subway line, located about a 5-minute walk from the castle. Several bus lines also stop at Nijo Castle, such as Kyoto City Bus 9 and Ritsumeikan Bus 50 and 101.
3. Can I walk to Nijo Castle from the main tourist areas in Kyoto?
It is possible to walk to Nijo Castle from the main tourist areas in Kyoto, but it will take around 30-40 minutes. It may be more convenient to take public transportation or a taxi, as there are multiple bus and subway stops near the castle.
4. Are there any bike rental options around Nijo Castle?
Yes, there are several bike rental options near Nijo Castle. One option is Kyoto Cycling Tour Project, located about a 10-minute walk from the castle. Another option is Kyoto Rental Bicycle, located about a 15-minute walk away. Both companies offer various types of bicycles for rent and provide maps and routes for self-guided tours around the castle and surrounding area.
5. What is the best mode of transportation to use when visiting Nijo Castle?
The best mode of transportation to use when visiting Nijo Castle would be public transportation, such as buses or the subway. There are also taxis and bicycle rentals available in the area. It is not recommended to use a car, as parking can be difficult and expensive.
6. Are there any parking facilities available at Nijo Castle?
Yes, there are parking facilities available at Nijo Castle. There is a paid parking lot next to the castle’s main gate, with a maximum capacity of 300 cars. The cost is 500 yen for the first hour and 200 yen for every additional hour. There are also several paid off-site parking lots located within walking distance of the castle.
7. Can I take a taxi to Nijo Castle from my hotel in Kyoto?
Yes, you can take a taxi to Nijo Castle from your hotel in Kyoto. Taxis are a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city. It is recommended to have the address of Nijo Castle written in Japanese to show the driver, as some may not speak English. Taxi fares vary depending on distance and time of day, but it is generally around 800-1000 yen for a short ride.
8. How long does it take to reach Nijo Castle from downtown Kyoto by public transportation?
It takes approximately 20-25 minutes to reach Nijo Castle from downtown Kyoto by public transportation. This includes the time it takes to walk to the nearest train or bus station, and then taking either a train or bus to the closest stop for Nijo Castle. From there, it is a short walk to the castle itself.
9. Are there any guided tours that include transportation to and from Nijo Castle?
Yes, there are several guided tours that include transportation to and from Nijo Castle. Some of these options include:1. Kyoto Morning Tour: This tour includes transportation to Nijo Castle, as well as other popular attractions such as Kinkakuji Temple and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
2. Nijo Castle Walking Tour: This tour includes a guided walk through Nijo Castle with a knowledgeable guide and transportation to and from the castle.
3. Kyoto Private Customized Full-Day Tour: This private tour allows you to create your own customized itinerary, which can include transportation to Nijo Castle.
4. Samurai & Ninja Experience in Kyoto: This tour not only includes transportation to Nijo Castle, but also an interactive samurai and ninja experience within the castle grounds.
5. Nighttime Cultural Walk in Kyoto with Local Guide: This evening tour includes transportation to Nijo Castle, as well as a guided walking tour through some of Kyoto’s most beautiful areas at night.
It is recommended to research different tour companies and their offerings in order to find the best option for your needs and preferences.
10. Can I use my Japan Rail Pass for transportation to Nijo Castle?
No, the Japan Rail Pass cannot be used for transportation to Nijo Castle. The castle is located in central Kyoto and can be accessed by bus or subway. The Japan Rail Pass covers JR trains and select shinkansen (bullet train) lines, but not city buses or subways.
11. What are the opening and closing times of the transportation options near Nijo Castle?
The opening and closing times of the transportation options near Nijo Castle vary, but generally they are as follows:
– The nearest train station, Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Line, opens at 5:00 am and closes at 12:46 am.
– The closest bus stop, Nijojo-mae Station (bus stop number K-9), is served by multiple bus lines throughout the day with varying schedules. The earliest bus departs at around 5:30 am and the latest bus arrives at around midnight.
– City-operated tourist buses (Kyoto City Bus Route #101 and #205) also stop near Nijo Castle. These buses operate from early morning to late evening, with the first bus departing around 6:00 am and the last bus arriving before midnight.
– Taxis are another option for transportation near Nijo Castle. Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands throughout Kyoto. They operate 24 hours a day.
It is recommended to check specific schedules for each mode of transportation before planning your visit to Nijo Castle.
12. Is there a separate entrance for tour buses at Nijo Castle’s parking lot?
Yes, there is a separate entrance for tour buses at Nijo Castle’s parking lot. The entrance can be accessed through the main gate near the ticket counter. Tour buses will usually drop off passengers in front of this entrance before proceeding to the designated parking area.
13. Are there any discounted or combined tickets available for transportation and entrance to Nijo Castle?
Unfortunately, there are no discounted or combined tickets available for transportation and entrance to Nijo Castle. You will need to purchase separate tickets for transportation and entrance to the castle. However, some train passes such as the JR Pass or Kansai Thru Pass may include free or discounted travel from certain stations to Nijo Castle.
14. How far is it from the nearest subway station to the entrance of Nijo Castle?
It is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest subway station, Nijojo-mae Station, to the entrance of Nijo Castle.
15. Are there any shuttle services available from popular tourist areas in Kyoto to Nijo Castle?
Yes, there are several shuttle services available from popular tourist areas in Kyoto to Nijo Castle. Some options include:
1. Kyoto City Bus: The bus stops at Nijo Castle’s main entrance (Nijojo Mae) and operates on a frequent schedule. The fare is 230 yen for adults and 120 yen for children.
2. Sightseeing Shuttle Bus (Hop-On Hop-Off): This is a convenient, hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus that stops at many popular tourist attractions including Nijo Castle. You can purchase one-day or two-day passes for unlimited rides.
3. Subway: The nearest subway station to Nijo Castle is Nijojomae Station on the Tozai Line. From here, it’s a short walk to the castle.
4. Private Tours: Many private tour companies offer transportation services to Nijo Castle as part of their package tours.
5. Taxis: Taxis are also available and can take you directly to Nijo Castle from anywhere in Kyoto city for an agreed-upon price.
It is recommended to research and plan your transportation options beforehand to make your visit to Nijo Castle as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
16. Can I purchase a map or guide for navigating around Nijo Castle grounds?
Yes, there are maps and guides available for purchase at the entrance to Nijo Castle. These can help visitors navigate around the castle grounds and provide information about the various buildings and points of interest within the castle. They are typically priced at a few hundred yen. Alternatively, you can also download a map or guide from the Nijo Castle website before your visit.
17. Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on public transportation routes that lead to Nijo castle?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on public transportation routes that lead to Nijo castle. However, please note that the castle itself may not be easily accessible for individuals with mobility issues due to its uneven terrain and lack of elevators or ramps.
18.Can I rent an audio guide at the castle, or do I have to bring my own device?
You can rent an audio guide at the castle. They will provide you with a device that you can use for your tour.
19.What types of information are provided on the audio guide for navigating around the castle grounds?
The audio guide may provide information on the history and architecture of the castle, notable points of interest or landmarks, instructions on how to follow a specific route or tour, safety tips and guidelines for visitors, and additional background information or fun facts about various areas of the castle grounds.
20.Are there any boat tours or cruises that pass by Nij
Yes, there are several boat tours and cruises that pass by Nijmegen. Some options include:
1. Rondvaartbedrijf Koninklijke Kuijpers: This company offers a variety of boat tours on the Waal river, passing by Nijmegen. The tours range from 1.5 hours to a full day.
2. River Cruises Europe: This company offers a 7-day river cruise package starting in Nijmegen and passing through other cities in the Netherlands, as well as Germany and Belgium.
3. Boat Tour Nijmegen: This company offers private and group boat tours on the Waal river, with customizable routes that can include passing by Nijmegen.
4. Rederij Witjes: This company offers sightseeing trips on the Rhine river, departing from Arnhem (a short train ride from Nijmegen) and sailing past Nijmegen.
5. Blijven Varen: This company also offers private boat charters on the Waal river, with the option to pass by Nijmegen.
It is recommended to check each company’s website for schedules, prices, and any potential changes due to COVID-19 restrictions.