How to get to Nijo Castle at a glance
To get to Nijo Castle by public transport, aim for Nijojo-mae station on the Tozai subway line, or for the Nijojo-mae stop on city buses 9 and 50, which run from Kyoto Station. The castle is in Nakagyo ward, and both stops lead straight to the main gate. This page covers the routes from Kyoto Station, Kansai International Airport and Osaka, plus parking.
If you would rather not plan the transport yourself, several Nijo Castle tours start at a meeting point and include the way there.
Our pick: a coach tour from Shin-Osaka
The train from Osaka and back and the coach on site are part of it, so you skip planning the route.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours that include the way to Nijo Castle
A full-day bus tour from Osaka with a round-trip train transfer, a Spanish and English guide and Nijo Castle on the route, with live prices and availability.
From Kyoto Station to Nijo Castle
By subway, take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Karasuma Oike, change to the Tozai Line and ride to Nijojo-mae. By bus, city buses 9 and 50 run from Kyoto Station to the Nijojo-mae stop; the line 50 timetable valid from 20 March 2026 notes that traffic can cause delays. Allow extra time on busy days and check the timetable on the day.
Fares and day passes
Regular city buses charge a flat 230 JPY for adults and 120 JPY for children in 2026. The subway zone table valid from 1 October 2025 lists 260 JPY for the second zone and 130 JPY for children, so check the fare for your exact route at the machine. A subway day pass costs 800 JPY (children 400 JPY), and a subway and bus day pass costs 1,100 JPY (children 550 JPY). A valid day pass also lowers the adult castle ticket to 700 JPY, but only on the day of use and only at the castle ticket office, not online.
Taxi and transfer from Kansai International Airport (KIX)
From Kansai Airport you have two simple options. A private taxi or pre-booked transfer takes you from the arrivals hall to your hotel or to the castle with your luggage, which suits families, groups and late arrivals. Booking ahead means a driver is waiting and the route is arranged before you land. The alternative is the train.
HARUKA to Kyoto Station
The JR HARUKA runs directly from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station. The one-way discount ticket sells for 2,200 JPY for adults and 1,100 JPY for children aged 6 to 11 until 31 October 2026, and from 1 November 2026 for 2,700 JPY and 1,350 JPY. The date of purchase decides the price, not the date of travel. It needs a foreign passport and Temporary Visitor status, and you show the passport when you collect it. From Kyoto Station continue by subway or bus as above.
Compare private transfers from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Kyoto on Kiwitaxi.
From Osaka by train
The JR trains between Osaka and Kyoto take 28 minutes and cost 580 JPY for a regular fare, according to JR-West's 2025 fact sheet. This covers the railway only, so add the subway or bus from Kyoto Station. A bus tour from Osaka with a round-trip train transfer is an alternative if you want the transport arranged.
Parking at Nijo Castle
The car parks are for castle visitors only. Do not stop or park on the surrounding streets, switch off the engine when waiting, and coaches should avoid residential streets. Rates differ between the castle's own pages, so check the current tariff on site or with the operator before you drive. On 6 December 2026 the car park can only be entered until 12:00.
FAQ
Which subway line goes to Nijo Castle?
The Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae. From Kyoto Station take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike and change there.
Which bus goes from Kyoto Station to Nijo Castle?
City buses 9 and 50 run from Kyoto Station to Nijojo-mae. The flat fare is 230 JPY for adults as of 2026.
How do I get from Kansai Airport to Nijo Castle?
Take the HARUKA to Kyoto Station and continue by subway or bus, or book a taxi transfer in advance for your hotel or the castle.
Who can buy the HARUKA discount ticket?
Holders of a foreign passport with Temporary Visitor status. Tickets sold from 1 November 2026 cost 2,700 JPY for adults.
Can I park at Nijo Castle?
The car parks are for castle visitors. Check the current tariff on site before you drive.