Nijo Castle Samurai Inside Story — Top-Rated Guide (Max 8)

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

What most visitors miss is exactly what we focus on. This is a top-rated, small-group tour for travelers who want the real, unrushed story behind the Shogun and Samurai era.

Step inside Nijo Castle with a guide who reveals the stories most tours leave out—hidden systems, secret roles, unspoken rules, and the parts of samurai life that make history feel real. Expect an engaging walk where the past comes alive and is genuinely fun to discover.

Your guide is a bilingual Japanese-American, offering clear, easy-to-understand English explanations—a crucial advantage if you’ve ever struggled to understand guides at other historic sites.

This unrushed 3-hour tour focuses solely on Nijo Castle, creating a more intimate and insightful experience.

What to Expect:

• Entrance ticket included

• 3 hours inside Nijo Castle

• Small group: Max 8 guests

• Top-rated expert guide

Note: We cover Fortress, Ninomaru Palace, grounds, and gardens.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for small children

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Nijo Castle

A Top knowledgeable guide will walk you through the Samurai Castle and share fun and interesting details about Samurai life and Japanese culture. The Guide will meet you in front the Main gate (large, white gate on the West side of Castle)

3 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Nice refreshing green tea is included during the break time we will take in the middle of the tour

Admission for Nijo Castle full course

Private transportation

Gratuities: Tips are never an obligation, but always appreciated if you enjoy

Options

Nijo Castle 3hr Tour

Reviews

5.00

18 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Fantastic visit
Keith C,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely incredible and the guide customized the tour from the start as to our preferences. Everything was detailed and informative. Great experience.
Richard was...
Emmieko,,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Richard was excellent-very knowledgeable and thorough. Was nice to see Nijo compared to Imperial Palace in the same day. Would highly recommend this tour with Richard
Great experience
izas548,,Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Richard was an amazing tour guide. He helped us really understand the samurai culture. Without him our visit would be just a room after a room without any insight or context. 100% recommend.
Gold standard!!
Joyce K,,Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Richard is the gold standard of tour guides. He cares about the subject matter, is a wealth of knowledge and information, and shares his very intelligent opinions to challenge how to engage with history. Don’t miss out.
Richard-san was the best!...
Bernard L,,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Richard-san was the best! Wonderful stories and descriptions of the history of the region as well as the physical properties of the castle and the lives of the inhabitants.
Our Best Tour in Kyoto
BabyBoomerCouple,,May 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful in-depth tour of Nijo Castle and its surrounding gardens! After 3 weeks touring around Japan we were "toured out", but our 3 hours with Richard in Nijo Castle just flew by. Richard made the castle come alive with his uniquely entertaining commentary and deep historical knowledge base. Moreover he lived in the US and is completely bilingual and bicultural. We were sorry we didn't have time to book more tours with Richard this trip, but definitely plan to do so when we return to Kyoto.
Richard is excellent try this private tour. Highly recommended
sam z,,May 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Richard was excellent he met us on time. He explained everything with enthusiast. He was very proud of his countries history and that made it exciting for us to listen to him.
The amazing guide Richard
amberhY2827SP,,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Richard was the most amazing tour guide we could ever ask for!!! He was so friendly and I loved the fun facts I learnt today 😁 I highly highly recommend this tour for anybody, especially if the guide is Richard!! We definitely wouldn’t have had as much fun or learnt nearly as much if it wasn’t for him ☺️☺️ thanks so much for a perfect tour
Interesting and Insightful Guide!
Sophie B,,Apr 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Richard was the best guide! This was the highlight of our time in Kyoto. We loved his willingness to include the imperial palace during our tour so we could get a better understanding of Japanese history and culture.
We recommend this tour
Roberto M,,Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Mr Richard was very knowledgeable about Kyoto castle and Imperial Palace. We are very satisfied for his service and we will recommend this tour