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Cherry Blossoms at Nijo Castle
About 90 plum trees can be seen in the Nijo Castle plum grove, and you can watch a video of the plum trees at their best in March, as well as the Nijo Castle grounds. We hope you enjoy it.
Basic Information
| Cherry blossom spot | Motorikyu Nijo Castle |
| Best time to see the cherry blossoms | Early March to early April |
| Number of cherry trees | About 300 (weeping cherry, sato cherry, yamazakura, etc.) |
| Hours of operation | |
| Admission fee | Regular admission (including admission to Ninomaru Palace) Adults 1,300 yen, junior high and high school students 400 yen, elementary school students 300 yen Light-up 2024 (early-bird rate) Monday – Thursday] Junior high school students and older: 1,600 yen, Elementary school students: 1,000 yen Friday – Sunday, Holidays] Junior high school students and older: 2,000 yen, Elementary school students: 1,400 yen Special days】Junior high school students and older: 2,400 yen, elementary school students: 1,800 yen Special days are March 23 (Sat) and 30 (Sat). |
| Light-up | Yes (see event information below) |
| Parking lot | Yes (see access information below) |
| Location | 541 Nijojo-machi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan |
| TEL | 075-841-0096 |
| Official website | https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/ |
Features and Highlights
- About 300 cherry trees blooming in the World Heritage castle
- About 50 varieties of cherry blossoms from early to late blooming can be enjoyed.
- Illuminated at night, you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere.
- Spring events such as cultural experience events and exhibitions of Kyoto’s specialty products are held
Cherry blossoms at Nijo Castle are planted in three areas: the Cherry Blossom Garden, the Seiryuen Garden, and the west side of the castle. In the Cherry Blossom Garden, someiyoshino and satozakura cherry trees are in full bloom, while weeping cherry trees and mountain cherry trees are dainty in the Seiryuen Garden. On the west side of the Honmaru (main citadel), bright pink Yaebenishidare (weeping cherry) trees are in full bloom, creating a spectacular scene.
The Karamon Gate, an Important Cultural Property, and the rows of cherry trees are lit up at night, creating a different atmosphere from that of the daytime. The contrast of historical buildings and cherry blossoms is a spectacular sight that adds color to spring in Kyoto.
Event Information
Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2024
Friday, March 8, 2024 – Sunday, April 7, 2024 (31 days)
The Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually from late March to early April. During the festival, various events are held, including a quiz rally, an exhibition of Kyoto’s specialty products, kitchen cars, ikebana exhibits, and cultural experience events.
At night, the castle will be decorated with projection mapping, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
(1) Regular admission
Friday, March 8, 2024 – Sunday, April 7, 2024
8:45 – 16:00 (the castle closes at 17:00)
(2) Light-up
Friday, March 8 – Sunday, April 7, 2024
18:00 – 21:00 (Closes at 22:00)
*The viewing area for the illumination is limited.
How to access
- Short walk from Subway Tozai Line Nijojo-mae Sta.
- Approx. 17 min. walk from JR Nijo Stn.
- Short walk from Nijojo-mae Bus Stop (City Bus 9, 12, 50)
By car: 30 minutes from the Kyoto Minami IC or Kyoto Higashi IC of the Meishin Expressway.
Parking Fee Table
| Type of Vehicle | Number of cars | Fees |
| Standard car | 120 cars | 2 hours 1200yen |
| Motorcycle | 10 vehicles | 400 yen for 2 hours |
| Bicycles | 83 bicycles | 200 yen for 2 hours |
| Large buses | 11 vehicles | 2 hours 3000 yen *2 hours 3300 yen without reservation |
Popular nearby spots
Kyoto Gyoen (8 minutes by car or cab)
A vast park located in the center of Kyoto with approximately 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom.
Conclusion
The cherry blossoms at Nijo Castle offer a spectacular view unique to Kyoto, where the historical castle walls and nature are in harmony. The sight of approximately 50 varieties of cherry trees in full bloom is breathtaking, and the illuminated castle grounds at night create a magical atmosphere.
If you visit Kyoto in spring, be sure to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms at Nijo Castle.
