Kyoto Plans ¥2,000 Nijo Castle Admission for Non-Residents
Kyoto is preparing to introduce different admission prices for residents and non-residents at Nijo Castle, one of the city’s best-known World Heritage attractions.
Under the plan announced by Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui on October 1, visitors from outside Kyoto City would pay ¥2,000 for a combined ticket covering castle admission and the Ninomaru-goten Palace. Kyoto City residents would pay ¥1,000. The current general combined ticket costs ¥1,300.
The city is aiming to bring in the new system as early as fiscal 2027, which begins in April 2027. The proposal still needs to move through the municipal process, including a planned ordinance revision, so travellers should treat the date and final conditions as provisional until Kyoto publishes updated ticket information.
A higher cost for most visitors
The proposed non-resident price would apply to visitors from elsewhere in Japan as well as international travellers; it is based on Kyoto City residency, not nationality. Kyoto residents are expected to need proof of their address to use the lower rate, as is already required for the castle’s resident annual passport.
For visitors planning a Kyoto itinerary in or after fiscal 2027, Nijo Castle may therefore cost ¥700 more than the current combined castle-and-palace ticket. The proposal concerns the regular daytime ticket that includes the Ninomaru-goten Palace. Separate tickets and advance reservations can still apply for the Honmaru-goten Palace, while special events such as evening illuminations can have their own pricing.
Funding conservation at a World Heritage site
Kyoto City says the additional revenue is intended to support conservation and renovation at the castle. Nijo Castle is the sole castle among the 17 component sites that make up UNESCO’s Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage property.
About 2.07 million people visited Nijo Castle in fiscal 2025, according to reporting based on city information. Travellers who want to include the castle in a tightly budgeted Kyoto visit should check the official Nijo-jo website shortly before travelling, particularly once the city confirms the implementation date, eligibility checks and final ticket categories.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Kyoto is aiming to introduce it as early as fiscal 2027, which starts in April 2027. The final start date has not yet been officially confirmed.
The proposed price is ¥2,000 for the combined Nijo Castle and Ninomaru-goten Palace ticket, compared with the current ¥1,300 general combined ticket.
No. The announced distinction is between Kyoto City residents and everyone else, rather than between Japanese and foreign visitors.
No. The Honmaru-goten Palace requires a separate ticket and advance reservation under the current official ticket rules.
