History of Nijo Castle
Delve into the captivating history of Nijo Castle, once the opulent residence of the Tokugawa shogunate. Uncover tales of power, intrigue, and the rise and fall of one of Japan's most influential families.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Nijo Castle with a private, personalized experience led by a local.




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Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Engaged Tito on my first day in Kyoto for a comprehensive city tour. I arrived in the city before my companions, so my goal was to gain a broad understanding of Kyoto’s history and its significance in Japanese history. I also wanted to comprehend the origins of the temples and palaces. As a frequent traveler to ancient cities, I find immense satisfaction in unraveling their original histories and observing how certain aspects have persisted into the present day. Tito’s knowledge was remarkable at each location, skillfully weaving a tapestry of this imperial capital. His guidance was smooth, sophisticated, and accompanied by a vivid and detailed narrative. .We concluded the day by spotting a geisha and listening to his profound insights into their secret society, influential nature and its evolution over time. The following days, my companion was astounded by the wealth of information and familiarity I had acquired in just one day in Kyoto. "
"We had a really fantastic time with Naoki/Stephen today and covered an enormous amount of Kyoto’s landmarks and also some lovely quieter spots without ever feeling rushed. Naoki was a wonderful guide, extremely knowledgeable, great company and very good at conveying lots of information and insights in a way that was easy to absorb. He answered endless questions, tailored the tour to our needs and went above and beyond in giving us lots of information for the following day. I would highly recommend him to anyone visiting Kyoto."
"Excellent tour of Kyoto. Ryuki explained every location we visited and gave us great recommendations for the rest of our trip. "
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Kyoto with locals








Our locals will give you the best experiences that Kyoto has to offer


Explore the captivating history and cultural heritage of Nijo Castle in Kyoto with a private tour led by a local guide. Uncover hidden secrets, stroll through serene gardens, and immerse yourself in Japanese feudal life.
Delve into the captivating history of Nijo Castle, once the opulent residence of the Tokugawa shogunate. Uncover tales of power, intrigue, and the rise and fall of one of Japan's most influential families.
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Nijo Castle with its exquisite Ninomaru Palace. Admire the stunning architecture, intricate sliding doors, and hidden passages while learning about Japanese feudal life.
Discover the art of traditional Japanese gardens at Nijo Castle. Stroll through the serene landscapes, marvel at the meticulously pruned trees, and appreciate the harmony between nature and design.
Did you know that Nijo Castle features 'nightingale floors'? These ingenious floors squeak when walked upon, acting as a security measure against intruders during the Edo period. Explore this unique feature with a knowledgeable guide!
Learn about Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and his connection to Nijo Castle. Understand his role in shaping Japan's history and his legacy that still resonates today.
Discover Nijo Castle like never before with a private tour guided by a local. Explore its rich history, serene gardens, and significant cultural aspects while uncovering hidden stories and local insights. Book your exclusive tour now and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Nijo Castle. Don't miss out; limited spots available!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Easily reschedule your booking
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"We had the most incredible time with Ryuki whom our friend used and raved about. We highly recommend him to anyone visiting Kyoto -- super knowledgeable, flexible with the programing, and able to make things interesting on the fly. "
"Tour was excellent and Ryuki was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and personable. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour stops including lunch."
"Guia was a great tour guide. Easygoing, personable, knowledgeable, and very adaptable to our schedule. We had a great day with her. Thanks again!"
"Our family had the best day with David! Truly magical time in Kyoto touring famous sites, as well as hidden gems. He’s highly knowledgeable, great sense of humor and our family of four has such a great day! "
"Excellent tour and guide!"
"We had an absolutely fantastic experience with Ryuki. From the moment we met him, he was warm, gracious, and genuinely attentive to what we wanted from the day. He’s clearly a very hard worker and went above and beyond to give us a perfectly paced “expedited” tour that still managed to feel relaxed and comprehensive, never rushed. He also has a great eye for fun and flattering photos — he suggested creative angles and poses, handled all the logistics, and captured memories we never would have gotten on our own. Throughout the tour, he was patient, kind, and easy to talk to, which made the entire experience feel effortless and enjoyable. We would highly recommend Ryuki to anyone looking for a personable, professional guide who truly cares about his guests and their experience."
"My teenage son and I had an 8 hour day with Guia exploring Kyoto yesterday and it was everything I hoped it would be! Guia is an exceptional guide - warm, friendly, knowledgeable and easily adapted the day to best suit us. It was such a relief to be able to relax and let her guide us, knowing we were in such safe hands. It really felt like being shown around by a friend - who knew her stuff! Thank you Guia we really appreciated you going that extra mile for us and also sharing your stories - really special!❤️"
Discover experiences based on your interest
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.