HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, which stands directly across from the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, is launching a guest-only special experience built around a "cultural heritage preservation donation" that supports the castle's future. Limited to four groups during the offer period, the program pairs a stay in a room overlooking Nijo Castle with a private tour of the castle grounds after closing time, offered as a token of appreciation for the donation.
Nijo Castle marks the 400th anniversary of the Kan'ei Gyoko, the lavish 1626 imperial visit of Emperor Go-Mizunoo that made the castle the stage for one of its most spectacular historical moments. As a token of thanks for the donation, the tour begins at 4:00 PM, after the castle closes to the general public, and guides just one group through the grounds at dusk. Guests can take in views that shoguns and emperors would likely have gazed upon, with the immersive feeling of stepping into the role of the castle's new lord.
The tour's highlight is the Important Cultural Property Higashi Ote-mon Gate, visible from some of the hotel's guest rooms. Closed to the public for around a decade, its interior is opened exclusively to participants of this tour. From there, guests move at a relaxed pace through the stately Karamon Gate and the beautiful Ninomaru Garden, including areas not normally open to visitors, before reaching the National Treasure Ninomaru Palace. There, guests are given rare access to the Yon-no-ma room, which is not usually open to the public, for a close-up view of the palace's historic artistry.
Nijo Castle is currently undergoing full-scale restoration of its buildings, including the National Treasure Ninomaru Palace. This special experience was created to support the ongoing effort to pass these treasures, preserved across the centuries, on to the next generation. Set in the quiet of dusk at Nijo Castle, the tour offers a moment to reflect on a new chapter in the site's history, paired with an elegant stay overlooking the castle grounds.
Nijo Castle Private Tour With Cultural Heritage Preservation Donation
Period: October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 (limited to the first 4 groups during the period)
Eligible Rooms: Guests staying in the Nijo Room, Nijo Suite, or Presidential Suite
Capacity: One group per day (up to 8 guests)
Time: Tour begins at 4:00 PM, ends at 5:15 PM
Donation: ¥500,000 cultural heritage preservation donation (accommodation charged separately)
Reservation: Contact the hotel directly after booking your stay
Reservation Deadline: One month before the tour date
Tour Includes: Entry into the interior of the Important Cultural Property Higashi Ote-mon Gate; the Karamon Gate; the Ninomaru Garden, including areas not normally open to the public; and the National Treasure Ninomaru Palace, including special entry into the usually closed Yon-no-ma room. *A dedicated guide accompanies the tour.
*The hotel will explain the donation procedure at check-in; guests submit the donation directly to Nijo Castle themselves (the hotel cannot accept it on guests' behalf).
*This tour is open to guests ages 13 and older.
