Nijo-jo Castle hosts various events throughout the year. Details will be announced as and when available. Event contents may vary from year to year.
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Nijo-jo Castle Sakura Festival(Cherry Blossom Festival)
- Late March to Mid-April
The castle’s 300 or so cherry trees—including nearly 50 varieties—come into bloom at differing times over a period of about one month. Nighttime admission offers visitors the chance to enjoy the spectacular view of illuminated cherry trees and the Kara-mon Gate and other historic buildings.
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Kan-o Chakai (Tea ceremony under the cherry blossoms)
- April 9
Omotesenke will host a tea ceremony at Seiryu-en Garden, against the gorgeous backdrop of cherry blossoms.
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Shimin Sencha no Kai (Sencha Tea Ceremony)
- May 3 to 5
Various schools of tea will serve sencha green tea at Seiryu-en Garden against the backdrop of beautiful new foliage.
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Natsu no Tokubetsu Kikaku (Summer Program)
- July, August and September
Longer opening hours, opening of normally closed parts of the castle, and breakfast at Koun-tei are among the specials rolled out during the summer months.
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Kyo no Tanabata (Tanabata Festival)
- Early to mid-August
A well-established summer event of Kyoto, this event celebrates the Tanabata festival in August in accordance with the old Japanese calendar.
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Nijo-jo Matsuri (Nijo-jo Castle Festival)
- September to December
During this period, the Ninomaru-goten Palace will be open late. Other attractive program items are also in the pipeline.
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Shimin Dai-Chakai (Grand Tea Ceremony)
- Late October, November 1 and 3
Urasenke, Omotesenke, and Yabunouchi will host a grand tea ceremony open to members of the public.
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Fuyu no Tokubestsu Kikaku (Winter Program)
- January and February
Opening of normally closed parts of the castle, and lunch at Koun-tei are among the specials rolled out during the winter months.