News

Every year, from around May to October, a large number of visitors experience heatstroke symptoms. Please note the following to prevent heatstroke and ensure safe and secure viewing tours of World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle.

 

○Your understanding and cooperation with heatstroke prevention measures are highly appreciated.

 

①　There is no air conditioning inside the Tangible Cultural Properties (Structures).

Both the Ninomaru-goten Palace and the Honmaru-goten Palace are extant wooden architecture designated respectively as National Treasure and Important Cultural property. Since these buildings house quite a number of invaluable wall paintings, there is no air cooling or air conditioning along the viewing walkways within the buildings. (With the exception of a few rooms in the Honmaru-goten Palace.) Because the temperature as well as the humidity inside the buildings is similar to that outside, please tour at your own pace, monitor your own health closely, and cancel or cut it short if it is necessary.

 

②Please stay hydrated.

Please pay attention to the following points and stay hydrated.

・Drinking is prohibited inside the Ninomaru-goten Palace and the Honmaru-goten Palace.

・Drinking is allowed in the castle grounds outside of the buildings, but strictly away from the Tangible Cultural Properties (Structures).

–  Even in the castle grounds, drinking while walking is prohibited.

Note: Vending machines are in/outside of rest areas in the castle grounds, and a water cooler is installed in front of the entrance of the office.　（Guide Map）

 

③Please use heatstroke prevention items.

Depending on your pace, it takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour just to take a lap around the castle grounds, where there is hardly any shade. To stay out of direct sunlight, we highly recommend using hats/caps, parasols, sunglasses, and bringing other cooling items. Please note that the shop inside the main rest area sells some cooling items.

 

④Viewing at your own pace, taking frequent breaks are highly recommended.

Elderly people, little children, and those with pre-existing medical condition, difficulties in regulating their own body temperature and any other health concerns should refrain from overexerting themselves and take frequent breaks.

 

⑤Please visit/use the cool spots within the castle compounds.

The cool spots are as follows:

・The rest area (on the east side): With an air conditioner

・The rest area (close to the Honmaru West Bridge): With a spot cooler

・The rest area (close to Seiryu-en): With a spot cooler and a mist fan

・In front of the office: With a mist fan

（Guide Map）

 

○We ask for your understanding regarding heatstroke prevention measures for our staff.

The staff members wear protective items such as sunglasses to prevent accidents caused by diffuse reflection of direct sunlight, as well as to protect their eyes from UV damage.

As heatstroke Prevention measures, the staff use sun umbrellas, garden parasols, and cooling items, as well as carry water bottles to stay hydrated, when assisting visitors.

Your understanding is highly appreciated.