Preserving History for Future Generations: An Exclusive Private Tour of World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle with a Cultural Property Preservation Donation ＜October 1st, 2026 to March 31st, 2027＞

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO is pleased to introduce an exclusive experience for staying guests that incorporates a Cultural Property Preservation Donation in support of the future preservation of World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle. Limited to just four groups during the programme period, the experience combines a stay in a room overlooking Nijo-jo Castle with a private after-hours tour of the castle, offered in recognition of the donation.

An Immersive Experience as Lord of the Castle
Nijo-jo Castle marks the 400th anniversary of the historic Kanei Imperial Visit. Beginning at 4pm, after the castle has closed to the public, one group of guests will be granted exclusive access to explore the grounds at dusk. Take in the views once beheld by shoguns and emperors, and enjoy an immersive experience that evokes the feeling of being lord of the castle.

An Exclusive Route Opening the Doors to History
A highlight of the tour is special access to the interior of the Higashi Ote-mon Gate, an Important Cultural Property that has been closed to the public for approximately ten years. Guests will then proceed at a leisurely pace past the magnificent Karamon Gate and through the Ninomaru-teien Garden, including areas not normally open to the public, before entering the National Treasure Ninomaru-goten Palace. Special access to the normally restricted Yon-no-Ma offers a rare opportunity to encounter the castle’s history and artistry at close quarters.

Preserving Priceless Treasures for Future Generations
Nijo-jo Castle is currently undergoing extensive restoration work, including repairs to the National Treasure Ninomaru-goten Palace. This programme has been created to contribute to efforts to preserve these irreplaceable treasures and pass them on to future generations.
An exclusive experience amid the tranquillity of Nijo-jo Castle at dusk, paired with an elegant stay overlooking its magnificent grounds, promises a truly memorable encounter with Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

• Period: October 1st, 2026 to March 31st, 2027 (limited to the first four groups during the programme period)

• Eligible Guests: Guests staying in a Nijo Room, Nijo Suite or Presidential Suite

• Capacity: One group per day, with a maximum of eight guests

• Time: 4pm–5.15pm

• Donation: JPY 500,000 Cultural Property Preservation Donation (accommodation charges apply separately)

• Reservations: Please contact the hotel after making your accommodation reservation.

• Reservation Deadline: One month prior to the tour date

Tour Details:
Special access to the interior of the Important Cultural Property Higashi Ote-mon Gate; Karamon Gate; Ninomaru-teien Garden, including areas not normally open to the public; and the National Treasure Ninomaru-goten Palace, including special access to the normally restricted Yon-no-Ma. A dedicated guide will accompany the tour.

* At check-in, the hotel will provide guidance on the donation procedure. Guests are requested to make the donation directly to Nijo-jo Castle; the hotel is unable to accept the donation on its behalf.
* This tour is available to guests aged 13 and over.