A Perfect Guide of Tokyo State Guest House

A Perfect Guide of Tokyo State Guest House

A gorgeous palace building in Minato-ku, Tokyo "State Guest House Akasaka Palace." It is a guest house where prestigious guests from all over the world, including kings and world leaders, are invited. Upon opening the heavy iron door of the main entrance, you will find an entrance hall with crimson carpets spread over the black and white checkerboard floor. It looks impressive, such as the "central staircase" where red carpets are laid in marble steps, and the arch-like "beautiful ceiling" colored with gilt. It is open to the public so you can appreciate beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings. Please enjoy the ornate setting of diplomatic activities.

Gorgeous, modern, Western style architecture at the Tokyo State Guest House

Gorgeous, modern, Western style architecture at the Tokyo State Guest House

Once the residence of the Crown Prince

The Tokyo State Guest House was built as a residence of the Crown Prince in 1909. It is the only neo-baroque style palace building in Japan. It is a building that gathered all the power of Japanese architecture, art and craft industry of those days, but is a full-fledged modern Western style piece of architecture. After the Second World War, Japan frequently greeted valued guests from foreign countries, so a major renovation was made to the guesthouse of the Crown Prince. A Japanese-style annex building was established and became the current guest house. After that, it was designated as a National Treasure, as one of the representative buildings in Japan.

As a place for international conferences, etc. in modern times

The building has welcomed many kings, presidents, prime ministers, etc., and is also used as a forum for international conferences, such as leaders' summit meetings. The Tokyo State Guest House is also open to the public. The park, the main building, and the main garden are free to view, regardless of age. However, the Japanese-style annex is a paid, guided tour, and children under elementary school age cannot participate. Also it must be noted that public viewings may be restricted if there is a visitor from abroad is visiting. There are also have special exhibitions, so please take a closer look at this opportunity.

How to enjoy Tokyo State Guest House

How to enjoy Tokyo State Guest House

There are differences in visiting fees, depending on the time, the visiting area, and the method. There is also an area with guided tours, so please take advantage of them.

Park and main building · Main garden

After entering from the West gate and a baggage inspection, you can visit on the same day. (There is no need to apply in advance.) Photography is only allowed in the garden, however.

The time required to see each area is about 30~45 minutes.

  • Price: 300 yen (Free for university students and under, with display of school ID)
  • Opening hours: 10:00~17:00 (Last entrance 16:30)

Main building (entrance hall, “kacho no ma,” “sairan no ma,” and “hagoromo no ma” etc.) and a garden on the south side of the main building

There are two types of of visits, advance reservations, and same-day visits. The reception will take place directly to the West gate of the guest house. For advance reservation, please apply in advance from the homepage. After entering from the West gate, and completing a baggage inspection, individuals can go directly to the ticket vending machines, and groups can purchase admission tickets at the manned window.

Time required is 30~60 minutes. There are audio guides available (in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish) for 200 yen each.

  • Price: Adult - 1000 yen, Middle and High School Students - 500, Elementary School students and under - Free, cash only
  • Opening hours: 10:00~17:00 (Last admission 16:00)

Japanese style annex (main Japanese style room, quick meal room, tea room, Japanese style garden etc.)

Advance registration is necessary, this uses a guide tour system. Elementary school students and below cannot visit. Starting from 3PM, there are 11 English guide tours daily.

Time required: 45~50 minutes. 20 people are allowed to participate in each tour group.

  • Price: Adults - 1500 yen, Middle and High School Students - 700 (Main building and the main garden may also be visited as well

Spot information

  • Spot name: Tokyo State Guest House
  • Street address: 2-1-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
  • Access:
    • 7 minute walk from the Akasaka Exit of Yotsuya Station on the Sobu Line or Chuo Line
    • 7 minute walk from Exit 1 of Yotsuya Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
    • 7 minute walk from Exit 2 of Yotsuya Station on the Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line

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