May 20, 2016

State Guest House, Akasaka Palace

Walking distance from Yotsuya Station, Tokyo, JAPAN
National Treasures / Buildings



(Photo by Cabinet Office, http://www8.cao.go.jp/geihinkan/akasaka/photo.html)


The State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, was initially constructed as the residence of the Imperial Prince in 1909. In 1962 to 1965, it was used as the office of JOC (Japan Olympic Committee) for the Olympic Game in Tokyo in 1964. In 1974, it was remodeled into a State Guest House to serve for diplomatic activities such as Tokyo Summit. It also provides accommodations for official guests such as presidents and prime ministers from countries all over the world. 

For visiting some areas of the State Guest House, advance application is required to obtain "visit-certificate" for entry. For detailed information, see below.

(Note:
There is the other State Guest House in Kyoto, so please bear it in mind not to visit a wrong Guest House. The Kyoto one is also nice, but not designated as National Treasure, and in contrast to the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, is more in a Japanese style and rather new, completed in 2005.)






Links to the official websites

Official Website of the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace by Cabinet Office (in English)
Official Movie of the State Guest House by Cabinet Office (Voice over & subtitle are available in Japanese only, though you could enjoy the visuals, I believe.)
Official Visitor's Information of the State Guest House by Cabinet Office (in English)

Other National Treasure / Important Cultural Property in the district

Former Rest House of the Imperial Family, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden





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