State Guest House

The State Guest House (迎賓館赤坂離宮), also known as the Akasaka Palace, is a government building located in the Akasaka district of Tokyo, Japan. It serves as the official state guest house for visiting dignitaries and heads of state and is also used for official government functions and events.

The palace was originally built in 1909 as a residence for the Crown Prince and was later used as the Imperial Palace for a brief period before being converted into a state guest house in 1974. The building features a combination of Western and Japanese architectural styles and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a moat.

Visitors to the State Guest House can take guided tours of the palace and its grounds, which include a number of beautifully decorated rooms, gardens, and art collections. Some of the highlights of the tour include the grand ballroom, the formal dining room, and the Japanese-style drawing room.

In addition to hosting visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the State Guest House is also used for a variety of official government functions and events, including state banquets, conferences, and cultural exchanges. It is an important symbol of Japan’s diplomatic relationships with other countries, as well as a showcase of the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Getting there

From Tokyo Station to State Guest House:

Train

Tokyo Station ↓ Chuo Line ↓ 9 minutes (3 stops) Yotsuya Station ↓ Walk about 11 minutes ↓ State Guest House (Cost 180 yen)

Details

Hours	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:30 PM.
Admission	General: 1,500 yen University Students: 1,000 yen Junior high school and high school students: 700 yen
Phone	+81 3-3478-1111
Adress	2 Chome-1-1 Motoakasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0051
Resources	The Imperial Household Agency (kunaicho.go.jp)