Akasaka Palace (State Guesthouse)
Akasaka Palace (State Guesthouse)
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsGovernment Buildings
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The State Guest House, Akasaka Palace (SGH AP) serves as a splendid stage of diplomatic activities by welcoming monarchs and presidents from countries all over the world. The SGH AP opens to the general public unless its main activities of welcoming dignitaries from abroad are interrupted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXC5rGGAejA
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Akasaka Palace (State Guesthouse) and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Akasaka / Roppongi
Not so long ago the Akasaka and Roppongi areas were famous for their nightlife, high-class restaurants, bars and clubs. More recently, with the opening of Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown and Akasaka Sacas, the area has declared itself as the most fashionable spot to be seen. The area also hosts the National Art Center and the Mori Art Museum and lots of trendy art galleries.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
5,946 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
528 reviews
Excellent
265
Very good
209
Average
46
Poor
5
Terrible
3
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
けぴ
横浜2,147 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Although it is called Akasaka Guest House, the nearest station is Yotsuya Station. If you make a reservation in advance, you can visit the annex. It takes 2-3 hours to visit the main building and gardens. 2000 yen seems expensive, but it may be cheap considering that it is one of a kind. You cannot take photos inside the building. This is probably due to security reasons.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OZS_ATW
Budapest, Hungary3,867 contributions
May 2018 • Business
This time I started my free day visiting the Akasaka Palace.
This palace is really nice but something is missing. Every detail is fine, the decorations look great the garden is nice. The missing thing is that there is not much history and the building feels like pretty much empty. (Compared to my visits in Scotland, England and Italy.)
Anyway, it is worth popping in but if you are from Europe you can finish it in 30 minutes.
Get your early online booking than you can avoid the long lines. It costs Y1,000/adult and the entrance is from the western gate.
This palace is really nice but something is missing. Every detail is fine, the decorations look great the garden is nice. The missing thing is that there is not much history and the building feels like pretty much empty. (Compared to my visits in Scotland, England and Italy.)
Anyway, it is worth popping in but if you are from Europe you can finish it in 30 minutes.
Get your early online booking than you can avoid the long lines. It costs Y1,000/adult and the entrance is from the western gate.
Written 17 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CodyDC
Washington DC, DC6,965 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
While sightseeing in Tokyo, I was heading back to my hotel on the subway and decided to jump off and take a look at the Akasaka Palace since I had some extra time before dinner, as it was a little after 4pm. Upon arrival while walking to the palace, an employee approached me and after asking where I was from, asked if I wanted to take the inside tour, which I happily said yes, since there was no wait or line at the time. The inside is a self-guided tour where you go through the different rooms in the place. Note: You cannot take pictures inside the palace. The palace also had pictures of various heads of state who have stayed at the palace which made it a little interesting.
Written 1 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LG_Kay
Singapore, Singapore7,512 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
When I visited on a weekday late afternoon, there wasn’t any queue. Visitors can only enter through the west side gate and exit at the front gate. Security is tight here, with bags being checked like airport. There are so many staff involved, at least 6 road marshals directing traffic and many more security staff. Inside the palace, staff is everywhere, at every corner and bend, at each hall etc.
Entrance fee is 300 yen to view external building, 1000 yen to view interior building. Optional 200 yen more for English audio headset. I paid 1000 yen. No photography allowed inside the palace, a big disappointment for me. There is only 1 standard path to walk through the first and second levels. I was amazed at the grandness of the entire interior, spotless, lavishly furnished, with several huge chandeliers, paintings, crown moldings everywhere - doors, ceilings, walls. I thought I was admiring a French palace. There are many pictures showing Japanese Prime Minister as well as Emperor & Empress hosting dignitaries and statesmen for banquets or meetings. English explanations accompanied these pictures.
Upon exiting the interior building, I was free to wander the back courtyard, with a garden and fountain. Lastly, I spent some time taking photos at the front external palace. 1 hour is sufficient to enjoy this majestic palace.
Entrance fee is 300 yen to view external building, 1000 yen to view interior building. Optional 200 yen more for English audio headset. I paid 1000 yen. No photography allowed inside the palace, a big disappointment for me. There is only 1 standard path to walk through the first and second levels. I was amazed at the grandness of the entire interior, spotless, lavishly furnished, with several huge chandeliers, paintings, crown moldings everywhere - doors, ceilings, walls. I thought I was admiring a French palace. There are many pictures showing Japanese Prime Minister as well as Emperor & Empress hosting dignitaries and statesmen for banquets or meetings. English explanations accompanied these pictures.
Upon exiting the interior building, I was free to wander the back courtyard, with a garden and fountain. Lastly, I spent some time taking photos at the front external palace. 1 hour is sufficient to enjoy this majestic palace.
Written 23 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tokyo Local Sites
Bunkyo, Japan117 contributions
Feb 2016 • Solo
Had the privilege to visit Japan's official State Guest House, also known as Akasaka Palace, for a free guided tour over the weekend. Visitors are normally not allowed inside the premises but the Japanese Government is planning to throw open the doors to the public sometime in April. So, as a trial run, I was one of the lucky few who were chosen by lottery to see not only the Palace but the Japanese Style Annex that has been open to the public for the first time ever. Would definitely be a wonderful experience for those interested in history, architecture & conservation.
Apart from accommodating dignitaries the State Guest House is the venue for welcome ceremonies, meetings, receptions, international conferences, official dinners & traditional functions for monarchs, presidents, prime ministers, leading figures in the political, business and academic circles.
Akasaka Palace was designed by Katayama Tokuma and built in the Meiji era in 1909, as the official residence of the crown prince. The main building is the only Neo-Baroque style western building in Japan. It was officially recognized as a national treasure of Japan in 2009. The rooms are ornately decorated with huge ceiling paintings, plaques, tapestries, marble pillars, gold inlaid fireplaces, etc. all done by renowned artisans & artists of the Meiji era. According to Japanese standards this may all seem to be a bit too lavish & garish, that is why I guess they built the Japanese Style Annex in 1974 with the purpose of highlighting the authentic essence of Japanese culture. Check out the web link for pictures. In the main building there are four main rooms ~
Sairan-no-Ma is used as a lounge for ushered guests prior to a banquet. Signing of treaties, agreements & media interviews are also held here.
Kacho-no-Ma is used for official banquets hosted by state & official guests. It has a seating capacity of 130
Asahi-no-Ma is used as a salon, holding audiences & important meetings for state & official guests.
Hagoromo-no-Ma is mainly used for welcome ceremonies in case of unfavorable weather, as well as for receptions & conferences. When as official banquet is held at the Kacho-no-Ma, beverages are served to guests in this room before and after dinner.
The Japanese Style Annex which is in stark contrast to the European style of the main building, truly depicts the beauty, harmony & tranquility of the Japanese house & garden in a genuine Japanese setting. All furniture, fixtures, lights, flooring, ceiling, etc. incorporate the highest craftsmanship & materials one can obtain in Japan. The Japanese Style Annex comprises mainly of three rooms ~ the Main Banquet Hall, the Traditional Tea Room & the Kitchen-counter room where sushi & tempura are served.
Would definitely be a wonderful experience for those interested in history, architecture & conservation.
Apart from accommodating dignitaries the State Guest House is the venue for welcome ceremonies, meetings, receptions, international conferences, official dinners & traditional functions for monarchs, presidents, prime ministers, leading figures in the political, business and academic circles.
Akasaka Palace was designed by Katayama Tokuma and built in the Meiji era in 1909, as the official residence of the crown prince. The main building is the only Neo-Baroque style western building in Japan. It was officially recognized as a national treasure of Japan in 2009. The rooms are ornately decorated with huge ceiling paintings, plaques, tapestries, marble pillars, gold inlaid fireplaces, etc. all done by renowned artisans & artists of the Meiji era. According to Japanese standards this may all seem to be a bit too lavish & garish, that is why I guess they built the Japanese Style Annex in 1974 with the purpose of highlighting the authentic essence of Japanese culture. Check out the web link for pictures. In the main building there are four main rooms ~
Sairan-no-Ma is used as a lounge for ushered guests prior to a banquet. Signing of treaties, agreements & media interviews are also held here.
Kacho-no-Ma is used for official banquets hosted by state & official guests. It has a seating capacity of 130
Asahi-no-Ma is used as a salon, holding audiences & important meetings for state & official guests.
Hagoromo-no-Ma is mainly used for welcome ceremonies in case of unfavorable weather, as well as for receptions & conferences. When as official banquet is held at the Kacho-no-Ma, beverages are served to guests in this room before and after dinner.
The Japanese Style Annex which is in stark contrast to the European style of the main building, truly depicts the beauty, harmony & tranquility of the Japanese house & garden in a genuine Japanese setting. All furniture, fixtures, lights, flooring, ceiling, etc. incorporate the highest craftsmanship & materials one can obtain in Japan. The Japanese Style Annex comprises mainly of three rooms ~ the Main Banquet Hall, the Traditional Tea Room & the Kitchen-counter room where sushi & tempura are served.
Would definitely be a wonderful experience for those interested in history, architecture & conservation.
Written 9 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomo R
Tokyo587 contributions
July 2011 • Solo
Every summer ,sometime around July and August It is open to the public.
But you have to submit an application in May.
The area between Yotsuya and Akasaka has caliming and atmosphere.
It remains me of the history of this area used to have one of the biggest slum in Tokyo.
Next palace・・・.
But you have to submit an application in May.
The area between Yotsuya and Akasaka has caliming and atmosphere.
It remains me of the history of this area used to have one of the biggest slum in Tokyo.
Next palace・・・.
Written 29 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CancunVoyager
Miami Fla.522 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a great palace to visit, it is the state house where visitors are received by the Emperor and Minister of Japan. The interiors are dazzling and look like a St. Pettesburg palace or Buckingham Palace itself.
The luxury and majesty of the interiors will impress you and the gardens are incredible.
It is important that a guide is ideal for you to understand every detail of this great palace that is worth visiting and feel like an ambassador for a day
Take into account that this building is not a museum and is in use, therefore if there are scheduled state visits it may be closed to the public and also the security measures for access are very extreme.
The luxury and majesty of the interiors will impress you and the gardens are incredible.
It is important that a guide is ideal for you to understand every detail of this great palace that is worth visiting and feel like an ambassador for a day
Take into account that this building is not a museum and is in use, therefore if there are scheduled state visits it may be closed to the public and also the security measures for access are very extreme.
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
この度は迎賓館赤坂離宮をご参観いただき、誠にありがとうございます。 迎賓館赤坂離宮は、1909年に東宮御所（当時の皇太子のお住まい）として建設された、日本では唯一のネオ・バロック様式による宮殿建築物です。ご指摘のとおり、西洋の宮殿を随所に参考にしながら、和の意匠融合させています。 当時の日本の建築、美術、工芸界の総力を結集した建築物であり、明治期の本格的な近代洋風建築の到達点を示しています。館内での写真撮影ができず大変申し訳ございません。現役の接遇施設であるため、セキュリティ上、手荷物検査実施にご協力いただいております。何卒、ご理解・ご協力のほどよろしくお願い申し上げます。
接遇の実施がない範囲で、通年で一般公開しており、本館・庭園の見学であれば予約なしで入館できますので、お気軽にお越しいただければと思います。是非異なる季節のご参観を心よりお待ち申し上げております。
Written 2 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Val G
Marysville, WA67 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
This palace and it’s grounds are one of the prettier places we have seen in Tokyo! The inside is beyond spectacular. I only gave it a 4 star because although we got to tour the main halls in the palace, we did’t get to see any of the bedrooms, kitchen or any others living spaces. The tour had much to say about the decor and dignitaries that have stayed at the palace. Had a difficult time trying to figure out which entrance to go into. Worth the time to go on the tour. Price was very reasonable. They rented headsets for those who speak English.
Written 24 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
95814
Sacramento, CA82 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
I wasn't sure what to expect upon visiting, but the tour is quite interesting. The palace itself is quite extravagant without being tacky. It's a State building, so there is security screening with metal detectors prior to ticketing. There can be some delays when processing large tour groups. Audio guides are available in English for a small fee. Unfortunately photos are not allowed inside.
Written 29 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
superbsandra
28 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
We walked here and viewed the building through the gates, but we at least were not aware of any way to enter the building or tour it, so it was just so-so as a sightseeing attraction.
Written 11 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello business owner, I am a Rєviews seller.
I offer all kinds of Rєviews and 100% stick Rєviews.
I have over 200 members with over 5000 different devices for Rєviews.
I usually offer the following: 👉Note 🙋➡ Google Map 🗺 listings available
(I'll make a new list for you)
⭐ Google Map Rєviews
⭐Facebook Rєviews
⭐Yelp Rєviews
⭐Google Rєviews
⭐Yelp Rєviews
⭐Facebook page Rєviews
👉Safaribooking Rєviews
👉Safarigo Rєviews
👉 Google Ads
👉 Facebook ads
👉Add Google map
👉 card quote
👉 BAD Rєviews Removed
If you need service, please contact me.
What'app number: +8801859985991
Written 4 September 2024
Hi, I am on the State House website and as I understand, the main building and garden are self-tours, meaning, you can rent audioguides. But there is a free English tour at 3pm, but I am not sure if it is only for the Japanese annex, or will it be for all 3? (Main building, Japanese annex and Garden) Thanks!
Written 18 March 2019
I am very sorry for my poor English.
there is no free english tour.
if you want to visit Japanese annex ,you must reserve the tour in advance on the website. it costs ￥1500（including garden）or ￥2000（including garden and main building）.
english guided tour is only at 3pm.
I recommed you to visit all 3!
Written 10 May 2019
I tried to make a booking on the website but it has not updated the dates for January 2019 yet. May I enquire if the Palace will be open to public in January 2019 as I will be going to Japan then and don't want to miss out on this place. Thank you!
Written 6 November 2018
I too had trouble getting information online before I went to Japan. I went in April and had no trouble getting a tour. I do not know about January. I am sorry.
Written 29 January 2020
ご参観を検討いただきありがとうございます。
既に多くの方からご回答いただいておりますとおり、迎賓館赤坂離宮は、本館、主庭、前庭をご覧いただいた場合、概ね１時間から１時間30分程度となります。
現在、ゴールデンウィーク期間中は、前庭でガーデンカフェを実施しておりますので、本館をご覧いただいた後、本館を眺めながらこちらで、コーヒーやスパークリングワイン、軽食などをお楽しみいただくこともできます。
また、お履き物ですが、パンプスで特に問題はありません。前庭はピンコロ石、主庭は砂利となっておりますので、履きなれたお履き物でお越しになるとよろしいかと思います。
迎賓館職員一同、ご参観をお待ち申し上げております。
Written 29 April 2018
インターネットで予約を申し込んで 抽選待ちです。予約の時間の指定がありましたが その時間にしか入場出来ないのでしょうか? 遠方から行くので申し込みはしたものの間に合うか不安になってきました。 どなたかお返事よろしくお願い致します。
Written 23 July 2016
Showing results 1-8 of 8
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing