Yes, when no official functions are scheduled. Advance online reservations are required. The palace closes during state events, so check the official website for availability before visiting.
Admission to the main building tour costs ¥1,500 for adults and ¥500 for university and high school students. If you want to visit both the main palace and the Japanese-style annex Yūshintei, a combined ticket is available for ¥2,000 for adults. Junior high school students and younger can enter for free.
The palace is located approximately a 7-minute walk from Yotsuya Station, which is served by the Marunouchi and Nanboku subway lines. The station provides convenient access from major areas of Tokyo. Visitors should allow extra time for security screening upon arrival, as all guests must present identification and pass through security checks.
Tours include the palace's main state rooms such as the Main Hall with its grand staircase, the Chō-shun-no-ma (Hall of Butterflies and Birds) with Gobelin tapestries, the Kacho-no-ma (Flower and Bird Room) featuring elaborate ceiling paintings, and the Asahi-no-ma (Morning Sun Room) used for state banquets. The optional Japanese-style annex Yūshintei showcases traditional architecture and gardens. Photography is permitted in designated areas throughout the tour.
Beautiful architecture. Highly recommend checking online to make sure the main building is open before visiting. Diplomats and other world leaders may affect the opening schedule. No photos are allowed in the building, beautiful artwork inside, recommend looking up!
The State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, is a century-old building that has been exceptionally well preserved. It is about 10 minutes walk from Yotsuya subway station, you can see people walking their dogs and others are exercising.
At dusk, when the sunlight shines on the building, it looks magnificent and almost golden. The palace has hosted many political leaders. What impressed me the most was the beautiful fountain in the garden.
The peaceful surroundings making it a perfect place to sit quietly and relax.
State Guest House Akasaka Palace is Japan’s official state guest house and a fine example of Western-style architecture from the Meiji era.
Completed in 1909 as the residence of the Crown Prince, it later became a venue for hosting foreign leaders and diplomats. The Neo-Baroque design reflects Japan’s early engagement with the international community and makes this one of the best places to see the cultural fusion of East and West from the late 19th to the early 20th century.
The gardens are spacious and allow visitors to spend time at a relaxed pace. Despite being located in the heart of Tokyo, the atmosphere is remarkably quiet. Reservations are required, but the site can be enjoyed simply as architecture, history, and space, with no formal or ceremonial expectations.
Unbelievably breathtaking. This palace was built based on both Versailles and Buckingham Palace as a model. The front indeed resembles the former the rear, with fountain, the later. You can’t take photos inside but it’s beautiful with marble from Italy, artwork from France. It’s now the guesthouse for foreign dignitaries and was used for the G7. Highly recommended
Beautiful garden, and the walk-through tour of the main building was well worth it to see the beautiful architecture. No photos allowed inside though!
