What other travelers are saying about Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
Beautiful juxtaposition of Japanese traditional architecture with western inspired touches. I appreciated seeing the craftsmanship that went into the restoration of traditional woodwork, lacquer, and tatami. The 400 year-old weeping cherry tree is stunning and the garden, while not a manicured traditional strolling garden, is beautiful. There is also a small café on site that serves curries and desserts.
A really nice and calm place in the middle of a very busy nikkō. Barefoot walking through this amazing place is so relaxing with a beautiful view on the gardens. The staff is absolutely adorable and more than keen to give information about the villa to visitors ! I recommend :)
Absolutely stunning
No crowds and very well kept.
It was pouring rain when I visited and was completely transported. Feeling the fantasy I wanted to move in.
Do not sleep on this place. One of the last imperial palaces made entirely of wood.
I am sure it would be so beautiful in the snow !
It's not often that you can visit a home which has connections to the Tokugawa Shogunate, business man and the Imperial Japanese Family, Tamozawa Imperial Villa is all of this.
Villa seems to be a little misleading as it really is a mansion and very beautiful, built in a similar way that Japanese shrines and temples are constructed "no nails"! Very well established interior courtyards and grounds!
The Imperial Botanical Gardens just up the road, were once part of the Villa grounds!
For a 600yen entrance fee, "wear clean socks" as no shoes are allowed, in fact you have to remove your shoes on the foot path outside the front entrance, you place your shoes in an open storage room just inside the front door, photos are allowed but some sections are cut off from viewing and there is a gift shop within the villa.
Anybody going to Nikko should visit. The bus from the Nikko station stops near the front entrance.
The wonderful people at Nikko Station Information Centre will be helpful regarding any inquires.
