Castles & palaces
Akasaka Palace
What it is
Akasaka Palace is Japan's state guest house, used to host visiting heads of state and other official foreign dignitaries. It's a Western-style building set in formal gardens, built in the early 20th century as a residence for the Crown Prince before being converted to its current diplomatic role. Most visitors come to see the exterior, the surrounding gardens, and the grand, palace-like architecture rather than for a museum-style collection inside.
Getting there
It sits close to central Tokyo, near Yotsuya and the wider Akasaka/Nagatachō government district. From central hubs like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, the nearest train stations are within a short walk, so allow roughly 20-30 minutes total from most central Tokyo neighborhoods by train, plus a few minutes on foot from the station.
Time to allow
Walking the grounds and viewing the main building and gardens from outside typically takes about an hour. If access to the interior or the Japanese-style garden is available on your visit, allow closer to two hours.
When to go
As it remains an active state facility, access can be limited or closed at short notice for official events, so it's worth checking availability before planning your day around it. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than weekends. Spring and autumn are pleasant for the gardens, though this is true of most outdoor sites in Tokyo.
Combine it with
The palace is within easy walking distance of several central Tokyo spots: Akasaka (1.1km) and Nagatachō (1.5km) are both close enough to fold into the same outing, while Midtown Tower (1.5km) and the National Art Center, Tokyo (1.6km) make sense to pair together as a second stop, particularly if you're interested in contemporary architecture or art after seeing the palace's more classical, formal grounds.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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