Akasaka Palace serves as the host house for state visits by the Japanese Emperor, but outside of official visits it is open to the public, unlike the Imperial Palace of Kōkyō.

The main building was constructed between 1899 and 1909 in the Western Neo-Baroque style, with the Hofburg in Vienna and Versailles in France being the main architectural models.

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Is the palace worth a visit?

Surprisingly for me, the online guide doesn't say much about Akasaka Palace. I quite liked it and would recommend a visit.

✅ Yes, if:

• you like historical monuments
• appreciate the beautiful interiors
• you're staying more than 2 days and want to discover lesser-known attractions

❌ No, if:

• you want to take photos (no photos are allowed inside)
• you are only in Tokyo for a limited time and want to concentrate on the more famous sights
• you prefer more modern buildings and busy neighbourhoods

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Beautiful interiors but no photography

Akasaka has beautiful neo-baroque and very ornate interiors.

Most of the beautiful halls on two floors are open to the public. You will discover, among other things, photographs of all the important state visits to Japan over the last 30 years.

It is a pity that there is a strict ban on photography inside. There are cameras and staff everywhere, so taking pictures is really not possible.

It took me about 30 minutes to visit the interior.

The gardens with the fountain

The area around Akasaka Palace is decorated with pretty French-style gardens.

There is a beautiful fountain at the back of the palace, while in front of the main entrance you will find two gazebos and one small refreshment area.

Only the gardens adjacent to the palace are open to the public, but much of the park area remains inaccessible.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The park is open every day except Wednesday from 10:00-17:00. It also remains closed on official visiting days, see the calendar on the official website: geihinkan.go.jp/visit.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• 300 jpy - Gardens only
• 1 500 jpy - gardens + palace interior

You will be subject to a security check before entry, especially of all luggage.

How to get in

Approximately 200 meters from the main entrance is the Yotsuya subway and train station.

• JR Chuo Line trains - direction Shinjuku, Akihabara
• Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line - direction Tokyo Station, Kokyo Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, Shinjuku National Garden, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
• Tokyo Metro Namboku Line - direction Roppongi

All about trains and subways, fares and how to find connections can be found in the Tokyo Metro chapter.

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