My first visit to the famous 迎賓館赤坂離宮. Japan’s only palace building in the Neo-Baroque style, it was built in Meiji 42 as the Crown Prince’s residence. After World War 2, more than 10 years passed before Japan returned to the international community and began receiving more distinguished guests from overseas. In Showa 49, a Japanese-style annex was newly built, beginning a new chapter as the present State Guest House. Later, after major renovations in Heisei 21, it was designated a National Treasure as one of Japan’s representative architectural works.

A place I love. I go ２ times a year! The nighttime illuminations are beautiful too. Personally, 羽衣の間 is the most elegant and gorgeous room, and my favorite. The latest photos, articles, and other materials are properly displayed, and whenever I visit I always enjoy reading/viewing them with interest(^^) The gardens are beautiful too, always kept clean, and pleasant. Including the gate area, it reminds me of the Palace of Versailles in France. The furniture, carpets, chandeliers, sculptures, and everything else are extremely beautiful wherever you look.

Completed in 1909 as the Crown Prince’s residence, it later became a facility for receiving state guests and others. French President Macron and his wife were also welcomed in April 2026, and the imposing main gate and Western palace-style building continue to convey the dignity befitting a stage for diplomacy.

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This gate itself is a National Treasure. The experience of admiring a National Treasure so close you could touch it is precious. Access up to the outside of the gate is free.

The main gate has been here since the original construction in the Neo-Baroque style as the Crown Prince’s residence in 1899~1909 (Meiji 32~42). It was originally black, but was repainted white when the property was converted into the State Guest House in 1968~1974 (Showa 43~49). In 2009 (Heisei 21), it was designated a National Treasure together with the building and other features. Its appearance suits the word elegant, with a chrysanthemum crest placed at the top.