Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

State Guest Houses


The State Guest Houses are the government facilities established to accommodate heads of the states, prime ministers and other honored guests from abroad. While state and official guests are staying at the guest houses, various diplomatic activities are held, such as summit meetings, courtesy calls, signing ceremonies, receptions and banquets. Through these activities, a profound contribution is made to the enhancement of mutual understanding and friendly relations with the guest countries. State Guest House, Akasaka Palace The building of the Akasaka Palace is the sole neo-baroque style Western building which was initially constructed as the Crown Prince's residence in 1909 by the all-out efforts of Japanese, and is appreciated of its value as a cultural asset as well. As the number of visits of state and official guests from abroad has increased in consequence of Japan's reintegration into the international community after World War II, so it was made a decision to restore and remodel the Palace into a State Guest House in 1974 which could serve as the scene of diplomatic activities. Since its opening, the State Guest House has provided accommodations for state and official guests including monarchs, presidents and prime ministers from countries throughout the world. It has become an illustrious stage for diplomatic activities, such welcoming ceremonies, meetings and receptions with leading figures in the political, business and academic circles. It has also served as a venue for important international conferences including the Tokyo Summit meetings (1979, 1986, 1993) and the Japan-ASEAN Commemorative Summit of 2004. Taking into account of a great public interest, the Palace has been made open to the public every summer since 1975, so long as it doesn't affect the Palace's primary role as the State Guest House.

front gate

front view

(Map to the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace)

(Photo Collection:State GuestHouse,Akasaka Palace)



Kyoto State Guest House The Kyoto State Guest House is located in Kyoto, a traditional and culturally rich city of Japan. The facility was built in 2005 for the purpose of welcoming guests from abroad, for helping them understand Japan and for deepening friendship with Japan. In order to harmonize the historical sites with the natural environment of the area, this house was created in a sophisticated traditional Japanese style, with a hip-and-gable roof which is called Irimoya. Also included is the free architectural design based on the decorative alcove, which is called Sukiya. Another special feature is the formal style fence called Tsuijibei, which is made by pounding a mixture of mud and clay and placing it between wooden frames. To build this house, many artisans, including Sukiya style carpenters, plasterers, special gardeners and metal foil cutters collaborated on special techniques which are recognized as traditional accomplishments in Kyoto. Interior design features include Nishijin fabric picture fittings called Makie, which are sprinkled with flecks of gold, silver or beautiful paint. Moreover, carefully selected lacquer ware that exemplifies tradition and excellent craftsmanship augments the graceful interior decor. The Kyoto State Guest House offers a sense of hospitality based on original Japanese culture which makes it unique compared to the Western style of the State Guest House in Akasaka, Tokyo.




	(c)PHOTOGRAPH BY OSAMU MURAI

(Map to the Kyoto State Guest House (PDF Japanese only))


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