Akasaka Palace: Japan’s Neo-Baroque Treasure of Diplomacy and Grandeur

Akasaka Palace, a national treasure, is the only Neo-Baroque style palace in Japan. Construction started in 1899 (明治32年, Meiji 32) and finished in 1909 as the residence for the Crown Prince (東宮御所, Tōgū Gosho). Located in Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku (元赤坂, 港区), the palace has been converted into a state guest house (迎賓館, Geihinkan), hosting foreign dignitaries from countries like the United States (アメリカ合衆国, Amerika Gasshūkoku), China (中国, Chūgoku), and the European Union (欧州連合, Ōshū Rengō). Visiting Akasaka Palace gives an experience similar to touring the White House (ホワイトハウス, Howaito Hausu)—a journey into architectural grandeur inspired by late 19th and early 20th-century Baroque Revival. Despite its beauty, it remains relatively unknown to many travelers—a true masterpiece worth exploring.

Akasaka Palace

Katayama Tōkuma (片山東熊, 1854年1月18日–1917年10月24日), a key figure in introducing Western architecture (西洋建築, Seiyō Kenchiku), especially French styles (フランス様式, Furansu Yōshiki), to Japan, was commissioned by Emperor Meiji (明治天皇, Meiji Tennō) to design and oversee the construction of the palace. Its two wings curve outward to greet visitors, framed by a large iron gate (鉄門, Tetsumon) decorated with gold crests. After World War II (第二次世界大戦, Dainiji Sekai Taisen), control of the palace shifted from the Imperial Household (皇室, Kōshitsu) to the Japanese government (日本政府, Nihon Seifu). It briefly served as a facility for the Cabinet (内閣, Naikaku) and the National Diet (国会, Kokkai) before being transformed in 1974 (昭和49年, Shōwa 49) into the State Guest House. A new Japanese-style annex, the Yushintei (游心亭), was added at that time. Designed by Taniguchi Yoshiro (谷口吉郎), a renowned architect best known for redesigning the Museum of Modern Art (ニューヨーク近代美術館, Nyūyōku Kindai Bijutsukan) in New York, the annex enhances the palace’s grandeur. That same year, U.S. President Gerald Ford (ジェラルド·フォード, Jerarudo Fōdo) became the first official guest. He marked his visit by planting a dogwood tree (ハナミズキ, Hanamizuki) in the central garden, which continues to thrive today.

The 1986 G7 summit, the second G7 summit the palace hosted

The Main Garden (主庭, Shutei) extends south of the palace, where a bronze fountain (青銅の噴水, Seidō no Funsui) decorated with Greek mythological creatures (ギリシャ神話, Girisha Shinwa) creates a scene of peaceful elegance. The fountain, along with the front gate and the palace itself, was designated as a National Treasure (国宝, Kokuhō) in 2009—the first structure from the Meiji era to receive this honor. Despite its central location in Tokyo, the fountain’s position below the main building blends seamlessly with the uninterrupted skyline. In 2016 (平成28年, Heisei 28), the palace opened to the public, inviting visitors to explore its impressive interiors and gardens.

Various glimpses of what's to be found.

Inside, Neo-Baroque elements (ネオ·バロック様式, Neo Barokku Yōshiki) blend with Japanese (日本的, Nihonteki) and Western symbols (西洋象徴, Seiyō Shōchō). In spring, Japanese plum blossoms (梅の花, Ume no Hana) adorn the gardens, followed by seasonal blooms. Visitors can tour the luxurious interiors, starting with crimson-carpeted halls and a grand staircase decorated with golden acorn motifs. The tour climbs to the large second-floor hall, where checkerboard floors and Italian marble (イタリア大理石, Itaria Dairiseki) shine beneath Corinthian columns (コリント式柱, Korinto-shiki Hashira) of Breche Violetta stone. Rooms like the Hagoromo no Ma (羽衣の間, Heavenly Robe Room) and Kacho no Ma (花鳥の間, Hall of Flowers and Birds) surpass their names' extravagance, offering glimpses of a bygone era’s opulence.

Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo meeting U.S. President Donald J. Trump (May 27, 2019)

Akasaka Palace is a must-see destination, combining the splendor of European gardens with architectural feats that would make Napoleon envious. It stands as a symbol of Japan’s embrace of global influence while maintaining its unique cultural spirit.

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