Tokyo State Guest House

The Tokyo State Guest House (Œ}•oŠÙ, Geihinkan) is one of two state guest houses of the Japanese government alongside another one in Kyoto. Contained within the Akasaka Imperial Estate in central Tokyo, the Tokyo State Guest House serves to accommodate world leaders, diplomats and other guests of honor during their visits to Japan. When not in use, sections of the grand estate are open to the public, with visitors able to explore some of the opulent rooms, picturesque gardens and the Japanese-style annex.

The palace was originally built in 1909 as a residence for the Crown Prince and housed several public institutions after World War 2. As Japan received an increasing number of prominent international guests in the post-war years, the palace was turned into the State Guest House in 1974. At this time the Japanese-style Annex was added.

The Western-style Palace building is the State Guests House's most recognizable feature and was constructed in an architectural style similar to that of European palaces. In spite of this, the building also features some quintessentially Japanese elements such as samurai-themed decorations intended to imbue the building with a Japanese essence.

Inside the palace, visitors can explore the ostentatious rooms, each with its own theme and collectively serving a multitude of purposes such as diplomatic meetings, treaty signings, media interviews and official banquets. The rooms are adorned with a mixture of both Japanese and international art and furniture, including oil paintings and chandeliers. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, allowing for self-guided tours.

The Japanese-style Annex stands in a separate area of the estate and features a traditional Japanese garden with a pond containing Japanese carp. Inside, visitors can view the building's main Japanese style room that is used for banquets, meetings and cultural events, a dining room with counter where guests of honor are served traditional Japanese food and a tea room.

The palace buildings are surrounded by spacious gravel yards, flower beds, water fountains and green space. Also located within the Akasaka Imperial Estate, but strictly off-limit to the public are the actual residences of some members of the Imperial Family.