Akasaka Palace: Guide to Tokyo’s Major Shinto Shrine

Akasaka Palace, also known as Akasaka Rikyū (赤坂離宮) in Japanese, is a historic palace located in Tokyo, Japan. Originally constructed in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince, it was designed by the architect Katayama Tōkuma. The palace is situated in the Akasaka district of Tokyo, hence its name.

The palace has served various functions throughout its history. Initially, it was intended as a residence for the Crown Prince, but after World War II, it was used for various official functions and state events. Today, it serves primarily as a venue for official state visits, banquets, and other diplomatic events hosted by the Japanese government.
Akasaka Palace is known for its elegant Western-style architecture, which is quite different from the traditional Japanese architectural style seen in many other imperial buildings. The palace features grand halls, reception rooms, gardens, and other facilities suitable for hosting dignitaries and heads of state.

Historical Highlights

Akasaka Palace was originally constructed in 1909 during the Meiji period as a residence for the Crown Prince. It was designed by the Japanese architect Katayama Tōkuma in the Neo-Baroque style. After World War II, the palace was designated as the State Guest House to accommodate foreign dignitaries and heads of state visiting Japan. Over the years, the palace underwent several expansions and renovations to accommodate its new role. One significant renovation occurred in 1974, expanding the facilities to better host foreign dignitaries. Akasaka Palace has been the venue for many historic meetings and events. One notable meeting was the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, which ended the First Sino-Japanese War.

Visitor Information

As of my last update in January 2022, Akasaka Palace is primarily used for official functions and diplomatic events, and it is not regularly open to the public for tours or visits. However, there may be exceptions or special events where limited access is granted to visitors. If you're interested in visiting Akasaka Palace or learning more about it, I recommend checking the official website of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan for any updates or announcements regarding public access or guided tours. Additionally, you can inquire with local tourism offices or visitor information centers in Tokyo for any information on special events or opportunities to see the exterior of the palace. Keep in mind that even if the interior of Akasaka Palace is not accessible to the public, you can still appreciate its beautiful architecture and gardens from the outside while exploring the surrounding Akasaka area in Tokyo.

Story and Legends

Taira no Masakado was a samurai warrior who lived during the Heian period (794-1185). He rebelled against the central government and declared himself the "new emperor" in the late 10th century. He established his own regime in the Kanto region, including parts of what is now Tokyo. According to legend, after Taira no Masakado was killed in battle, his head was severed and displayed as a warning to others. However, it is said that his head remained conscious and continued to express anger and defiance. In some versions of the story, his vengeful spirit is said to haunt the area where he was killed. The legend of Taira no Masakado is intertwined with various tales of supernatural occurrences and mysterious happenings in the Kanto region, including Tokyo. Some believe that his spirit still lingers in certain places, and there have been reported sightings and encounters with his ghost. While not directly related to Akasaka Palace itself, the legend of Taira no Masakado adds to the mystique and folklore of the broader Tokyo area, including the district of Akasaka. It reflects the deep historical and cultural heritage of Japan, where tales of warriors, spirits, and legends continue to captivate imaginations to this day.