Welcoming the world with Japanese harmony at Kyoto State Guest House

The Kyoto State Guest House is a facility representing Japan for hosting state guests and dignitaries, but it is also open for public tours! This time, I’d like to introduce this place, which I visited during my previous trip to Kyoto. 🏛️ What kind of place is it? Completed in 2005 (Heisei 17), the Kyoto State Guest House was designed to host state guests and dignitaries in a traditional Japanese setting, blending Kyoto’s traditional architectural techniques with modern technology. Its exterior features traditional Japanese styles such as irimoya-zukuri and sukiya-zukuri, while the interior showcases craftsmanship from Kyoto artisans, including materials like zelkova wood, cedar, Japanese paper, Nishijin textiles, maki-e lacquer, and kirikane gold leaf. Rooms such as "Juraku-no-ma," "Yuake-no-ma," "Fuji-no-ma," and "Kiri-no-ma" are adorned with artworks tailored to their themes and purposes, including pieces by Living National Treasures. The stunning interiors and decorations are as breathtaking as an art museum! The garden emphasizes harmony, with verandas and corridors connecting the interior to the garden. The placement of koi fish in the pond and the boat for leisure activities in the courtyard are meticulously planned. 💴 Admission Fees 💰 General Admission: ¥1,500 Guided Tour (approx. 90 minutes): ¥2,000 *Note: Depending on the season, general admission may not be available, and only guided tours might be offered. When I visited, general admission was not available, so I purchased a ticket for the guided tour at the guest house. 😇 📅 Is a reservation required? General Admission: Usually, same-day tickets (limited to 700 visitors) are distributed, and no prior reservation is needed. Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), closed on Wednesdays. Occasionally closed on irregular days. Guided Tour: Small group tours lasting about 90 minutes. Reservations can be made in advance (first-come, first-served or by lottery) or same-day tickets (limited to 300 visitors) are available. Tours are offered in Japanese and English (English tours often start at 12:00 PM). ⏱️ Duration General Admission: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour Guided Tour: Approximately 90 minutes 🚶 Access & Reception Information Address: 23 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City Transportation: 7 minutes from "Furitsu Idai Byoin-mae" bus stop / 15 minutes from "Imadegawa Station" subway / 20 minutes from "Demachiyanagi Station" Keihan line Parking: Available (use Kyoto Gyoen parking lot) 🌸 If you’re planning your trip, a morning visit for general admission followed by an afternoon stroll around the Imperial Palace area would make for a lovely itinerary. For those who often visit Kyoto’s temples, the guest house offers a different perspective of Kyoto’s charm. I hope you find this helpful!