Akasaka Palace is a former imperial residence that functions today as the "State Guesthouse". The palace is designated by the government of Japan as official accommodation for visiting state dignitaries. Located in the Moto, Akasaka area of Tokyo, the building took on its present function in 1974, having previously been an imperial detached palace. In 2009 the palace was designated a National Treasure of Japan.
The territory that Akasaka Palace occupies had been part of the Owari Domain during the Tokugawa period, with the main mansion located in. After the Meiji restoration, the Owari presented the land to the Imperial Household.
Designed by the architect Katayama Tōkuma (a student of Josiah Conder), the Neo-Baroque structure was constructed between 1899 and 1909 as a residence for the Crown Prince. Originally it was named Tōgū Palace ("Palace for the Crown Prince") but was later renamed to Akasaka Palace when the Crown Prince's residence was moved.
Regent Crown Prince Hirohito resided at Akasaka Palace from September 1923 till September 1928, two months before his coronation. The move was intended to be temporary, but ended up lasting 5 years. During the renovation of his contemporary residence, Hirohito intended to lodge temporarily at Akasaka Palace, moving in on August 28, 1923. Four days later, Japan was hit by the Great Kantō Earthquake on September 1. During his residence in Akasaka Palace, Prince Hirohito married and fathered two daughters, Princess Sachiko (who died at 6 months old) and Princess Shigeko.
After World War II the government of Japan took Akasaka Palace from the imperial household. Several governmental offices resided within the palace including the National Diet Library (founded in 1948)
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