Fukiage Palace

The residence consists of three connected wings with a total of sixty-two rooms spread across three levels including a basement. One section is dedicated to living quarters, another houses administrative offices, and a third serves for receiving guests from around the world.

Architect Shozo Uchii designed the building, which was completed in 1993 to replace the previous imperial residence from the 1960s. The new structure was meant to be more earthquake-resistant while providing additional space for official duties.

The compound takes its name from the Fukiage gardens that once belonged to the Tokugawa shoguns. The design follows traditional Japanese residential architecture while incorporating modern conveniences for daily life.

The compound lies within the Imperial Palace grounds and is not open to the public. Visitors can explore only the outer gardens, which are accessible on certain days in spring and autumn through guided tours.

After Emperor Akihito stepped down in 2019, the building temporarily received a new designation as a sento palace. Emperor Naruhito moved into the residence only two years later once renovation work was finished.

Location: Chiyoda

Inception: 1993

Architects: Shozo Uchii

GPS coordinates: 35.68430,139.74844

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:40