Akasaka Palace (Geihinkan) The Akasaka Palace (Geihinkan Akasaka Rikyu) in Tokyo is Japan’s official state guest house, used to welcome visiting kings, presidents, and prime ministers from around the world. It is often compared to the White House in the United States or the Élysée Palace in France, as it serves as the stage for Japan’s highest-level diplomacy. Highlights The palace is renowned for its majestic exterior and lavish interiors, rivalling the great palaces of Europe. Rooms such as the Hall of Flowers and Birds and the Hall of the Rising Sun are used for state banquets and official meetings, adorned with grand chandeliers, exquisite paintings, and intricate decorations. The palace grounds also feature vast gardens with fountains, sculptures, and seasonal landscapes that beautifully complement the architecture. Visitors can experience first-hand the grandeur of a palace that plays a central role in Japan’s diplomacy and cultural heritage.