Nikko has long been a retreat for Japan’s elite. Its mountainous location near Tokyo makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing retreat away from the bustle of the nation’s capital. So much so, that in 1899 the Tamozawa Imperial Villa was built as a sanctuary for the emperor and the royal family.
Today, the villa has been transformed into a museum and park, allowing visitors to step into the world of Japan’s imperial past and experience its beautifully preserved architecture and gardens.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Complete Guide
The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is one of Japan’s best-preserved imperial residences. It blends imperial Japanese architecture with Meiji-era Western-style chandeliers, carpeted rooms, and furniture. It’s quite a reflection of Japan’s transition from the Edo period to the modern Meiji era.
The Villa was originally built as a summer retreat for Japan’s royal family. It has over 100 rooms, many open for you to explore.
The grounds surrounding the villa serve as a large garden. It’s a beautiful place with flowers, tall trees, and a stream running through the property.
During World War II, the Villa served as a safe house for both the emperor and prince, away from the firebombings of Tokyo.
But after the war, the villa fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until the ’90s that the Villa started to be repaired. Repairs were completed in 2000, bringing it back to its former grandeur as a museum and historical site.
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Hours:
- 9 AM – 5 PM (April – October)
- 9 AM – 4:30 PM (November – March)
- Closed on Tuesdays and December 29 – January 1
- Open every day from April 10 to May 9, August 13 to 16, October 15 to November 14, and January 2 to 5.
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Fee: 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children
How to get to Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is located in central Nikko. It’s a short 15-minute walk from the World Heritage temples and shrines, so it can be visited on the same day.
If you drive to the villa, a paid parking lot is located across the street.
The map location below for Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is accurate and can be used to navigate there.
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa: Our Experience
We visited the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa and were surprised that it’s not more popular. The villa was stunning, with every detail thoughtfully crafted.
We walked into the villa, paid our fee, and started looking around. There is a pre-defined path around the villa, so you don’t wander around into delicate areas.
As we went through the Villa’s interior, we often found ourselves pausing just to take in our surroundings. It’s an immaculately beautiful place with every detail thoughtfully crafted.
For example, the sliding doors were adorned with intricate gold designs delicately carved into wood. The tatami rooms were spacious yet cozy, with shoji screens filtering in soft natural light. The entire villa had an atmosphere of elegance.
Peering out of any window was like gazing through a picture frame into a living work of art. Every aspect of the villa, both inside and out, was designed to create a seamless connection between nature and architecture.
But the villa itself wasn’t the only place to explore. We stepped outside into the gardens. I use the term garden lightly — it felt more like a vast park, complete with a stream flowing through it. No expense was spared for the emperor.
Walking through the garden was just as wonderful as exploring the villa. It was neat to see a new perspective of the building from the outside.
We found the villa’s famous 400-year-old weeping cherry tree. The tree’s age is definitely shown. It stood tall but was carefully supported by wooden beams.
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa History
The history of the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa actually begins in Tokyo, at the Akasaka Temporary Palace. The palace was originally built in 1872 but was later dismantled and moved to Nikko to be used as parts to construct the imperial villa.
The Villa was completed in 1899 and soon became a summer retreat for Japan’s Imperial Family. It served well as a cool escape from Tokyo’s summer heat. There was no air conditioning in those days!
During World War II, Prince Akihito, who would later become Emperor, took refuge in the villa for nearly a year before it was eventually evacuated. In the years following Japan’s governmental restructuring, the villa fell into disrepair.
Tochigi Prefectural Government began restoration work in 1998. With its completion in 2000, the villa was opened to the public as a memorial park and place of cultural study.
Where to stay in Nikko
There are four areas that we recommend staying in Nikko:
- Central Nikko
- Nikko Station
- Kinugawa Onsen
- Okunikko / Lake Chuzenji
Central Nikko
If you want to make the most of your time in Nikko, staying in Central Nikko near the world heritage shrines and temples is the most convenient option.
Central Nikko gives you easy access to the main sightseeing spots, bus routes, and plenty of dining options. This makes planning your daily adventures more straightforward. However, keep in mind that most accommodations here lean toward the luxury side, so budget-friendly options are limited.
Nikko Station
If you’re looking for convenience without breaking the bank, staying near Nikko Station is a great alternative. This area offers more budget-friendly accommodations, such as guesthouses and small hotels, while keeping you close to transport links. From here, you can hop on buses to the shrines, waterfalls, and other attractions, or walk to some of Nikko’s restaurants and shops.
Kinugawa Onsen
For a more relaxing experience, consider staying in Kinugawa, a nearby onsen town designed with tourists in mind. Kinugawa is known for its large hot spring hotels situated along the river. It’s well-connected to Nikko by bus, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds—soaking in the onsen and exploring Nikko’s attractions.
Okunikko and Lake Chuzenji
If you’re a nature lover, the Lake Chuzenji and the Okunikko area is the perfect base. The area is surrounded by hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. You could easily spend a couple of days here just exploring the outdoors.
Our Free Nikko Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Nikko locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Nikko locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Nikko adventure.
Are You Following Our Nikko Blog Series?
We spent 5 days in Nikko and found so many things to do there — from imperial architecture and cultural immersion to epic waterfalls and outdoor adventures. To help fellow travelers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our ultimate guide to Nikko: 18 Incredible Things to Do in Nikko: Complete Travel Guide
- How to plan your Nikko trip: 2 Days in Nikko: The Perfect Nikko Itinerary
- Our Nikko waterfalls guide: 7 Best Waterfalls in Nikko: Complete Guide
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss is the cutest little off-the-beaten-path spot in Nikko
- The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is a beautifully preserved retreat of Japan’s imperial family, now open as a museum
I hope you enjoyed our guide to the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
