Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
日光田母沢御用邸記念公園
The largest wooden residence remaining from the Meiji era, incorporating a portion of a former Edo-period Tokugawa shogunate residence relocated here, later used as a summer villa by the Taisho Emperor. Its 106 rooms and beautifully maintained garden are open to the public.
The largest wooden residence of the Meiji era
Constructed by relocating and expanding part of a residence used by the Tokugawa family during the Edo period, this is the largest existing example of a Meiji-era wooden residential building, comprising 106 rooms in total. It offers a valuable opportunity to experience up close the refined craftsmanship of Japanese wooden residential architecture.
Once a summer villa for the imperial family
The building was used as a summer villa by then-Crown Prince, later Emperor Taisho, and served this role for three generations of the imperial family up through the Showa era. Visitors can explore rooms that convey a sense of the historical connection to the imperial family, alongside displays introducing this history.
A garden that changes with the seasons
The strolling garden on the grounds is beautifully maintained and offers a different expression in each season, including cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. Viewing the garden from the veranda of the residence, in a traditional Japanese-style setting, is one of the pleasures of a visit here.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Cherry blossoms in the garden pair beautifully with the residence's architecture.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The cool of Nikko's highland climate makes the visit pleasant even in summer.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The garden's autumn leaves are a highlight, and the illuminated foliage at night is also popular.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The contrast between snow scenery and the residence buildings is picturesque.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 1-1.5 hours
- Crowd levels
- Relatively uncrowded compared to Nikko Sannai
- Best time to visit
- Recommended during the autumn-leaf illumination period
| Address | 8-27 Honcho, Nikko, Tochigi |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00-17:00 (April-October), 9:00-16:30 (November-March), closed Tuesdays |
| Admission | Adults ¥600 |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 15 min walk from Tobu-Nikko Station (Or by Tobu Bus to "Nishisando," then a 3-minute walk)