The Tamozawa Imperial Villa (田母沢御用邸, Tamozawa Goyōtei) blends traditional Japanese Edo-period architecture with slightly more modern Meiji-era design - all across an impressive 106 rooms. The villa was built in Nikko in 1899, incorporating parts of another residence that originally stood in Tokyo. After a major renovation, it was opened to the public in 2000.

Beyond its rich history and distinguished line of residents, it is one of the largest surviving wooden buildings in Japan to have withstood the country’s many historical upheavals.

On site, you’ll also find a small museum and memorial park, with exhibitions available in multiple languages. The villa is surrounded by a beautifully maintained Japanese garden, and in autumn (mid-October to early November), you can enjoy stunning maple foliage.