🇮🇹 Nikko Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park — A foreign summer residence by the lake

🇮🇹 Nikko Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park — A foreign summer residence on the lake A beautiful wooden Western-style building built in the early Showa period as a villa for the Italian ambassador, surrounded by the greenery of Lake Chuzenji. It is now open to the public as a park, and is a hidden gem where you can enjoy an extraordinary space surrounded by nature and history. ⸻ ✨ Why is it a spot that makes you want to go? ◾ Harmony between architecture and nature Designed by Czech architect Antonin Raymond. The exterior walls are covered with Nikko cedar bark in a checkerboard pattern, and the cedar bark ceiling creates a Japanese-Western atmosphere that is so special it is hard to put into words. ◾ Luxury overlooking the lake and mountains Lake Chuzenji, Mt. Nantai, and the colors of the four seasons can be seen from the first floor terrace and large windows. Time spent sitting and gazing at the view will reset your mind before you know it. ◾ Immerse yourself in the romance of history Built in 1928, it was used by ambassadors until 1997. Currently, the main residence features furniture and fireplaces on display, while the secondary residence has been developed into an international summer resort history museum. You'll be one step closer to the lifestyle of former diplomats who spent their summers by the lake. ◾ Relaxing café space Enjoy coffee and light meals at the adjoining "Caffe Como," and take a relaxing break on the terrace while looking out at the lake. ⸻ 🕰 Access & Facility Information Item Contents Address 2482 Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi Opening hours 4/1–4/30, 11/11–11/30: 9:00–16:005/1–11/10: 9:00–17:00*Closed in winter from December to March Closed on Mondays in April, May, and November (Tuesdays the following day if Monday falls on a public holiday) Admission fee 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for children. British Pavilion common ticket available: 450 yen for adults, 200 yen for children Access Train + bus: From Nikko Station, take Chuzenji Onsen bound → Transfer to Hangetsusan bound → 10 minutes walk Car: Kiyotaki IC → Utagahama Parking Lot → 10 minutes walk Notes Nationally registered tangible cultural property, main residence and secondary residence open to the public ⸻ 💡 Recommended ways to enjoy • Relaxing reading on the terrace: Reading and taking photos while looking at the lake view. • Historical stroll: Learn about the culture of international summer resorts at the exhibits in the secondary residence. • Visiting the British Pavilion: You can also visit the British villa with a combined ticket. • Feel the beauty of the four seasons: The fresh greenery of spring, the autumn leaves, the rocky surface of winter - the scenery changes with each season. ⸻ 🏷️Hashtags #Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park #Lake Chuzenji #Nikko sightseeing #Taisho Romance #Antonin Raymond #Historical architecture #Cafe Como #Lakeside walk #Unusual trip #Couple trip #Solo trip #Domestic trip #Absolutely free trip