As part of campaign to attract more overseas tourists to Japan, the government is planning to open the State Guest House in Tokyo's Minato Ward to general visitors as early as April next year, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Thursday.
Earlier in the day, Suga inspected the neo-baroque, European-style structure, which was originally built in 1909 as the Crown Prince's palace.
Renovated in 1974 into the State Guest House, the palace has provided accommodations for state and official guests, including foreign monarchs, presidents and prime ministers. It has also been used for various diplomatic meetings, ceremonies and receptions.