Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park
イタリア大使館別荘記念公園
A wooden villa from the early Showa period on the southern shore of Lake Chuzenji. Its cypress-bark exterior is distinctive, and its veranda offers close views of the lake.
This villa was designed by Czech architect Antonin Raymond and completed in 1928. It served as the Italian Embassy's summer villa until 1997. The exterior and interior are decorated with cypress bark, giving it a simple style. The lake view from the second-floor engawa veranda is a must-photograph spot. Inside, visitors can see displays of daily life from that era. The lakeside pier was where diplomats relaxed. Admission is about ¥300, or about ¥450 for a combined ticket with the British Embassy Villa. Open April through November, 9:00–16:00. Closed in winter. From Chuzenji Onsen, take a bus for about 10 minutes and get off at the 'Tachiki Kannon Entrance' stop, then walk about 20 minutes.
Opening hours
Apr–Nov 9:00 am–4:00 pm; closed in winter
Nearby sights
- Chuzen-ji Temple (Tachiki Kannon)
- Futarasan Shrine Chugushi
- British Embassy Villa Memorial Park
- Kegon Falls
- Lake Chuzenji
- Akechidaira Ropeway & Observatory
- Mount Nantai
- Ryuzu Falls