Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has unveiled a government plan to open the Kyoto State Guest House to the public throughout the year in a bid to further promote tourism in Japan.
During his visit to the guest house in Kyoto on Sunday, Suga also clarified that the government will examine the idea of expanding public access to other state-managed cultural assets in the historic city, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Katsura Imperial Villa.
“We will boldly open the doors of facilities full of historic, cultural and traditional features, so more Japanese people and foreign visitors can find Japan attractive,” Suga told reporters.
The Kyoto guest house, which has been used to treat important foreign figures, is known for traditional Japanese architectural designs and an authentic Japanese garden, as well as furniture and interior decorations using Kyoto’s “Nishijin-ori” gorgeous fabrics and the “makie” traditional lacquer work technique.
The facility has been only open to winners of a drawing during a limited period in the summer.
Before allowing full-year public access from late July, the government will open the guest house between April 28 and May 9 on a trial basis and admit 1,500-2,000 visitors older than elementary school pupils for free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. a day.
Source: Jiji Press Video and image: n orito
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