Viewing Archives of the Archives and Mausolea Department

The primary aim of the Archives and Mausolea Department is to preserve Japan’s imperial archives and sites as cultural properties for eternity. Please understand that, for this reason, there are rules on usage.

The archives are divided into classical and ancient archives and archives from the Meiji Era forward.

• 1 An appointment must be made to view archives from the Meiji Era forward. Contact the below office in advance.
• 2 To view classical and ancient archives, prepare an official request with the below information and send it so that it arrives no later than 10 days prior to the date you desire to view the archives.
  If representing a research institute or other organization, the request must come from the head of the organization.
  〈If unaffiliated with any organization〉
  • Your name, address and telephone number, desired dates (first choice and second choice) of visit, title or description of archives of interest
  〈If affiliated with a research organization〉
  
  • Name of organization head, address and telephone number of organization, name of visiting person(s), subject of research, desired dates (first choice and second choice) of visit, title or description of archives of interest
  For more information and requests

  • Archives Division, Archives and Mausolea Department, Imperial Household Agency
  • 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 〒100-8111
  • TEL 03-3213-1111

    Clerk of Meiji Era Archives （Ext. 3798）

    Chamberlain of Classical/Ancient Archives (Ext. 3439)

• 3 The Imperial Palace is accessed from the Kitahanebashi-mon Gate. However, you may not enter by car, etc.
• 4 The archives are viewed in the first floor Reading Room of the Archives and Mausolea Department.
• 5 Viewing is not allowed on the below days.
  • Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and every 2nd and 4th Frida
  • From December 20 to January 10
  • Other days that viewing services are obstructed by ceremonies, etc.
• 6 Viewing hours are as follows.

  9:30 ~ 12:00

  13:00 ~ 16:30 (Viewing requests accepted until 16:00)

• 7 Replicas are used where available in order to protect original manuscripts.

  The most classical and ancient archives that can be viewed in one day is 60 items within 12 sections.