British Embassy Villa Memorial Park — Attraction in Nikko

It costs 450 yen for a combined ticket to both the Italian and British Embassy Memorial Villas. The British Villa is slightly larger and has a focus on the history of British Ambassador and Japanologist Ernest Satow. There is also a small cafe on the 2nd floor serving tea and scones from the Kanaya Hotel. The Italian Villa, on the other hand, is simply a conserved Italian holiday villa and while pretty, is nothing special.

The pier surrounding the villas is much more special and beautiful than the interior of either villa. I would suggest saving the admission fee and touring the outside grounds of the memorial park instead.

We got the take-out mixed nuts scone and it was served lukewarm with jam and clotted cream. It was just okay, we had better scones in the cafes around Lake Chuzenji. But having scones while sitting on a bench outside a very British looking villa in Japan with picturesque views of the lake is an experience in itself and probably worth...

Former British embassy villas by Lake Chuzenji are now open to the public as a park-like attraction. The buildings offer some historical context about British relations with Japan, plus there’s a small cafe and the villa interiors to explore, but honestly there isn’t much substantial content inside.

The real appeal is the photogenic combination of the exotic Western architecture against the beautiful Lake Chuzenji backdrop. The Nikko Pass doesn’t cover this attraction and requires separate admission. Save your money and just enjoy the free external views for photos - the buildings are striking from outside and that’s really all you need. Only go inside if you’re genuinely curious about the historical connections, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a priority...

Loved the visit here on a mild autumn day. Bought the combined ticket with Italian villa for 450Y and they have different styles so both are worth it. The British has more historical information about the early days of the British in Japan and the life of Ernest Satow- fascinating. Wonderful views of lake Chuzenji and mountains. Walked the 3km lakeside path from Kegon Falls and then bus back which only comes hourly. Had the tea set with tea, ham sandwich, fruit, scones with jam & cream for 3,000Y. All nice and filling but scones should be warm not cold in my opinion. The ambience in the tea room area is spoiled a bit by people on the verandah talking loudly etc. But that's...