The park was donated to Gotemba City by Princess Setsuko Chichibu after the Prince's passing.
The property contains a traditional farmhouse structure that predates the imperial renovation.
The estate was the official summer retreat for Prince Chichibu and Princess Setsuko from 1941 until the Prince's death in 1953.
The garden features a specific collection of 'Yuki-yari' and other indigenous mountain plants carefully maintained since the imperial era.
The park includes an on-site museum dedicated to the artifacts and personal history of the Prince and Princess.
Chichibunomiya Memorial Park serves as the former residence of Prince Chichibu, the brother of Emperor Showa, and features his preserved villa. Located in Gotemba, the 16,000-square-meter grounds showcase traditional Japanese landscaping including pine groves and seasonal flora. The villa remains a primary attraction, offering a glimpse into mid-20th-century imperial lifestyle. Visitors can walk through preserved gardens that prioritize seasonal aesthetics and natural mountain scenery. The site functions as a municipal park that emphasizes historical preservation over recreational facilities. It sits at the base of the Mount Fuji landscape, making it a distinct transition point between urban Gotemba and the natural volcanic foothills.
The veranda of the memorial villa looking out toward the main garden and the silhouette of Mount Fuji.
Check the weather forecast for Mount Fuji visibility, as clear days offer the best backdrop for the park gardens.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes to navigate the gravel and stone paths throughout the sloped terrain.
Visit the memorial museum early in your walk to provide context for the villa and grounds.
Do not attempt to enter areas marked as private or restricted, as sections of the park are preserved specifically for conservation.
Closed every Monday and during the year-end/new-year holiday period; closed the day following a public holiday if it falls on a Tuesday.
Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the villa; do not touch historical displays.
