Archives and Mausolea Department, Imperial Household Agency: Library

About the Library

The Imperial Household Library holds classical and ancient documents, which was passed down to the members of the Imperial Family and members of the Imperial Court.

Focus: Imperial Family

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects a different romanization system used by an individual institution or collection.

Using the Archive

Prior to the Visit:

• Please make an appointment by sending an official request letter before visiting so that it will be received at least 10 days prior to the visit,  For the address, please refer to the "General Infromation".

Clerk Chamberlain of Classical/Ancient Archives, Archives Division, Archives and Mausolea Department, Imperial Household Agency 

• The request letter should include:
  • If applying through an affiliated organization: Name of organization head, address and telephone number of organization, name of visiting person(s), subject of research, desired visiting dates (first choice and second choice), title or description of archives of interest.
  • Applying Individually: name of the applicant, address and telephone number, desired visiting dates (first choice and second choice), title or description of archives of interest.

Upon Arrival:

• The archive is accessed from the (北桔橋門 Kitahanebashi-mon) Gate .

We are constantly improving the guide contents and we want your opinion.

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

mlaguide@nccjapan.net