International House of Japan (I-House)
A modernist cultural hub in Roppongi with a serene Japanese garden, offering refined dining and fostering international understanding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a peaceful meal
International House of Japan (I-House)
Best Time
Enjoy a peaceful meal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modernist cultural hub in Roppongi with a serene Japanese garden, offering refined dining and fostering international understanding.
"Exquisite food and excellent service... their carefully curated wines are so good and served by the in-house Sommelier..."
🍽️ Dining Reservations
Book your table in advance, especially for dinner, to secure your spot and enjoy the curated wine selection.
🚶 Garden Stroll
Take time to wander through the Japanese garden; it's a highlight for many visitors seeking tranquility.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Japanese Garden
Grounds
A peaceful oasis in the heart of Roppongi, offering a serene escape with traditional landscaping.
The Garden Restaurant
Ground floor
Enjoy delicious meals with garden views, known for curated wines and a peaceful dining atmosphere.
Academic & Cultural Hub
Throughout the building
Experience a unique blend of a private club and an academic institute fostering international understanding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Membership & Guest Access
Garden Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍽️ Dining Reservations
Book your table in advance, especially for dinner, to secure your spot and enjoy the curated wine selection.
🚶 Garden Stroll
Take time to wander through the Japanese garden; it's a highlight for many visitors seeking tranquility.
🥂 Special Occasions
Consider I-House for a refined dining experience or a quiet celebration, though be aware of potential service nuances.
🏨 Accommodation
If staying overnight, rooms are spacious and offer wonderful breakfast options with garden views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍽️ Dining Reservations
Book your table in advance, especially for dinner, to secure your spot and enjoy the curated wine selection.
🚶 Garden Stroll
Take time to wander through the Japanese garden; it's a highlight for many visitors seeking tranquility.
🥂 Special Occasions
Consider I-House for a refined dining experience or a quiet celebration, though be aware of potential service nuances.
🏨 Accommodation
If staying overnight, rooms are spacious and offer wonderful breakfast options with garden views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the International House of Japan for its exquisite dining, tranquil Japanese garden, and the unique blend of a private club with an academic institute. While the food and wine are highly rated, some guests have noted minor inconsistencies in service timing. The peaceful atmosphere and spacious rooms for overnight stays are also frequently highlighted as positives.
"Exquisite food and excellent service... their carefully currated wines are so good and served by the in-house Sommelier... one drawback? They couldn't make a vodka martini..."
Todd Schmidt
"Not only a private club, but also an actual academic institute that focuses on internationalism and inter cultural communication."
RC
"Wonderful to get an experience as a guest at this member's only establishment. Garden is delightful, but has clearly seen better days. Food at The Garden restaurant was tasty, but there was a 15-minute difference in serving times between my Western breakfast and my wife's Japanese breakfast. By the time her meal arrived and we could eat together, my meal was cold. Was surprised that no attention was paid to such matters at an establishment clearly valuing its premium past and location."
Ryann Connell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The International House of Japan is located in Roppongi. It's accessible via the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Roppongi Station or the Oedo Line to Roppongi Station. From the station, it's a short walk.
Limited parking may be available, but it's recommended to check with the venue directly or utilize public transportation due to its central Tokyo location.
From Narita Airport, you can take the Narita Express train to Tokyo Station and then transfer to a local line, or opt for an airport limousine bus that may stop near Roppongi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While primarily a private club and academic institute, I-House often welcomes guests for dining and events. It's best to inquire about specific access or book a dining reservation.
Generally, guests can dine at The Garden restaurant, but it's advisable to make a reservation. Membership may offer priority booking or special privileges.
The garden's hours typically align with the building's operational hours. For the most accurate information, it's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly.
I-House occasionally hosts public lectures, exhibitions, or cultural events. Keep an eye on their official announcements for such opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Garden restaurant offers a mix of Western and Japanese breakfast options, and is known for its tasty dishes and carefully curated wines.
While they have a sommelier and good wine selection, some specific cocktail requests might not be accommodated, as noted by a reviewer.
Reviews mention wonderful breakfast options, suggesting it's often included or available for guests staying at the accommodation.
Service is generally excellent, though one reviewer noted a significant difference in serving times between Western and Japanese breakfast dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in the garden for personal use, allowing you to capture its serene beauty.
The modernist architecture and the blend of traditional and contemporary design offer unique interior photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday lunch for a less crowded and more relaxed dining experience. The spaciousness of the grounds and the serene environment can be conducive to a pleasant family meal. It's a good option for families looking for a quieter, more cultural experience in Tokyo, away from the typical tourist crowds.
🥂 Couples & Special Occasions
For an even more exclusive experience, consider inquiring about any private dining options or special event packages. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for intimate celebrations or a quiet, memorable dinner. It's a place where refined tastes are catered to, ensuring a special outing.
✈️ Day-Trippers
While access might be primarily through dining reservations, it provides a structured yet relaxing way to experience this distinguished institution. It’s a perfect way to add a touch of refined culture and tranquility to your Tokyo itinerary without requiring extensive planning or a full day commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The International House of Japan: A Cultural Nexus
Beyond its academic pursuits, I-House is renowned for its beautiful Japanese garden. While some guests note it could benefit from further upkeep, its tranquil ambiance remains a significant draw. The garden provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Roppongi, offering a space for reflection and appreciation of traditional Japanese landscaping. It's a key feature that enhances the overall serene atmosphere of the establishment.
Dining at The Garden restaurant is another highlight, praised for its tasty cuisine and expertly curated wine list, often served by an in-house sommelier. However, experiences can vary, with one guest noting discrepancies in meal timing between Western and Japanese breakfast orders. Despite such minor points, the overall dining experience is considered exquisite by many, contributing to I-House's reputation for quality and refined hospitality.
Experiencing I-House: From Dining to Stays
However, dining experiences can sometimes present unique challenges. One reviewer shared an instance where their Western breakfast arrived significantly earlier than their wife's Japanese breakfast, leading to one meal becoming cold by the time they could eat together. This highlights that while the food is tasty and the service generally excellent, consistency in timing across different orders might be an area for improvement for some guests.
Beyond dining, I-House also offers accommodation. Guests who have stayed overnight have reported spacious rooms and a wonderful breakfast experience, often with pleasant garden views. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a tranquil and comfortable stay in a prime Tokyo location, combining the amenities of a hotel with the unique atmosphere of the cultural center.
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