[2025 Tokyo Attraction] Travel Guide for National Diet Building (Updated Jun)

That view of the National Diet Building that every Japanese person has seen on TV at least once. In fact, the House of Councillors side is open to the public for viewing! There are guides who will explain the history, purpose, construction, etc. in detail on a one-hour tour. How to get there: Tokyo Metro, 3-minute walk from National Diet Building Station or Nagatacho Station, Marunouchi Line, Chiyoda Line, Namboku Line, Yurakucho Line, Hanzomon Line Tourist attractions: There are political centers such as the House of Representatives, House of Councillors Building, and LDP headquarters. Hotel: Toshi Center Hotel Toshi Center Hotel 03-3265-8211 https://maps.app.goo.gl/63pszDB6mxhPisH17?g_st=ic Dining & Restaurants: Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho Shopping: Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho #Tokyo #TokyoTourism #G7 #NationalDietBuilding #SpringEnjoyingTrip #EastJapan #CameraTrip

I went to see the National Diet Building and the ginkgo tree-lined street right in front of it. When it comes to ginkgo trees in Tokyo, the one in Jingu Gaien near Aoyama-itchome Station is famous, but this one is actually quite worth seeing as well. It's not that famous, so there aren't too many people and you can enjoy it at your own pace. #FreeSpot #AutumnFoliage

There are two parks in front of the National Diet Building, one to the north and one to the south, and they are called the National Diet Front Gardens. The southern area is a Japanese-style garden, and unlike the Western-style garden in the north, it has a shape that feels somewhat intentionally broken. It is a park with a very quiet and calm atmosphere. #Tokyo #Chiyoda Ward #National Diet Front Garden

The National Diet Building can be said to be the center of Japan's legislative body. The stately stone building has a unique atmosphere. When I came near here, I felt a certain air of excitement. In fact, it is possible to tour the inside of the building if you make a reservation in advance, but only when the plenary session is not being held. #Tokyo #National Diet Building #Chiyoda Ward

#springwander Construction began in 1920 and was completed as the Imperial Diet Building in 1936. The centre tower is designed symmetrically, and the House of Councillors is on the right and the House of Representatives is on the left. Both hospitals accept tours (free of charge). It takes about 1 hour to visit both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. In both cases, you will visit the course decided with the guidance of the staff who is in charge of the security of the Diet. The House of Representatives is visited in the order of the main meeting hall of the House of the House of Representatives → the rest house → the aristocratic office → the central hall → the front yard. On the other hand, the House of Councillors goes around in the order of visiting lobby → the main meeting hall of the House of Councillors → rest house → central hall → front yard. In the visiting lobby, you can see a model of the building, a replica of the councillor's seat, and the seat where Emperor Meiji sat.

Upon first stepping into Tokyo's National Diet Building, one is immediately struck by its solemn and grand architecture. This structure, which blends Western classical and traditional Japanese styles, stands quietly amidst the bustling city, like a calm guardian witnessing a century of Japan's changes. Ascending the stone steps and passing through the elegant arches, one is greeted by a spacious hall where soft light filters through the stained glass ceiling, adding a touch of mystery to the entire space. During the tour, the guide recounts the history and significant moments of this place, from the constitutional assembly to modern-day sessions, as if every wall is whispering the nation's growth and decisions. The most awe-inspiring moment is standing before the chambers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, where intricately carved seats and podiums have witnessed countless intense debates and decisions. Looking out over the garden through the windows, one can almost feel the enduring spirit of democracy. This journey is not only an appreciation of architecture but also a profound immersion in history and culture.

Day 1: In the early morning, driven by my curiosity about Japanese politics and history, I visited the National Diet Building in Tokyo. This magnificent structure blends Western classical architectural styles with Japanese details, symbolizing Japan's democracy and modernization. I joined a guided tour, entering the building to visit the chambers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. The opulent interiors and intricate details were awe-inspiring. The guide provided a detailed explanation of Japan's legislative process and parliamentary operations, deepening my understanding of the country's political system. At noon, I strolled through the gardens surrounding the Diet Building, admiring the blooming flowers and elegant water features. In the afternoon, I headed to the nearby Imperial Palace Outer Garden, walking across the vast lawns and gazing at the Nijubashi Bridge and the imposing main gate of the Imperial Palace, feeling the historical atmosphere and the contrast with the modern city. In the evening, I went to Ginza, where I enjoyed dinner in this bustling, modern shopping district, concluding a fulfilling first day. Day 2: On the second day, I continued to explore Tokyo's history and culture. In the morning, I visited Yasukuni Shrine and the Yushukan Museum to learn about Japan's modern military and diplomatic history. Although the exhibits have complex historical backgrounds, they prompted deep reflections on peace. Afterwards, I went to the Chidorigafuchi Greenway, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. Even though the cherry blossom season had passed, the lush green path was still refreshing. In the afternoon, I explored the Akasaka Mitsuke area, discovering traditional alleys and modern buildings. At a hidden Japanese restaurant in one of the alleys, I enjoyed an authentic kaiseki meal, experiencing the delicacy and care conveyed through the food. In the evening, I returned to the vicinity of the National Diet Building to admire the architecture illuminated by night lights, with the golden glow intertwining with the starry sky, marking the perfect end to my two-day journey.

The National Diet Building, the political center of Japan, is a rare spot that can be visited for free! It's a special experience to get up close and personal with historical architecture and the actual political arena. We'll explain in detail the key points to getting around efficiently! ✅ 1. Know the types of tour courses! There are two types of tours of the National Diet Building: the House of Representatives course and the House of Councillors course. 🔹 House of Representatives Tour Course (no reservation required) • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes • Reception location: House of Representatives Meeting Room (left side of the main gate) • Tour contents: ✅ Main Assembly Hall (where Diet deliberations take place) ✅ Central Hall (where bronze statues of past prime ministers are lined up) ✅ Imperial Rest Room (used by the Emperor for the opening ceremony of the Diet) • Opening hours: • Weekdays 9:00-16:00 (tours start every hour) • Maximum capacity of one tour is 250 people 🟢 Tips: ✅ No reservation required, so go early to ensure you can participate! ✅ The 9:00 tour is relatively empty, so aim for it! ✅ There are many school trip students from October to March, so it may be less crowded in the afternoon. 🔸 House of Councillors Tour Course (reservation required) • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes • Reservation: Advance application required (reservations accepted on the official website) • Tour contents: ✅ House of Councillors plenary session hall ✅ Central hall ✅ Emperor's resting place • Opening hours: Weekdays 9:00-16:00 (time slot specified when booking) 🟠 Tips: ✅ Advance reservations are required! Apply early once your travel dates are decided! ✅ It's quieter than the House of Representatives, so it's recommended for those who want to take their time to look around! 🕒 2. Tour process and highlights 📌 Reception → Baggage inspection (approximately 10 minutes) • Check in at the entrance and undergo baggage inspection. • Bringing drinks is OK, but eating is prohibited. 📌 Plenary session hall (approximately 15 minutes) • This is where the Diet actually deliberates! • Pay attention to the seating arrangement and decorations! • Photography is prohibited, so make sure to take a good look at it! 📌 Central Hall (about 10 minutes) • A stately space lined with bronze statues of past prime ministers (Ito Hirobumi, Okuma Shigenobu, Hara Takashi). • Don't miss the stained glass on the ceiling! 📌 Emperor's Resting Room (about 5 minutes) • A special room used by the Emperor for the opening ceremony of the Diet. • Pay attention to the luxurious decorations and furnishings! 📌 Visitor's Lobby (about 10 minutes) • There is a panel exhibition that teaches you how the Diet works. • There is also a shop where you can purchase souvenirs! 🎒 3. What to bring & what to wear ✅ Wear comfortable clothes (suits are not necessary, casual is OK) ✅ Bring less luggage (no lockers & large luggage not allowed) ✅ Camera or smartphone (taking photos inside the building is prohibited, but taking photos of the exterior and gardens is OK!) ✅ ID (may be required) (especially for tours of the House of Councillors, which may be required when making a reservation in advance) 🕐 4. Recommended times & tips for avoiding crowds 🏆 Best times → 9:00am or after 2:00pm** • The 9:00am session is relatively empty, so you can take your time looking around! • There are many school trip students from 10:00am to 12:00pm, so it can get crowded. • After 2:00pm is also a good time to go! 🚨 Times to avoid → 10:00-12:00 (many school trips), late afternoon (many group tourists) 🎟 5. Enjoy it together with the surrounding attractions! The tour takes about an hour, so it's a good idea to plan your trip afterwards as well ◎ 🔹 Tourist attractions within walking distance 🚶♂️ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon) (about 10 minutes on foot) • Stroll through the magnificent Imperial Palace Outer Gardens! 🚶♂️ Hibiya Park (about 10 minutes on foot) • A green urban oasis! Take a break at a cafe ◎ 🚶♂️ Constitutional Memorial Hall (just a short walk away) • A free museum where you can learn about the history of the Diet and Japanese politics. 🔹 Lunch/cafe spots 🍽 Restaurants in Kasumigaseki Building • Enjoy a reasonable and delicious lunch that is unique to the business district! ☕️ Cafes in Hibiya Midtown • Many cafes with sophisticated atmospheres are perfect for a break! 📌 6. Summary (Points to remember when visiting) ✅ No reservation required for the House of Representatives course, but a reservation required for the House of Councillors course! ✅ Aim for the 9:00 session or after 14:00! ✅ Bring less baggage! No photography allowed inside the building! ✅ After the tour, we recommend visiting the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park, and cafes! 🏛️ Experience history and culture at the National Diet Building, the center of Japanese politics! #DomesticTravelStrategy #NationalDietBuilding #SoloTravelRecord #DomesticTravel #Tokyo #tokyo

#Tokyo Attractions The National Diet Building in Tokyo is a symbol of Japan's political power and the core of the country's democratic system. This majestic architectural style combines Western classical and modern elements. The grand main entrance, tall dome and rigorous design are all shocking. When you enter the Council Hall, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere. This place has witnessed the birth of countless major decisions and is also an important place for Japanese political activities. The surrounding green spaces and gardens add a touch of tranquility and harmony to the building. For every visiting tourist, the National Diet Building is not only an excellent place to learn about Japanese history and politics, but also a quiet space to appreciate the civilization and heritage of a great country. Every brick and tile here contains endless stories and power.

#TokyoItinerary When you come to Tokyo, in addition to popular attractions, there are many unknown niche photography locations that are free and easy to take photos! The following are 6 high-quality scenes with convenient transportation. Most of them are near subway stations, allowing you to explore easily and get beautiful pictures without crowding with people. 1. Former Maeda Family Main Residence Western-style Building ✨ British-style mansion with a strong aristocratic atmosphere This English-style mansion, built in 1935, is famous for its low-key and gorgeous appearance and garden, and is perfect for taking photos with a retro atmosphere. 📍 Address: 4-3-55 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 🚇 Transportation: 12 minutes walk from Komaba Todaimae Station 📷 Photography: OK, no reservation required 2. National Diet Building ✨ The symbol of Japan's highest power, a magnificent Gothic building This is the location of the Japanese Parliament. The exterior adopts a heavy stone design, which is very historical and authoritative. It is a rare magnificent architectural scene in Tokyo. 📍 Address: 1-7-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 🚇 Transportation: 3 minutes walk from National Diet Building Station 📷 Photography: OK, but need to confirm the opening day in advance 3. Inscription Valley Church ✨ The breathtakingly beautiful Catholic church This church is famous for its magnificent dome murals, which are said to have taken three years to complete. Being in it is like entering a palace of art. 📍 Address: 1-26-24, Himondani, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 🚇 Transportation: 16 minutes walk from Metropolitan University Station 📷 Photography: Permission required, no reservation required 4. Intermediatheque (Tokyo University Museum) ✨ Explore the mysterious world of the specimen collection of the University of Tokyo Various fossils and biological models are exhibited here. The unique display space is suitable for you who love science and art. The strong academic atmosphere makes each photo unique. 📍 Address: 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 🚇 Transportation: 4 minutes walk from Tokyo Station 📷 Photography: OK, no reservation required 5. ドラード和世多 ✨ Gaudi-style twisted art space Known as a reproduction of "Gaudi aesthetics", this is an art space with great visual impact. The architecture and decorations all show unique curvaceous beauty, which is very suitable for travelers who love art. 📍 Address: 517 Waseda Tsurumakicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 🚇 Transportation: 4 minutes walk from Waseda Station 📷 Photography: OK, no reservation required 6. Tokyo Camii ✨ Exotic and gorgeous mosque The largest mosque in Japan, it is famous for its beautiful stained glass decorations and exotic architecture. You can instantly feel the strong cultural atmosphere after entering, which is suitable for taking photos full of stories. 📍 Address: 1-19 Daisencho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 🚇 Transportation: 7 minutes walk from Yoyogi-Uehara Station 📷 Photography: OK, no reservation required Tips: ✔ Choose to visit on weekdays when there are fewer people ✔ Ample natural light makes the picture more eye-catching ✔ There is no additional ticket fee for each location, which is a good choice to save money and quality! #TokyoTravel #TokyoHiddenAttractions #FreeAttractions #PhotographyLandmarks #NicheRecommendations #TravelNotes

The National Diet Building is a landmark that everyone has seen on TV at least once. However, seeing it in person can be quite moving. The building features a modest exterior inspired by German architectural styles. Most people know that this is where political activities take place. During a tour of the National Diet Building, you can visit the main chamber where debates occur, the beautifully decorated central hall, and enjoy the impressive views from the central tower, which give you a sense of the building's grand scale. Guided tours are available, offering a great opportunity to understand the workings of the Diet and the flow of parliamentary proceedings. It's a highly recommended experience where you can feel the political atmosphere firsthand. Name: National Diet Building Address: 1-7-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo Hours: 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM (6 times a day) Fee: Free

Free tour of the National Diet Building. Guidelines for visiting the House of Councillors The House of Councillors offers guided tours conducted by staff (guards) for those who have completed the tour registration according to the designated tour course. The tour takes approximately 60 minutes. * Due to reservation conditions, morning tours can be very crowded (except during school summer, winter, and spring breaks). If it is crowded, the tour duration may vary significantly, so please consider taking the afternoon tour. Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and the year-end and New Year holidays) Tours are available every hour from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, noon, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM). Registration closes 5 minutes before each tour.

We went to tour the facility. The nearest station is "Kokkichi-gijidomae" on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. After filling out the application form at the reception, we went through the security check and the gate for security. After the start, the staff guided us for an hour, explaining in detail. In principle, photography is not allowed, but there are several points where you can take photos, and they will let you know when you get there. It's a free 60-minute course. Why not try to tour the facility as if you were on a school trip? There were many places I'd seen on TV. #0yentravel #Marunouchi #Kokkichi-gijidomae #Meandtravel

#June Travel Support Fund Event With the help of the Wisa side, I was able to tour the main conference hall, the resting room used by His Majesty the Emperor when entering, the Imperial Family Room for the members of the Imperial Family, and the inside of the central square = the tallest building in front of the main gate. In the main conference hall, there is a sculpture with a motif of the Four Farmers and Craftsmen surrounding the 2nd floor seats, and a ceiling made of British stained glass.

It is a one-minute walk from Kokkai-gijidomae Station (Exit 4) on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line or Chiyoda Line. You can tour the inside of the National Diet Building on weekdays. ◯ Days you can tour it Monday to Friday (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the New Year holidays) ◯ Tour times Tours are available every hour from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM). You can enter if you go directly to the counter on the day, but groups of 10 or more people need to make a reservation in advance. Participation was free and the tour lasted about 45 minutes. #Sakura2024 #NationalDietBuilding