National Diet Tour

Bit of a political buff? Educate yourself on the inner workings of Japanese democracy with a tour of the National Diet Building, the centre of political activity in Japan. There are two 60-minute tours: one for the House of Representatives, which requires email reservations, and another for the House of Councillors. We recommend the former as the prior reservation guarantees a time slot as well as an English-speaking guide. The tour runs once in the afternoon on weekdays and you’re able to peek into the House of Representatives chamber and the Emperor’s Room, a lavish space which is reserved for the monarch’s visits. The Roman-style architecture and sumptuous interiors are enough to win any design lover’s vote. Don’t forget your passport – you’ll need it for entry.