Kokkai-gijidō: Tokyo’s monumental seat of power
- japansophy
- Sep 24
- 5 min read
It may not boast the spiritual serenity of Tokyo’s temples or the eclectic charm of cat cafes, but the National Diet Building (国会議事堂 Kokkai‑gijidō) holds its own as a monument to Japan’s modern democracy.
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The National Diet Building stands as one of Tokyo’s most commanding architectural landmarks. Located in Nagatachō, in the heart of the capital’s political district, this granite structure houses Japan’s bicameral legislature—the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
A visit here offers travelers an insightful glimpse into the machinery of Japanese politics and the nation’s post-Meiji constitutional history.
The building was completed in 1936 and for several decades was the tallest building in Japan. Of course, today, it is dwarfed by the surrounding skyscrapers, which also eclipsed the view of Mount Fuji from the Emperor's private rooms in the Diet Building. The wide avenue leading up to the building is lined with ginkgo trees that turn bright yellow in autumn and is flanked with two quiet little parks, one of which has the Japanese Geodetic Origin Point (for all you geo-nerds out there!).
It isn't possible to just walk on into the Diet Building and explore on your own, but if you can fit it into your Tokyo schedule, free tours are offered (in English or Japanese) once a day in the afternoons from Monday to Friday (except public holidays, year end, and unless Diet business precludes a tour).
Getting there – where is the National Diet Building?
Nearest station: The closest station is Kokkai-gijidō-mae Station (Marunouchi Line & Chiyoda Line). Exit directly in front of the building.
Nagatachō Station (Hanzomon, Yurakucho, Nanboku lines) is just a short walk via underground passage
By taxi: A taxi can drop you off very close to the building. Note that cars are not allowed to park around the Diet compound, so a taxi will not be able to wait for you there.
Accessibility: The grounds are flat and paved and the building is wheelchair accessible. Some stairs might be involved in the guided tours. The ginkgo avenue in front of the National Diet Building is on a slight slope.
Opening hours & best time to visit
Opening hours: The National Diet Building is not generally open to the public. You can view it from the front gate at any time. English-language tours of the inside of the building and grounds are in the afternoon (2 pm on Monday, 3 pm from Tuesday to Friday; there are no tours at the weekend).
Best time to visit: The building is illuminated at night, so dropping by after dark always makes for an impressive sight. The ginkgo avenue is at its best from the end of October to early December; peak time changes every year according to weather.
Time to avoid: This area of Tokyo can feel almost empty, so you don't have to try and avoid the crowds. There are no tours at the weekend, so if this is your goal, schedule your visit for through the week.
Reservations & admission
Reservations: No reservations are needed to walk by the building, stroll down the ginkgo avenue and explore the parks. Reservations are advised for the daily tours and can be made by email between 2 months and 1 day in advance. Tours are limited to 30 people, so book as far in advance as you can. Details available on the official website.
Ticket/admission price: Official tours are free of charge.
What can you see & do at the National Diet Building?
Official tour: Join one of the official tours of the Diet Building. English-language tours are offered Monday to Friday (except public holidays, 29.12-03.01 and when parliamentary business precludes the public entering). Tours should be booked in advance and last around one hour. You'll see the central hall, the chamber and the exquisite Emperor's Room (which is rumoured to have cost around 10% of the budget for the entire building!). Japanese-language tours are held six times a day starting at 9:30 am.
Souvenir shop: The Diet souvenir shop is just across the main road on the north side of the Diet Building and in front of the National Diet Library. This quirky little shop sells items such as t-shirts, "official" notepads and even National Diet-themed snacks like senbei rice crackers and manju buns.
Ginkgo avenue and parks: Walking down the sedate ginkgo avenue or exploring the little parks on either side, you'll start to wonder if you're really in the world's largest city. Enjoy some time-out here before heading back into the chaos of Tokyo's crazier, sparklier districts.
Japansophy’s top tips!
Have an al fresco lunch: The area around the National Diet and the various ministries and courts in the Kasumigaseki district to the east doesn't quite have the reputation as being a gastro hot-spot, so it could be slim pickin's if you start to get those hunger pangs. If the weather is good, grab some sandwiches or an o-bento to go from one of the train stations and find a spot in one of the parks or gardens to fill up.
Choose your entrance: The main entrance (on the east side) is where you'll get the best views of this iconic building, but this entrance is actually rarely used, only for ceremonial occasions really. To enter the building, for example for tours, you have to use the visitor entrance at the west side (the "back" of the building.
Prepare for a tour: If you plan to take part in a tour, you should note that you will only be allowed to bring in a small handbag. Bigger bags/backpacks/luggage is not allowed and there are no luggage storage facilities. Leave these in a coin locker at the station. While there is no formal, strict dress code, it is a working parliamentary building and you should dress appropriately (no shorts, no tank tops). You will need to ID yourself and go through a security check - don't forget your passport!
Facilities
Eating & drinking: Eating and drinking inside the National Diet Building is strictly prohibited. There isn't a wealth of eateries in the area, so it's better to eat before or after you arrive.
Toilets: There are public restrooms inside the building and also in the stations and the South Park outside the Diet Building.
Baby-changing facilities: There are baby-changing facilities inside the two nearest train stations.
Other attractions nearby
Imperial Palace: The Imperial Palace is just a short walk away. Enter through the impressive Sakuradamon Gate and explore the Kokyo Gaien Park and East Garden.
Hie Shrine: This small but significant shrine has a long torii-lined pathway reminiscent of Fushimi Shrine in Kyoto.
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