Tokyo/Chiyoda
Tokyo's Chiyoda (千代田) Ward is the center of the city and in many ways the center of all Japan. A mere 12 km² houses the Imperial Palace, the Diet, the ministries of Kasumigaseki, the corporate headquarters of Marunouchi, the controversial Yasukuni Shrine... and still has room left over for the shopping districts of Akihabara, Jinbōchō and Kanda.
Get in
Tokyo Station (東京駅 Tōkyō-eki), the hub for all Shinkansen trains, lies to the east side of Chiyoda. Note that the Shinkansen exits are on the Yaesu side in Chuo Ward; to get to the Marunouchi side in Chiyoda Ward, you want to cross over to the west exit. The west side of the station is something of a sight in itself as it reflects the station's original World War I-era architecture.
The JR Yamanote line (light green) passes through Tokyo Station in a loop around the center of the city, and the JR Chuo line (orange) and Sobu line (yellow) bisect the loop horizontally. Yurakucho, Akihabara, Kanda (on the Yamanote) and Ochanomizu, Yotsuya (on the Chuo) are among the train stations located within the ward. Narita Express trains from Narita Airport stop at Tokyo (¥2940, 53 min.) on the Sobu platforms.
Many subway lines crisscross the district. These include the Marunouchi Line (red) (to Shinjuku), the Hanzomon Line (purple) (to Shibuya), the Hibiya Line (gray) (to Roppongi), the Tozai Line (blue) (to Nakano), and the Chiyoda Line (green) (to Harajuku). The nearby Toei Asakusa Line (pink) stops slightly to the east at Kyobashi and Nihonbashi, on which Keikyu Line trains run through to Haneda Airport (¥650, about 35 minutes).
Otemachi Station (大手町駅 Ōtemachi-eki), shared by five subway lines, is by far the largest subway station in Tokyo and sprawls under multiple city blocks underneath the Marunouchi district between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. Transferring from, say, the Hanzomon Line to the Toei Mita Line here involves navigating a gauntlet of escalators and walking well over a kilometer.
By bus
Airport Limousine buses run from Narita to Tokyo Station every 10 to 20 minutes via the Tokyo City Air Terminal (1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on traffic, ¥3000), and less frequently to area hotels. From Haneda, buses run every 30 to 40 minutes (about 45 minutes in duration, depending on traffic, ¥900).
See
Imperial Palace area
- Imperial Palace (皇居 Kōkyo), ☏ +81 03-3213-1111. Surrounded by a series of moats and high walls, the site of the former Edo Castle has been the official residence of the Japanese imperial family since 1868. Reputedly the most expensive square kilometre in the world, which during the height of Japan's bubble was estimated to be worth slightly more than California. Unfortunately, the inner palace gardens and buildings are closed to the general public except on January 2 and December 23, when the imperial family makes a public appearance. However, foreigners can also apply online to join a free guided tour (weekdays at 10AM and 2PM). If you're feeling lucky, you can also try just showing up at the Imperial Household Agency office located in the northwest corner of the Imperial Palace Park, which is open 9 AM-noon, 1PM-2PM; if there's space, you can join a tour on the same day. Tours are conducted only in Japanese, but electronic audio guides (in English) will be lent to foreign visitors free of charge. At the end of the tour, visitors wishing to enter the East Gardens (see next entry) will be given entrance cards and allowed through to the gardens via a private gate, allowing them to bypass the lines at the main Ōte-mon entrance; pay attention to the announcement in Japanese and queue up as directed.
- Imperial Palace East Gardens. Open daily except Mondays and Fridays. Kept in impeccable shape, the gardens are particularly beautiful during the March and April plum and cherry blossom seasons. Entrance is free through a number of gates; you will be given a plastic entrance card at the gate, which you are obliged to return upon leaving; most visitors use the Ōte-mon (大手門) gate near the Ōtemachi subway station (exit C10). Also an easy walking distance from Tokyo station.
- Kitanomaru Park (北の丸公園). Connected to the East Gardens on the North side is this park. Offering much of the same, it is a convenient way to get to Yasukuni Shrine. The park also houses the Nihon Budokan, which regularly stages martial arts competitions and live concerts, as well as the Kagaku Gijyutsukan (Science museum).
- Chidoriga-fuchi Moat (千鳥ヶ淵), on the Northwest side of the Imperial gardens grounds. One of, if not "the" most prominent cherry blossom site in Tokyo, and attracts throngs of people in its March-to-April peak season. It is located just across the street from Yasukuni-shrine. Rowboats are also available for one to row along a limited portion of the moat at ¥500 for 30 minutes, ¥1000 for an hour and at a slightly more expensive rate during cherry blossom periods.
- Yasukuni Shrine (靖國神社 Yasukuni-jinja), 3-1-1 Kudan-kita, ☏ +81 03-3261-8326. A controversial shrine to Japan's war dead, housing the souls of some 2.5 million people killed in Japan's wars — including convicted war criminals executed by the Allies. A favorite haunt of right-wing groups in black loudspeaker-equipped trucks. Open daily and free entrance adjacent to Metro Hanzomon line Kudanshita station, or cross the bridge north from Kitanomaru Park. Festivals take place most notably in mid-July and mid-October, which can attract as many people and vendors as it does on New Year's Day when the Japanese come to pray for a prosperous year. It can also get quite crowded during cherry blossom season.
- Yushukan War Memorial Museum (遊就館) (adjacent to the shrine). Daily 9AM-5PM. An odd collection of military paraphernalia (including human torpedoes and letters from kamikaze pilots) and one-sided descriptions of World War II - it's not as bad as its controversial reputation suggests, but it can be pretty confronting at times. The museum includes a small military history book and model shop. Entry a rather steep ¥800.
Shrines and churches
- Holy Resurrection Cathedral (ニコライ堂 Nikorai-do), ☏ +81 03-3291-1885. A beautifully-restored 1800s-vintage Russian Orthodox cathedral located near Ochanomizu Station on the Chuo Line. Use the Hijiribashi exit. The Hijiribashi bridge by the exit is one of the better looking bridges in Tokyo and looks moderately attractive when lit-up at night.
- Kanda Shrine (神田明神 Kanda-myojin), A block north across the river from Ochanomizu station. This shrine has a history dating back to the 8th century and had been highly regarded under the Edo shogunate. The current red-pillared structure has been rebuilt after being completely destroyed in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. The Kanda Matsuri festival, which takes place in mid-May every other year is one of the largest in Tokyo and is a sight to behold. Arrive before noon or the shrine gets packed with spectators.
- Hie Shrine (日枝神社 Hie Jinja), Located on the opposite side of the Imperial garden, ☏ +81 03-3581-2471. Another prominent shrine in Tokyo and the Sanno Matsuri festival it hosts in June is counted among the 3 Great festival of Tokyo. Located a five minute walk from Kokkai-gijido-mae station on the Metro Chiyoda line.
Other
Japan's administrative center, located around Kasumigaseki and Nagatacho in the southwestern corner of Chiyoda, is full of very un-picturesque buildings. One exception is the Ministry of Justice (exit 5 from Sakuradamon, Yurakucho Line), a beautiful 1800s-vintage building that would make any European capital proud. The National Diet Building (Kokkai-gijido-mae, Marunouchi Line) may also be worth a photo, although its architecture is rather uninspiring compared to other national assemblies' -- even the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has cooler-looking accommodations in Shinjuku.
- Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art (東京国立近代美術館 Tōkyō Kokuritsu Kindai Bijutsukan), 3-1 Kitanomaru-koen (Closest to Takebashi station on the Tozai subway line), ☏ +81 03-5777-8600. Tu-Th, Sa-Su 10:30AM-5PM, F 10:30AM-8PM, closed M. With a modest permanent collection on display and regularly changing exhibitions, MOMAT is a nice place to kill a couple of hours after you've seen the Imperial Palace across the road. Entry to the nearby Crafts Gallery is included in the price. ¥420 for adults, ¥130 for students and children under 15 free. Admission is also free on May 18, November 3 and the first Sunday of every month. Special exhibits extra.
- Idemitsu Museum of Arts (出光美術館 Idemitsu Bijutsukan), On the 9th floor of the Imperial Theatre building (on the East side of the Imperial gardens), ☏ +81 03-3213-9402. Daily 10AM-5PM (until 7PM on Fridays). Has a noteworthy collection centering on Japanese traditional arts ¥1000 fee for adults.
- Yamatane Museum of Art (山種美術館 Yamatane bijutsukan) (A short walk from Hanzomon station on the Metro Hanzomon line), ☏ +81 03-3239-5911. Daily 10AM-5PM. Specializes in modern Japanese-style paintings and has a notable collection though only a handful are on display at one time due to preservation issues. ¥600 for adults.
- New Otani Art Museum (ニューオータニ美術館), on the 6th floor of the New Otani hotel, 4-1 Kioi-Cho (closest from Nagata-cho station on the Metro Hanzomon line, or Yotsuya station if using the JR), ☏ +81 03-3221-4111. 10AM-6PM. Showcases a small collection of French and Japanese arts. ¥500.
- National Theatre of Japan (国立劇場 Kokuritsu Gekijō) (walking distance from either Hanzomon or Nagatacho stations of the Metro Hanzomon lines et. al.), ☏ +81 03-3265-7411. For those interested in theatre arts, the Kokuritsu Gekijyo holds performances in traditional arts ranging from Kabuki, Noh drama, Bunraku puppet theatre, etc. You may want to check the schedule and make a reservation beforehand.
- Tokyo International Forum (東京国際フォーラム Tōkyō Kokusai Fōramu), located in front of Yurakucho station, ☏ +81 03-5221-9000. A massive, modern exhibition centre used for concerts, conventions and the like. On weekdays there are usually several food wagons selling boxed lunches, but aside from this there may not be much of interest to the casual tourist -- except, of course, the impressive design. The atrium may be the most well-known symbol of the building, and one is able to stroll up the long, spiral walkway that runs along its glass-and-steel walls. The Tokyo Tourist Info Center, which used to be here, has been relocated to Shinjuku.
Do
Visit one of the three major shrines (Kanda Myojin, Hie Jinja or Yasukuni Shrine) during the New Year holiday if you happen to be visiting, or immerse yourself in one of the major festivals which takes place during the year. There are no restrictions on entry regardless of religious belief or background.
As stated in the See section, cherry blossoms can be viewed in various places around the Imperial Palace gardens. Also, many people take advantage of the fact that no public roads enter the palace grounds (and thus, no red lights for pedestrians) for a little jogging around the garden's outer ring (which may take roughly an hour to walk around). However, since most of central Chiyoda Ward is office buildings, it is virtually lifeless after sundown as most of the population leaves for the suburbs.
Buy
Central Chiyoda doesn't offer much in the way of shopping, but the eastern side has three areas of interest:
- Akihabara for electronics and anime-related goods of all kinds, covered in a separate article.
- Jimbocho (神保町), Metro Hanzomon/Toei Shinjuku/Toei Mita Jimbocho station. A district specializing in new and used books — mostly in Japanese, but some in English and other languages. Scores of used book or antique book shops line the main streets of Hakusan Dori (白山道り), Yasukuni Dori (靖国道り), and Kanda Suzuran Dori (神田すずらん通り), as well the numerous back alleys. Some stores specialize in subjects such as religion, architecture, or screenplays, while others handle a general range of subjects. Some shops specialize in various erotic material, including used pornography.
- Kanda (神田) and Ochanomizu (お茶の水) Stations. For musical instruments and sports equipment. These districts tend to have their largest stores along major streets.
Some other shopping areas include:
- A recent revamping of the Marunouchi business district has resulted in some high-end boutiques such as Tiffany's, Gaultier, Sergio Rossi etc. lining the street from the Marunouchi building to Yurakucho, but there is a feeling that it's not quite "there" yet, compared to the repertoires of the Ginza or Omotesando shopping districts.
- There is a huge, six-floor Bic Camera electronics store in front of JR Yurakucho Station, selling everything from household appliances to contact lenses. There is even a small movie theater on the 7th and 8th floors showing lesser-known Japanese and foreign films. Perhaps a good place for a one-stop shop if you are not able to spend time exploring the streets of Akihabara.
- The Maruzen bookshop in the Oazo building in front of Tokyo Station may be your best bet to look for English books in Tokyo, including a "Books on Japan" section. If you don't find what you are looking for here, you probably won't have much luck looking elsewhere.
Eat and Drink
- Among the expensive clubs and restaurants spilling over from the Ginza, an offbeat dining option is the yakitori stalls under the train tracks near JR Yurakucho station. A throwback to old Tokyo, this is where businessmen unwind with yakitori (grilled chicken) on skewers and a couple of nama biiru (draft beers) after a hard day. At least ¥2000 for a few beers and a half dozen skewers.
- As the Jimbocho and Ochanomizu areas house dozens of major colleges and universities, the area is filled with cheap restaurants, fast food joints and cafes of all kinds. There is also a high density of curry restaurants.
- The Marunouchi Building and Shin-Marunouchi Building in front of Tokyo station are your best bet for a decent meal in the Marunouchi area, especially on the weekend when most other buildings are closed. Various restaurants from Italian to Hawaiian to Sushi are situated inside, but the bill may be a bit pricy for a casual lunch.
- Restaurant Peter, 24th Floor, Hotel Peninsula (Private lift from hotel lobby), ☏ +81 03-6270 2763. Amazing views of Imperial Palace. Excellent service. Lunch seems the best value. Dress Code: elegant casual. Lunch from ¥4900.
Sleep
Budget
- Green Ochanomizu Hotel, Kanda-Awajicho 2-6 (5 minutes from JR Ochanomizu Station and near the center of the Yamanote Line), ☏ +81 03 3255-4161. Green Hotel Ochanomizu is an extremely accommodating hotel, perfect for the traveler who prefers a quiet sanctuary in the hustle and bustle. Ochanomizu station itself is but two stops from both Tokyo and Shinjuku, via the Rapid Chuo Line service, both of which are on Yamanote. Broadband access is free in most rooms. Singles at around ¥8400 and doubles at ¥9500..
Splurge
- Imperial Hotel Tokyo (帝国ホテル Teikoku Hoteru), Uchisaiwaicho 1-1-1, ☏ +81 03 3504-1251. Never mind upstarts like the Park Hyatt, this is the grand old dame of Tokyo's hotels with over 115 years of history behind it and legendary service fit for an Emperor. Standard rooms are musty, but the refurbished Imperial Floor rooms are nice. The hotel overlooks Hibiya Park and is only a short walk from the Imperial Palace and the Ginza. ¥43,000 and higher.
- The New Otani, Kioicho 4-1, ☏ +81 03 3265-1111. The flagship of the international New Otani chain, and one of the largest hotels in Tokyo, with a variety of shops and restaurants under its roof. Convenient for business travellers, as it is located within an easy walk of Akasaka, Nagatacho, and other international business districts; less convenient for tourists, although somewhat close to Roppongi, Shinjuku, and other play areas. ¥36,000 and up.
Connect
- The Tokyo Tourist Information Center has moved from Yurakucho's International Forum to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.
Stay safe
On occasion, menacing black vans with fluttering "Rising Sun" flags and Imperial chrysanthemum logos may screech militaristic propaganda around the Yasukuni Shrine and near the Nagatacho/Kasumigaseki areas. With xenophobic right-wing attitudes financed by the yakuza (Japan's mafia) and tacit police cooperation, foreigners may get baleful looks from the young sunglassed toughs running the show, but they are not a real danger unless actively provoked.
Smoking on the major streets and sidewalks are prohibited by law in Chiyoda Ward. Although generally not strictly enforced, if you get unlucky, fines go up to ¥20,000.
Go next
The glitzy stores of the Ginza and the business district of Akasaka (not a bad choice for lunch) are within easy walking distance from southern Chiyoda.
| Routes through Chiyoda |
| Yokohama ← Tokyo Shinagawa ← | W  E |
→ END |
| Tokyo/Shinjuku ← Tokyo/Shibuya ← | W  E |
→ Tokyo/Taito → Tokyo/Sumida |
| Yokohama ← Tokyo Shimbashi ← | W  E |
→ END |