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National Diet Building: Seat of Japanese Democracy

Visit the National Diet Building in Tokyo, an iconic symbol of Japan's parliamentary democracy and impressive 20th-century architecture.

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The National Diet Building in Tokyo is the meeting place for Japan's parliament, a grand structure completed in 1936 that symbolizes the country's modern democracy. Visitors can explore its impressive architecture and learn about the Japanese legislative process.

A brief summary to National Diet Building

Local tips

  • Check the official website for tour availability and reservation requirements, as schedules may vary.
  • Tours of the House of Representatives are available in English but require advance booking.
  • Photography is allowed in certain areas, but video recording is prohibited.
  • The building is a leading spot for autumn leaves, with ginkgo trees lining the front.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The National Diet Building is a short walk from two subway stations. Kokkai-gijidō-mae Station (Marunouchi and Chiyoda lines) and Nagatacho Station (Yurakucho, Hanzomon, and Namboku lines) are both about a 5-minute walk away. Subway fares from Tokyo Station to Kokkai-gijidomae are between ¥170-¥210.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tokyo. From Tokyo Station, a taxi ride to the National Diet Building takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between ¥1900-¥2300. The initial fare is ¥730 for the first two kilometers, with an additional ¥320 per kilometer. Note that fares increase by 20% during nighttime hours.

  • Walking

    The National Diet Building is approximately a 36-minute walk from Tokyo Station. From the Imperial Palace gardens, it's a pleasant walk to the National Diet Building.

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Discover more about National Diet Building

The National Diet Building (Kokkai-gijidō) is where both houses of the National Diet of Japan meet, located in the Nagatachō district of Tokyo. Completed in 1936 after 17 years of construction, the building stands as a symbol of Japan's parliamentary democracy. The Diet Building is made up of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. Sessions of the House of Representatives take place in the south wing, and sessions of the House of Councillors in the north wing. The building's design blends European and Japanese architectural styles. The exterior is primarily granite, while the interior features marble. The central hall, located directly under the tower, has a cathedral-like ceiling and stained glass windows. Bronze statues of key figures in Japan's parliamentary history adorn the hall. Tours are available, offering a glimpse into the workings of Japanese politics. The National Diet Building has a rich history. The first Imperial Diet was opened in 1890. The first provisional building, where the first Diet meeting was held, burned down almost two months after it was constructed. The Diet met in temporary structures for the first fifty years of its existence because there was no agreement over what form its building should take. The current building was constructed between 1920 and 1936. All building materials, except for the stained glass, door locks, and pneumatic tube system, are of Japanese origin.

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