Overview
Tokyo's home of government and law, Chiyoda City still finds time to offer visitors an impressive array of history, culture and tradition.
Temples & Shrines
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Home to one Tokyo's major Shinto festivals, Kanda Myojin Shrine was built in the eighth century, is associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu and, in a curious mixture of common folk fear and respect, features the enshrined spirit of the tenth century rebel and self-anointed 'New Emperor', Taira no Masakado.
Five minutes from Exit 1 of Ochanomizu Station on the Marunouchi Line.
Yasukuni Shrine
A monument to the 2.5 million people who died fighting for Japan since the Meiji Restoration, Yasukuni Shrine attracts both gratitude for those who fought and controversy for the one thousand listed war criminals enshrined there. War may be a nasty business but this shrine is peaceful and beautiful.
Five minutes from Exit 1 of Kudanshita Station on the Hanzomon Line.
Gardens & Parks
Hibiya Park
Like many parks in Tokyo, Hibiya Park comes alive during the change of seasons.The western-styled design has plenty of space and is particularly impressive during autumn. With its splash of natural colours, the park adds a refreshing sense of earth to the concrete bureaucracy that surrounds it.
Right outside the A14 Exit of Hibiya Station on the Hibiya or Chiyoda Lines.
Hotel New Otani
With a pedigree extending back to the Edo Period, the Japanese Garden of Hotel New Otani is a stunning example of traditional Japanese landscaping combining with an absolute commitment to sublime quality. A fossilised tree trunk, rare red stones from far off Sado and an Imperial tea house, this garden is simply stunning.
Three minutes from Exit D of Akasaka-mitsuke Station on the Ginza or Marunouchi Lines.
Museums & Galleries
The Museum of Imperial Collections
Considered by many to house some of the finest pieces of artworks in the world, the Museum of Imperial Collections features works donated from the private collection of the Imperial family. Despite having almost ten thousand works to choose from, the museum's exhibitions are free.
Two minutes from Exit C13a of Otemachi Station on the Chiyoda Line.
National Museum of Modern Art
With art representing a Japan emerging into the modern world from centuries of feudalism, the National Museum of Modern Art focuses on contemporary art with works from the turbulent Meiji Period up until now. Housing a film archive and craft centre, the museum itself is free on the first Sunday of each month.
Three minutes from Exit 1B of Takebashi Station on the Tozai Line.
Landmarks & History
Tokyo Station
A world unto its own, the beautifully historic facade of Tokyo Station elegantly belies the reality of the over three thousand trains that pass though here each day. Filled with shopping alleys, food streets and even an art gallery, Tokyo Station is an elite station that is its own destination.
All lines eventually lead to Tokyo...
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Standing on the grounds of the shogunate that once ruled Japan in place of the Emperor, Tokyo Imperial Palace is a reaffirmation of Imperial authority. Surrounded by an impressive moat, the palace feels tantalisingly just out of reach. The areas accessible to the public, though, including the East Gardens, are worth the visit.
Two minutes from Exit C13a of Otemachi Station on the Chiyoda Line.
And for culture buffs, look out for the plaques that commemorate two assassinations of prime ministers and the gate reserved for the imperial family. It's a fascinating place.