National Diet Building

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  • Address
    1-7-1 Nagatachō, Chiyoda-ku
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  • Phone
    3581 3111
  • Website
  • Transport
    underground rail: Yūrakuchō, Hanzōmon or Namboku Line to Nagatachō (exit 1), or Marunouchi or Chiyoda Line to Kokkai-gijidōmae (exit 1)

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Built on a site once inhabited by feudal lords, the National Diet was completed in 1936 with its landmark pyramid-shaped dome. The chambers - the Shūgi-in or House of Representatives (the Upper House) and the Sangi-in or House of Councillors (the Lower House) - have been the scene of fist fights and wrestling matches over the occasional hot-button issue. Recently things have been a bit more tame, though you can still take in the occasional hot-tempered plenary session.

Free 60-minute tours (03 5521-7445) of the Sangi-in are available when the Diet is not in session, taking in the public gallery, the emperor's room (from where he addresses the Diet at the start of each session) and central hall (featuring a floor mosaic of one million pieces of marble and murals depicting the four seasons). For the tours, it is best not to arrive before to avoid the largest tour groups. And unless you're here for a protest, leave your red headbands, which are de rigueur among demonstrators, in your suitcase