National Diet Building

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 witnessed fist fights and wrestling matches over the occasional hot-button issue. Recently things have been a bit more sedate. Free 60-minute tours of the Sangi-in are available when the Diet is not in session (ring the day before to confirm); they take 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 a million pieces of marble and murals depicting the four seasons). Although an English pamphlet is available, there is no guarantee that English-speaking guide will be available when you arrive. For the tours, it is best to arrive after 9am 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.