National Diet (Kokkai)

Touring Japan's National Diet (Parliament) Building

If you are interested in politics and governance, a trip to Japan's National Diet Building is a must-do while in Tokyo. The building is iconic and truly representative of the modernization of Japanese culture. By visiting, you can learn interesting things about the structure as well as the political inner-workings that take place within the building. I've been several times now, and I learn something new with each visit. The Diet's House of Representatives offers tours on Mondays at 14:00 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 15:00 (except for National Holidays and over New Year's week). Tours take about 60 minutes and are free, You can make reservations for the tour as early as 2 months in advance (see this website for more details: http://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_english.nsf/html/statics/guide/tours.htm) When you go, be sure to bring your registration form and a form of ID with photo (passport, residence card, etc.).