| Chiyoda (Tokyo) | |
 | |
Location  | |
Coat of arms and flag   | |
| State | Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Kantō |
| Website | Official site |
Chiyoda (千代 田) is a district of the city of Tokyo.
To know
Chiyoda is the center of Tokyo and in many ways the center of everything Japan. In just 12 km² it houses the Imperial Palace, the Diet, the ministries of Kasumigaseki, the corporate headquarters of Marunouchi and the controversial Yasukuni Shrine; there are also the commercial districts of Akihabara, Jinbōchō and Kanda.
Smoking on main roads and sidewalks is prohibited by law throughout the Chiyoda district; Although the law is generally not strictly enforced, if you are unlucky you could be fined ¥ 20,000. There are smoking gardens at the end of some main streets and behind some of the skyscrapers where you can smoke without any problems.
Geographical notes
| Orientation | ||
| Bunkyo | Taito | |
| Shinjuku |  | |
| Minato | Chuo | |
How to orient yourself
Chiyoda: full screen map.The district has as its center the imperial palace and its gardens, to the north it is crossed by the river Kanda. The Akikabara district is located on the territorial boundary to the northeast.
Neighborhoods
- 1 Akihabara（秋葉原） - Extended around Tokyo Station and bordering the neighboring municipality of Taitō, Akihabara, whose name means "Field of Autumn Leaves", is known for its large number of electronic stores and others specializing in video games and cartoons. On June 8, 2008, an individual struck by madness killed 8 passersby by throwing a knife at random in the crowd of the pedestrian area of Chūōdōri street.
- 2 Jimbōchō (神 保 町), Hanzomon Metro / Tōei Shinjuku Station / Tōei Mita Jimbōchō.
How to get
On the train
Tokyo station
- 1 Tokyo Station (東京 駅, Tōkyō-eki). The platform for all trains Shinkansen, is located on the east side of Chiyoda. Note that the Shinkansen exits are on the Yaesu side in the Chūō district; to go to the Marunouchi side of Chiyoda, you have to go through the station towards the west exit. The west side of the station is particularly noteworthy: its architecture mirrors the original one from the First World War era.
- On the lines
, Shinkansen and Narita express (¥ 2940, 53 min.). 
, Shinkansen and Narita express (¥ 2940, 53 min.).
The entrance to Akihabara station
- 2 Akihabara Station (秋葉原 駅, akihabara-eki). Akihabara station is on the lines
. Akihabara is also the terminus of the Tsukuba Express line 
, which goes to Tsukuba and to other stations of Ibaraki and north of the Chiba Prefecture (45 minutes from / to Tsukuba with Kaisoku the fast train). It can also be reached by metro per line 
. Akihabara is also the terminus of the Tsukuba Express line 
, which goes to 
By subway
The Otemachi stop
- 3 Ōtemachi. Shared by five subway lines, it is by far the largest subway station in Tokyo and spans several city blocks under the Marunouchi District between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. Changing the line involves navigating through a multitude of escalators and having to walk more than a kilometer. It is important to note that Tokyo and Ōtemachi stations are directly connected to each other by underground passages.
- On the lines
- 4 Nijūbashimae Station (二 重 橋 前 駅, nijūbashimae-eki). Located on the Chiyoda line and also connected to Tokyo station, it is much closer to it than Otemachi station, although passengers on the "Romancecar" service will still have to reach Otemachi. On the line
By bus
- 5 Tokyo station bus terminal (Yaesu South Exit 八 重 洲 口), 2 Chome-2 Yaesu, Chūō-ku (Exit on the east side of Tokyo Station and walk south along the sidewalk. The terminal is sufficiently indicated.). It is mainly used by the company of the "JR Group". The ticket offices inside the station also issue tickets for suburban buses. The" Japan Rail Pass "is also valid for bus lines to Nagoya, Kyoto is Osaka.
The Marunouchi Kajibashi Bus Terminal from the outside
- 6 Marunouchi Kajibashi bus terminal (丸 ノ 内 鍛冶 橋 駐 車場), 3-chōme-8-2 Marunouchi (From Tokyo Station, exit on the east side, walk south along the sidewalk, pass the JR bus terminal and go forward. You will come under a circular building on your right that is at the corner of the Kajibashi dori and the Sotobori-dori (which you have traveled). Cross the a Kajibashi dori and you will find the terminal on the right.), ☎ 81 3-3287-5771. This parking is used by private bus companies such as the Willer Express for the departure of night buses in various locations in Japan including Kyoto is Osaka. Being able to find it is not easy at all, there are no clear indications, there are signs. It is also easy to confuse with the JR bus terminal. The terminal is not spacious and the inside room fills up quickly. Outside there are seats and lockers to leave your suitcase.
| Connections |
| Yokohama ← Tokyo Shinagawa ← | OR  IS | → end |
| Nagano ← Takasaki ← Kumagaya ← | No.  S. | → end |
| Niigata ← Takasaki ← Kumagaya ← | No.  S. | → end |
| Sendai ← Nasu Shiobara ← Utsunomiya ← | No.  S. | → end |
Shinjuku ← verse  ← | OR  IS | → Kinshicho → Shin Koiwa → Chiba |
| Yokohama ← Tokyo Shimbashi ← | OR  IS | → end |
| Kofu ← Hachioji ← Nakano ← | OR  IS | → end |
| Ōmiya ← Akabane ← Ueno ← | No.  S. | → end |
| Zushi ← Kamakura ← Yokohama ← | OR  IS | → to  |
| Ikebukuro ← Ueno ← Akihabara ← | No.  IS | → Hamamatsucho → Shinbashi → Shinagawa |
How to get around
Below is a list of the many metro stations in this area:
- 7 Ochanomizu station. on the lines
- 8 Kokkai-gijidō-mae station. on the line
- 9 Yurakuchō station.
- 10 Sakuradamon Station.
- 11 Nagatacho Station (永田 町 駅, nagatachō-eki).
- 12 Kokkai-gijidomae.
- 13 Tameike-They know.
- 14 Hanzomon station.
- 15 Kudanshita station. line
- 16 Takebashi station. on the line
- 17 Iidabashi Station (飯 田 橋 駅 Iidabashi-eki). Lines
What see
The Imperial Palace area
Fujimi-yagura, remains of Edo Castle in the gardens of the imperial palace
The map of the Imperial Palace
1 Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居 Kōkyo), ☎ 81 3-3213-1111. 
Guided tours Mon-Fri 10: 00-14: 00. Imperial Household Agency office 9: 00-12: 00 13: 00-17: 00. Surrounded by a series of moats and high walls, the site of the former Edo Castle has been the official residence of the Japanese imperial family since 1868. Considered to be the most expensive square kilometer in the world, in the past it was estimated to be little more than the entire California. Unfortunately, the gardens and buildings of the inner palace are closed to the public, except on January 2 and December 23, when the imperial family makes a public appearance. However, foreigners can too book online and participate in a free guided tour. If you are feeling lucky, you can also try to show up at the Imperial Household Agency office located in the northwest corner of the Imperial Palace Park, if there is space, you can join a tour on the same day. Tours are in Japanese only, but there are audio guides in English. At the end of the tour, those wishing to enter the East Gardens (see next entry) will receive entry cards and will be able to enter the gardens through a private gate, allowing them to bypass the lines at the museum's main entrance; pay attention to the announcement in Japanese and queue as indicated.
Guided tours Mon-Fri 10: 00-14: 00. Imperial Household Agency office 9: 00-12: 00 13: 00-17: 00. Surrounded by a series of moats and high walls, the site of the former Edo Castle has been the official residence of the Japanese imperial family since 1868. Considered to be the most expensive square kilometer in the world, in the past it was estimated to be little more than the entire 
A stretch of the moat
- 2 Chidoriga-drones moat (千 鳥 ヶ 淵)) (on the northwest side of the imperial gardens). One of, if not "the" most important cherry tree site in Tokyo, attracting multitudes of people in its high season from March to April. It is located right in front of the Yasukuni shrine. Rowing boats are also available at ¥ 500 for 30 minutes, ¥ 1000 for an hour but get more expensive during cherry blossom times.
The Yasukuni shrine
- 3 Yasukuni shrine (靖國神社 Yasukuni-jinja), 3-1-1 Kudan-kita (Adjacent to the Kudanshita metro station of the line , or cross the bridge north from Kitanomaru Park), ☎ 81 3-3261-8326.
free. Mon-Sun 06: 00-18: 00. A controversial war shrine of Japan, home to the souls of some 2.5 million people killed in wars including even war criminals condemned by the Allies themselves. A favorite hangout for right-wing groups in black trucks equipped with speakers. The festivities surrounding this shrine particularly take place in mid-July and mid-October, which can attract as many people and vendors as on New Year's when the Japanese come to pray for a prosperous year. It can also get quite busy during cherry blossom season.
free. 
The war museum
- 4 Yūshūkan War Museum (遊 就 館) (next to the sanctuary), ☎ 81 3-3261-8326. ¥ 800. Mon-Sun 09: 00-16: 00. A strange collection of military paraphernalia (including torpedoes and letters from kamikaze pilots) with a one-sided view of Imperial Japan and World War II, but it can be quite fought in at times. The museum includes a small military history book and a model shop.
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The museum of modern art
- 5 Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art (東京 国立 近代 美術館, Tōkyō Kokuritsu Kindai Bijutsukan), 3-1 Kitanomaru-kōen (Close to Takebashi station on the line ), ☎ 81 3-5777-8600. 420 ¥ for adults and 130 ¥ for students, children under 15 free. Access is also free on May 18, November 3 and the first Sunday of each month. Special exhibits are charged extra.. Tue-Thu and Sun 10 am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10 am-8pm. With a modest permanent collection and regularly changing exhibits, MOMAT is a nice place to kill a couple of hours after seeing the Imperial Palace across the street. Entrance to the nearby Craft Gallery is included in the price.
Religious buildings
Cathedral
- 6 Cathedral of the Holy Resurrection (ニ コ ラ イ 堂 Nikorai-do) (close to Ochanomizu station on the lines , take the Hijiribashi exit), ☎ 81 3-3291-1885. A Russian Orthodox cathedral from the 1800s, destroyed during the Kanto earthquake and rebuilt. It represents the most important Orthodox church in Japan.
The Kanda shrine
- 7 Kanda shrine (神 田 明 神 Kanda-myojin)), 2 Chome-16-２ Sotokanda, Chiyoda (One block north across the river from Ochanomizu station on the lines ), ☎ 81 3-3254-0753. This shrine has a history dating back to the 8th century and was highly regarded under the Edo shogunate. The current red pillar structure was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed in the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923. The Kanda Matsuri festival, held in mid-May every two years, is one of the largest in Tokyo and is a sight not to be missed. It is best to arrive before noon as the sanctuary fills up quickly.
The Hie shrine
- 8 [link not working]Hie shrine (日 枝 神社, Hie Jinja) (Located on the opposite side of the imperial garden; a five minute walk from Kokkai-gijidō-mae station on the line ), ☎ 81 3-3581-2471. 6:00-17:00. Another important shrine in Tokyo. Located at the top of a small hill on the edge of the area. Reached by a steep flight of stairs under a veritable tunnel of orange torii, the shrine grounds are an oasis of calm in the middle of Tokyo and, in good weather, a popular spot for a lunchtime picnic. The festival They know Matsuri (山 王 祭) which it hosts in June is counted among the 3 great Tokyo festivals, with the usual panoply of music, dancing, yatai and sake stalls.
Other
The Hijiribashi bridge
The administrative center of Japan, located around Kasumigaseki is Nagatachō in the southwestern corner of Chiyoda, it is full of very unpainted buildings. An exception is the Ministry of Justice (exit 5 from Sakuradamon, Yurakuchō line), a beautiful building from the 1800s that would make any European capital proud. The National Diet Building (Kokkai-gijidō-mae, Marunouchi line) might be worth a photo, although its architecture is rather uninteresting compared to other national assemblies - even the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has cooler-looking housing in Shinjuku.
- 9 Hijiri-bashi bridge (聖 橋) (Ochanomizu station). This bridge over the Kanda River (神 田 川) whose name means "holy bridge", on the border between the districts of Bunkyō and Chiyoda turns out to be interesting especially when it is illuminated at night. It offers one of the best spots in Tokyo to see trains, three lines crossing each other (to the west, best seen in the afternoon).
Idemitsu Museum
- 10 Idemitsu art museum (出 光 美術館, Idemitsu Bijutsukan), On the 9th floor of the Imperial Theater building (on the east side of the imperial gardens), ☎ 81 35777 8600. ¥ 1000 Adults. Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun 10: 00-17: 00, Fri 10: 00-19: 00. It has a noteworthy collection focusing on traditional Japanese arts.
The Tokyo forum
- 11 Tokyo International Forum (東京 国際 フ ォ ー ラ ム, Tōkyō Kokusai Fōramu), 3 Chome-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku (located in front of Yurakuchō station ), ☎ 813-5221-9000. A large modern exhibition center used for concerts, conventions and the like. On weekdays there are usually plenty of food kiosks selling canned lunches, but other than that there may not be much interest for the casual tourist - except, of course, the impressive design. The atrium may be the building's best-known symbol, and you can stroll along the long, spiral walkway that runs along its glass and steel walls. The Tokyo Tourist Information Center, which used to be here, has been relocated to Shinjuku.
The Diet Building
- 12 National Diet Building (国会 議事堂), 1 Chome-7-1 Nagatachō, Chiyoda-ku (Sakuradamon Station , Nagatacho , Kokkai-gijidomae , Tameike-Know ). Building of the Japanese bicameral legislature, it was built in the 1920s. The most recognizable symbol of the Japanese government, it was built with Japanese building materials, features a pyramidal roof and is surrounded by green areas. The neighbour Kensei Kinenkan free (between Diet and water) has a nice view on it.
Parks
The Imperial Gardens East
The Kitanomaru park
- 13 Imperial East Gardens (東 御苑, Higashi-gyoen). free. Tue-Thu and Sat-Sun 09: 00-16: 30. Held in impeccable shape, the Imperial Palace gardens are especially beautiful during the plum and cherry blossom season in March and April. Admission is free and you will be given a plastic card upon entering, which you will have to return upon departure; most visitors use the door 18 Ōte-mon (大 手 門) near the Ōtemachi subway station (exit C10) because it is a short distance from Tokyo station.
- 14 Kitanomaru Park (北 の 丸 公園, kita-no-maru kōen), ☎ 81 3-3211-7878. 00:00-24:00. Connected to the east gardens it is located on the north side of the Imperial Palace. The park is also home to the Nippon Budōkan (日本 武 道 館), which regularly organizes martial arts competitions and live concerts, as well as the Kagaku Gijyutsukan (科学 技術 館, science museum).
What to do
Occasionally, menacing black vans with "Rising Sun" flags and imperial chrysanthemum logos express their militaristic propaganda around the Yasukuni Shrine and near the Nagatacho and Kasumigaseki areas. With attitudes of extreme xenophobia and financed by the yakuza (Japanese mafia) thanks to the tacit cooperation of the police, foreigners could receive bad looks, they do not constitute a real danger if they are not provoked. However, they are an example of how Japan still maintains a certain nationalist spirit that has never been sedated.
- 1 Nippon Budokan, 2-3 Kitanomarukōen (Inside the Kinomaru Park), ☎ 81 3-3216-5100. free. Martial arts sessions are held in this building especially on weekends.
The National Theater
- 2 National Theater of Japan (国立 劇場, Kokuritsu Gekijō), 4-1 Hayabusacho, Chiyoda (walking distance from Hanzomon stations or Nagatacho ), ☎ 81 3-3265-7411. For those interested in the theatrical arts, Kokuritsu Gekijyo holds traditional arts performances ranging from Kabuki, theater No, puppet theater Bunraku, etc. You can check the schedule and make a reservation in advance.
Climb to the roof of the KITTE mall (see below) which is an open garden and offers incredible views of Tokyo Station - perfect for watching bullet trains come and go. Or at the terrace of:
- 3 Shin-Marunouchi Building Garden Terrace, Marunouchi, 1-chōme − 5−1 新 丸 の 内 ビ ル デ ィ ン グ 7 階 (Opposite Tokyo Station, the building is to the left of the square.). 11:00-23:00. This top-floor skyscraper is full of places to drink or entertain and offers sweeping views of the station.
- 4 Italian Cultural Institute, 2-1-30 Kudan Minami, Chiyoda-ku, ☎ 81 3-3262-4500. The Institute organizes various events such as exhibitions, concerts and free conferences. To check timetables and events on the website.
Shopping
Second-hand books sold along the walls of an alley in the Kanda-Jimbocho area
Chiyoda doesn't offer much in the way of shopping, but the eastern side has three areas of interest:
- Akihabara for the electronics is souls of all kinds, but dealt with in a separate article.
- Jimbōchō is a district specializing in books new and used - mainly in Japanese, but also in English and other languages. Dozens of used book or antique book shops line the main streets of 1 Hakusan Dōri (白山 道 り), 2 Yasukuni Dōri (靖 国 道 り) and Kanda Suzuran Dōri (神 田 す ず ら ん ん り), as well as in numerous back alleys. Some stores specialize in subjects like religion, architecture, or script, while others handle a general range of topics. Some stores specialize in various erotic materials, including used pornography.
- The stations of Kanda (神 田) and Ochanomizu (お 茶 の 水). For the musical instruments and the sport equipment. These neighborhoods tend to have their largest shops along the main streets. The area near the Ochanomizu stations is full of shops music, at least 30 of them with shiny instruments and blaring music throughout the day.
Some other shopping areas include:
- 3 Bic Camera, 1 Chome-11-１ Yūrakuchō, ☎ 81 3-5221-1111. A huge six-story electronics store across from JR Yurakucho Station, selling everything from home appliances to contact lenses. There is also a small cinema on the seventh and eighth floors showing lesser-known Japanese and foreign films. Maybe a good place if you are unable to spend time exploring the streets of Akihabara.
- 4 Maruzen Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Marunouchi, 1 Chome − 6−4 丸 の 内 オ ア ゾ 1 階 ～ 4 階 (In the Oazo building opposite Tokyo Station), ☎ 81 3-5288-8881. It may be your best bet to search for English books in Tokyo, including the "Books on Japan" section. If you don't find what you are looking for here, you probably won't have much luck looking elsewhere.
- 5 KITTE (JP Tower), 2-7-2 Marunouchi. 11:00-23:00. The former Japan Post headquarters has been refurbished into a trendy building with many shops and restaurants.
How to have fun
Where to eat
- An unusual gastronomic option are the stalls of the yakitori (grilled chicken) under the train tracks near JR Yurakucho Station. Here business people relax with a couple of nama biiru (draft beers) after a hard day. You spend at least ¥ 2000 on a few beers and half a dozen kebabs.
- The areas of Jimbocho is Ochanomizu they are home to dozens of leading colleges and universities, favoring cheap restaurants, fast food restaurants and cafes of all kinds. There is also a high density of curry restaurants.
- The Marunouchi building and the Shin-Marunouchi building opposite Tokyo Station are your best bet for a decent meal in the Marunouchi area, especially on the weekend when most of the other buildings are closed. Inside you will find several restaurants from Italian to sushi, but the bill might be a bit steep for a casual lunch.
Average prices
- 1 Yamaya (や ま や), Chiyoda-ku, Marunouchi, 1 Chome − 4−１ iiyo !! B1, ☎ 81 3-6250-8888. ¥ 1000 for lunch, ¥ 3000 for dinner.. For lunch we recommend a bowl of rice with mentaiko (semi-spiced red fish roe). Their dinner specialty is the motsunabe (tripe soup).
High prices
- 2 Peter, 24th floor, Peninsula Hotel (Private lift from the hotel lobby), ☎ 81 3-6270 2763. Kobe beef from ¥ 23,500, lunch ¥ 4900. Restaurant with spectacular views of the Imperial Palace and excellent service.
Where stay
Moderate prices
- 1 Tokyo Central Youth Hostel, 1-1 Kagurakashi, Shinjuku-ku (At the eastern end of Shinjuku, away from its station, and just north of Chiyoda, 800 meters from the Imperial Palace area), ☎ 81 3-3235-1107, fax: 81 3-3267-4000, @[email protected]. ¥4050. Located on the 18th and 19th floors of a skyscraper, with great city views (including a whirlpool tub and bathrooms overlooking Shinjuku's lights and skyscrapers) and comfortable rooms. Formerly known as Tokyo International Hostel.
Average prices
- 2 Tokyo Green Hotel Korakuen (東京 グ リ ー ン ホ テ ル 後 楽 園), 1 Chome-1-1-3 Kōraku, Bunkyō-ku, ☎ 81 3-3816-4161.
High prices
- 3 New Otani hotels (ホ テ ル ニ ュ ー オ ー タ ニ), 4-1 Kioicho, ☎ 81 3-3265-1111. From ¥ 36,000 and up. The flagship of the New Otani international chain and one of the largest hotels in Tokyo, with a variety of shops and restaurants under its roof. Convenient for business travelers, as it is within an easy walk of Akasaka, Nagatacho, and other international business districts; less convenient for tourists, albeit a bit close to Roppongi is Shinjuku.
- 4 Tokyo Station Hotel (東京 ス テ ー シ ョ ン ホ テ ル), Marunouchi 1-chome 9-1, ☎ 81 3-3231-2511. € 403 (Nov 2018). 10% discount with an active Japan Rail Pass or JR East Rail Pass. If you've ever wanted to sleep in a train station, then this might be the place to do it. This hotel is part of the 1914 red brick building which is the terminal station for all but one of the Shinkansen lines. It's an easy walk from the Imperial Palace, and you can just walk out of the lobby and make a U-turn to catch a train like the Yamanote Line. The Citibank ATM is a few minutes walk in Ōtemachi.
- 5 Imperial Hotel Tokyo (帝国 ホ テ ル Teikoku Hoteru), Uchisaiwaicho 1-1-1, ☎ 81 3 3504-1251. 43,000 yen and up. This is a grand Tokyo hotel with over 115 years of history and legendary service. Standard rooms are moldy, but the refurbished imperial floor rooms are nice. The hotel overlooks Hibiya Park and is within walking distance of the Imperial Palace and the Ginza.
