This might be the first time you have heard of Chiyoda, the city is one of the special 23 wards in Tokyo City. Special wards are little municipalities that started to form in 1947 after the local autonomy law was passed. This upcoming tourist destination can definitely compete with any other big cities as it has the art gallery, concert hall, shrine, garden, and a shopping compartment. There are many reasons why this ward should be included in your travel itinerary, this is the perfect destination for those who want to escape the busy city life but still want to be culturally fed and entertained.
What to do in Chiyoda
Chiyoda city will not leave you disappointed, whether you are an art lover, history buff, or a foodie the city has something for everyone. The main central attraction of the city is the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Japanese Emperor Naruhito who has been granted this status on the 1st of May in 2019. This beautiful attraction is surrounded by parks, ponds, and castle ruins from the Edo era which totals in 1.15 square kilometer area. You can either stroll through the parks and snap some photos at the east gardens, see the Suwa no Chaya teahouse or visit the Tōkagakudō music hall.
Check out the National Diet Building which is the meeting point for Japan’s bicameral legislature. Architecturally the building is famous for the usage of Japanese materials which makes this building even more unique.
Make sure to stop by the National Museum of Modern Art and see the works of the 19th-century Meiji period. Have fun at the Science Museum which offers a wide variety of interactive exhibitions for all age groups.
For those who want to finish the trip off by a shopping spree head to the Akihabara Electric town which has great deals on electronics and video games.
How to get Chiyoda
If you wish to get to the Tokyo Station there are plenty of ways to get there. Tokyo Station is the main hub for all the Shinkansen trains. Travel by the JR Yamanote green loop line that passes through the Tokyo Station, JR Chuo orange line, Sobu yellow line, Yurakucho, Akihabara, Kanda, Ochanomizu, and Yotsuya lines can be found within the Chiyoda ward.
If you are coming from Narita Airport you can either take a taxi or Narita Express train which will stop at Tokyo. You can also take the airport limousine bus from Narita to Tokyo Station, the buses run frequently on the Tokyo City Air Terminal.
Those who are traveling by subway can either take the Marunouchi, Hanzomon, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, or Asakusa Line. Otemachi Station is the largest subway station in Tokyo and this line will take you directly from Tokyo to the Imperial Palace.
For a fun day in the city, you can take the Sky Bus tour, this double-decker bus will take you around the Imperial Palace, Ginza, Marunouchi, and Tokyo Tower, it is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air and 360 views of the city.
Best restaurants in Chiyoda
After a long day of exploring the Chiyoda ward and spending the day on foot, it is time to see what the local kitchen is about.
Akiba Ichi – prepare your belly because this place does not joke around with the portion size. You can find this restaurant at the Akihabara UDX Restaurants & Shops. This restaurant serves traditional Japanese food as well as a mix of other international dishes. This place is loved by the locals as well as foreign visitors, it is famous for an amazing and fast service, friendly prices and of course the famous melon soda with ice-cream.
Get there by the Chuo-Sobu, Hibiya, Sazanami, Wakashio, or Yamanote Line and get off at the Akihabara Station.
Address – Akihabara Udx Restaurant Row Akiba Ichi Address: Japan, 101-0021 Tokyo, Sotokanda, 4 Chome , Chiyoda.
Patisserie Sadaharu Aoki – for all of those who have a sweet tooth this place is a must-visit. Get some delicious eclairs, rolls, pastries, cakes, and pudding for a serious sugar rush.
Get there by the Keihin-Tohoku , Yamanote or Yurakucho Line and get off at the Yurakucho Station.
Address – Patisserie Sadaharu Aoki Address: Japan, 100-0005 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Marunouchi, 3 Chome−4−1 1F.
Best hotels in Chiyoda
For those who feel like a day trip is not enough to explore the beautiful ward of Chiyoda here are the best hotels to extend your stay in the city.
Apa Hotel pride Kokkaigijidomae National Diet Bldg – this three-star hotel is only 10 minutes away from National Diet Building and 20 minutes away from the Tokyo midtown. Apa Hotel lays in the business district of the city which offers plenty of restaurants, entertainment options as well as public transportation. Enjoy the spa services, free wifi, dry cleaning, deep soaking baths, and many other little perks while staying at Apa.
Address – 2-10-2 Nagatacho, Tokyo.
Imperial Hotel – if you are ready to spend some bucks and wish to enjoy luxury apartments and service, this 5-star hotel is for you. The location is as luxurious as the hotel itself, featuring 12 restaurants, indoor pool, bars, lounges, and premium bedding this is definitely a dream hotel.
Address – 1-1-1 Uchisaiwaicho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
Shangri-La Hotel – is a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, featuring 3 restaurants, a health club, a spa, and an indoor pool. This hotel is preferred by those who travel for business purposes as they offer phones, desks, and private internet connection.
Address- Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 1-8-3, Marunouchi.