Where To Stay In Chiyoda
Anyone glancing at a map of Chiyoda will notice that the grounds of the Imperial Palace, as well as other green spaces, dominate the area. This means that most of the residential places are on the periphery of the ward. For example, the more prestigious living space is to be found to the west and northwest of central Chiyoda, in the vicinity of the Yasukuni Shrine. This includes the neighbourhoods of Fujime, Kudankita, and Iidabashi. To the north and northeast, there are several residential neighbourhoods including Sarugakucho, Kanda Jinbocho, and Nihonbashibakurocho, as well as several commercial and retail areas.
Facts About Chiyoda
Chiyoda is a unique destination, comprising of some 11.64 sq kilometers in the centre of Japan’s capital. The ward is most famous for being the home of the Imperial Palace, which dominates much of the urban area and is one of the city’s top attractions. Below are some fascinating facts about the special ward of Chiyoda:
- During the Edo period, most of the people living in this area were samurai.
- The Supreme Court of Japan and the home of the Prime Minister of Japan are both in Chiyoda.
- The Imperial Palace area occupies about one-sixth of the area of Chiyoda.
- Chiyoda translates to "field of a thousand generations".
- Chiyoda is home to 36,233 business establishments.
Things to Do in Chiyoda
Chiyoda is ideally situated for visitors to explore all that Tokyo has to offer. The ward also perfectly showcases Japan’s unique juxtaposition of the traditional and the modern, with its Edo-period imperial palace nestled amongst neon-lit skyscrapers. As such, tourists often find Chiyoda is one of the best districts to get a feel for the real Tokyo - as well as the perfect place to branch out and explore the wider city.
What is there to do in Chiyoda?
Chiyoda is dominated by its Imperial Palace grounds, so naturally, these are one of the most popular attractions in the district, as visitors explore the history and traditions of the Japanese royal family. However, Chiyoda isn’t all palaces and history - there are also plenty of modern leisure complexes, shopping facilities, and other quirky attractions.
Are there many outdoor attractions in Chiyoda?
Aside from the sprawling Imperial Gardens, Chiyoda also has many parks and greenspaces in which visitors can be a little more active. There are also several other traditional gardens in the district, as well as more modern urban parks - including the famous fountain park near the commercial neighbourhood.
What are some free things to do in Chiyoda?
Chiyoda is had some of the most picturesque areas anywhere in Tokyo, so visitors will find that it is the perfect place to simply walk around enjoying the sights. These include stunning parks and historic temples, as well as several other architectural marvels.
Places to Visit in Chiyoda
There are numerous landmarks and attractions in Chiyoda, ranging from the traditional to the modern and its central location means it is also the ideal place from which to explore wider Tokyo. As the homes of the imperial family, Chiyoda inevitable welcomes a huge amount of both domestic and international tourists and this is reflected in its myriad amenities and places to see. Some highlights include:
- Imperial Palace - home of the Japanese imperial family. Guided tours show visitors around the grounds; though buildings cannot be entered.
- Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum - art museum showcasing the vast collection of Japanese petroleum mogul Sazo Idemitsu.
- Chidorigafuchi Park - a mall but historically significant park on the elevated ground just east of the Imperial Palace. Often hosts boating events in the summer months
- Idemitsu Museum of Arts - a charming museum showcasing indigenous arts and ceramics.
- Tokyo Daijingu - Shinto shrine said to bring romantic good luck to those who visit it.
- Wadakura Fountain Park - a sprawling national park with plenty of grassy areas as well as a stunning aquatic display.
- Marunouchi Building - prominent skyscraper housing plenty of retail and leisure facilities as well as a viewing platform.
Places to Eat in Chiyoda
Chiyoda and its surrounding area offer plenty of choices when it comes to finding a place to eat. Most of the restaurants are to be found on the outer ward limits, as of course the centre is taken up with the Imperial Palace grounds.
Chiyoda is a great place to try fine Japanese dining, with many upmarket establishments offering both traditional and contemporary menus. These include:
- Ginza Iwa Hanare,
- Toyoken,
- Okonomiyaki Kiji
- Urakawa
Alternatively, there are also plenty of western-style eateries in Chiyoda, such as:
- Tapas Molecular Bar,
- Motif Restaurant
- United Diner
- Chez Olivier
Of course, there is also an abundance of sushi restaurants in the area, with Sushi Kanesaka and Manten Sushi being amongst the most highly regarded.
Street Food in Chiyoda
Chiyoda is usually associated with fine dining over street food, however, visitors will find there are still plenty of places to pick up a quick bite to eat - especially on the eastern side of the ward. Here visitors will find a great range of street food vendors, including:
- Tokyo Ramen Street,
- T's TanTan,
- Kitchen Street and
- RestoRamen
Those staying on the western side of Chiyoda also have the option to head over to Shibuya or Shinjuku - both of which offer some of the best street food in the city.
Shopping in Chiyoda
Chiyoda’s neighbours may steal the limelight when it comes to shopping in Tokyo, but the central ward still offers an abundance of retail facilities, malls, and plazas. The best place for serious shoppers is the area immediately surrounding Tokyo station. Here there are several shopping streets and centres - including the 7-storey KITTE mall with sells everything from high-tech electronics to artisan baked goods. Chiyoda also has several other shopping centres to be aware of, including:
- First Avenue Tokyo Station
- Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
- Marunouchi Brick Square
- Tokyu Plaza Ginza
- Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan
- Marunouchi Oazo
Transportation in Chiyoda
Chiyoda is right in the centre of Tokyo so unsurprisingly it benefits from excellent public transport connections. The main city station, Tokyo Station, is found in Chiyoda and offers numerous routes across the city. The main operators are JR East, JR Central and Tokyo Metro for underground services. There are also several intercity services provided by the Shinkansen high-speed lines, connecting Tokyo with cities such as Kyoto and Osaka. Navigating Tokyo trains can be confusing at first, due to the many different lines and operators, so it is advisable to research the relevant lines and journeys in advance. Fares can be paid per trip or by using the prepaid Suica or Pasmo cards - both of which operate in a similar way to London’s Oyster Card.
Other Important Stations Close To Chiyoda Include:
- Shinjuku
- Shibuya
- Kasumigaseki
- Kachidoki Station
- Tamachi Station
Weather Chiyoda
The most popular times to visit Chiyoda - along with the rest of Tokyo - are during the spring, from March to May, when the city experiences clement weather as well as the famous cherry blossom season, or the Autumn months of October and November when cityscape explodes with autumnal colours. However, whilst the temperature in both Spring and Autumn is usually between 10 and 20 degrees, visitors should be aware that Tokyo often experiences high rainfall during these periods and Chiyoda’s proximity to the waterfront means it often experiences windchill that can be difficult to predict. The summertime, particularly August, tend to be popular times to visit Chiyoda, as temperatures can exceed 30 degrees and, combined with high humidity, make for an uncomfortable urban environment.
