Culture
The National Diet Building was constructed between 1920 and 1936 and is where both houses of the National Diet of Japan meet. The House of Representative sessions take place in the left-wing, while the House of Councillors meets in the right-wing. Interestingly, the Diet Building is constructed out of Japanese-made materials, save for the stained glass, door locks, and pneumatic tube system.
Plans for the Diet Building began as early as 1880, however, thanks to design disputes, the fall of the Ito government, and two separate fires (destroying the first building in 1891 and the second in 1925) they were postponed. It wasn’t until 1918 when a public design competition sponsored by the Finance Ministry that the design by Watanabe Fukuzo won and a final image for the building was created.
Tour of the House of Representatives
Free English tours are available of the National Diet, for non-Japanese visitors. Each session takes about 60 minutes, with slots limited and advance email reservation required. They take place every weekday afternoon (3pm, or 2pm on Mondays).
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Tour of the House of Councillors
A free 60-minute tour can be joined without prior reservation, during visiting hours. A Diet guard will escort visitors through the House of Councillors, taking in highlights such as the Public Gallery, Emperor's Room and Front Courtyard.
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Tokyo
0.5km away