How to spend a day in Tokyo’s Chiyoda City neighbourhood

Moats, bridges and imposing stone walls characterize the main residence of the imperial family, a grand palace built in 1888 and erected after World War II on the site of an older Edo-period castle that once housed the reigning Tokugawa shogun. Open to the public, the East Gardens are popular with locals for picnics and jogging—and anyone interested in Japanese history. But aside from that green heart, Tokyo’s Chiyoda district has plenty to attract travelers. Here’s how to spend a day.

7am: Stretch your legs with the locals

Head out to join the thousands of joggers who have made the castle grounds their running route. A three-mile lap of the Periphery gives you a sense of the neighborhood’s quaint clash of new and old.

8 am: Breakfast in the other palace

Enjoy breakfast by the moat at the historic Palace Hotel Tokyo, designed to reflect the nearby citadel. Keep an eye out for famous faces here too – actors and sports stars often stop by.

10am: Join a bike ride

Learn about the area’s history on a guided two-wheeler tour, and see landmarks like the mighty Palace Gates and the 1914 Tokyo Station.

12pm: Explore the East Gardens

The Imperial Palace was destroyed in World War II, but has been the seat of the royal family since its restoration. Parts of the site are closed, but there are still miles of trails to explore.

1:30 p.m.: Break for lunch

Sushi Mizukami is the home of chef Yukinori Mizukami, who studied with legendary sushi chef Jiro Ono for 18 years. For something more affordable, pull on a bib and head to slurp-tastic ramen joint Ippudo Marunouchi.

4pm: Visit the city’s quirkiest museum

The Intermediatheque in the old Japan Post Tower has a hidden entrance that leads to a collection that includes Persian swords and a menagerie of animal skeletons.

6pm: Enjoy a whiskey aperitif

While the bar maze in Ginza isn’t far, stay close and head to Chotto Bar Ho, a characterful whiskey joint outside of Kojimachi Station with friendly staff.

7pm: Experience Kabuki Theater

Watch traditional kabuki at the National Theater, where actors don elaborate costumes and bombastic makeup. Try a kabuki for beginners night that attempts to demystify the form for newbies.

Published in the October 2022 issue of National Geographic Traveler (UK)

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