Chiyoda (also called Chiyoda City) is one of the 23 special wards functioning as individual cities in the Tokyo Metropolis. It’s the home of the Japanese monarchy and the headquarters of the nation’s political activity. Chiyoda’s varied attractions range from art galleries and concert halls to ancient shrines, stunning gardens and shopping districts.

Surrounded by a moat and gardens, the Imperial Palace dominates the center of the ward. Join a guided tour to glimpse the life of the imperial family. Stroll around landscaped gardens, ponds and Edo-era castle ruins in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and browse a royal art collection at Sannomaru Shozokan. Appreciate great views of the palace at Kokyogaien National Garden.

Travel to the National Diet Building for a guided tour of legislative rooms and observation of a plenary session. Admire the vermilion and gold appearance of the 1,300-year-old Kanda Shrine. This is the venue for the biennial Kanda Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s most important festivals. The Yasukuni Shrine honors fallen Japanese soldiers.

Art lovers rejoice in exhibitions of Japanese works from the late 19th-century Meiji period onward at the National Museum of Modern Art. Have fun with hands-on exhibits at the Science Museum. See Asian, contemporary and European art at Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Tokyo Station Gallery and Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum.

For live entertainment, go to Nippon Budokan for martial arts events and big-name concerts. Watch bunraku puppetry, kabuki dance and other traditional Japanese performing arts at the National Theatre.

Shop for electronics, anime, manga and video game goods in lively Akihabara Electric Town. The Marunouchi Building combines dining and shopping inside a 37-story skyscraper. Browse high-end fashion outlets, dine at streetside stalls and mingle with locals at lively izakaya pubs in the Yurakucho district.

Chiyoda is bordered by the Bunkyo, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku and Taito wards. The JR Yamanote train line completes almost a full circle around the neighborhood. Travel around easily by using the trains and subway.