Chiyoda-ku has a staggeringly high concentration of leisure and cultural opportunities, mostly found near the Imperial Palace complex. Tokyo is a city known for its concrete expanses, so the greenery of the area is a welcome breath of fresher air to often tree-deprived Tokyoites. The area surrounding the palace is no doubt the greatest attraction here. Surrounded by a moat, picturesque bridges, like Nijubashi, and gardens, it’s an oasis of peace right next to the bustling Tokyo station area. Just to the south of the palace in the Hibiya area, close to both Kasumigaseki and Yûrakuchô stations, is Hibiya Kôen, which has a traditional garden-style space that’s a popular place to stretch out and relax, and also a more active and park-like area.

Yasukuni Jinja, in the Kudan-Kita area near Kudanshita station, also has beautiful stands of trees. For a change of pace, check out Kanda Jinja, known for it’s lively festivals. There are several theatres in the ward, of which the Budokan and the National Theatre are the most notable. The National Museum of Modern Art borders the palace, and you can find a science museum just at the south edge of Kitanomaru Kôen. The Tokyo International Forum makes up a significant portion of the Yûrakuchô area.