A Brief History

Chiyoda-ku was founded in 1947 and has been the seat of the Japanese government since the Edo Period (1603 to 1868).  The area is named after a famous local castle, also known as Edo Castle, which was built on the site that is now home to the Imperial Palace.

The main train station in Chiyoda-ku is Tokyo Station but the area is also serviced by numerous stations operated by Tokyo Metro. 

Events

Tokyo International Forum hosts many international conventions and events throughout the year.  It is also home to the Oedo Antique Market and the Mitsuo Aida Museum.

A sumo exhibition at Yasukuni Shrine is usually held each year in early April.  Check the Nihon Sumo Kyokai website for dates.

Also in April, the Cherry Blossoms are at their best around Chiyoda’s Chidorigafuchi Moat. Walk the path around the moat or rent a boat for a romantic paddle around the moat with someone you love.

Check the Chiyoda city festival listings page for details on other events going on throughout the year in the city.

The Sights

The most famous tourist sight in Chiyoda-ku is the impressive Imperial Palace.  The adjoining Imperial Palace East Garden is also quite stunning and is free to visit.  

Famous Shrines in the area include Kanda Myoujin, Yasukuni Shrine and Hie Jinja.

Hibiya Park is an oasis of green and a favorite spot for the area’s office workers to escape

The Marunouchi area is home to many office buildings including the modern Shin-Marunouchi Building that houses four floors of restaurants as well as retail stores and office space.

Another dining option is Yakitori Alley, where skewered and grilled chicken are served with cold beer in a fun atmosphere.

Akihabara is Tokyo’s electronics district and home to many of the most recent tech toys, computers, cameras and game devices on the market.  You can also pick up some Mange or Anime in the area or visit one of many Maid Cafe’s.

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo was established in 1952 and is home to the museum itself, a crafts gallery and The National Film Center all dedicated to collecting and preserving modern artworks, films and other items of note from the 20th century.

Tour the National Diet or parliament of Japan.

There are many great sights in Chiyoda and to help visitors see them all Chiyoda City offers three walking itineraries to choose from.  However, if you want to rest your feet, take a ride on the Marunouchi Shuttle, one of three free bus routes in Tokyo.

Fun Facts & Trivia

The most famous residents on the Ward are Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan. The palace has housed the Imperial Household of Japan since 1868, when the imperial family relocated from Kyoto which had been the imperial capital for more than a thousand years.

The Imperial palace and surrounding grounds occupy twelve percent of the the cities 11.6 square kilometers.

Image Credit: Personal Collection, Imperial Palace, Yasukuni Shrine & Akihabara

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

The event started at 9AM and ran until around 3PM. I got there a bit early and snagged a good seat – actually there are no seats so I placed my mat on the ground at a good location. As the stadium filled, the crowd was well mannered and although the facility was full everyone was friendly.

The dohyo or sumo ring is made of packed clay and consists of a square platform with a circle made of dirt-packed straw bales imbedded in its surface. The dohyo is between 34 and 60 cm. in height and the diameter of the inner circle is 4.55 meters.

We started the day with the blessing of the dohyo.

Then the junior wrestlers filed out for some practice.

Next came the Dohyo-iri, or formal ring entering ceremony, which is performed by members of the top two divisions in Sumo. Each wrestler is wearing a kesho-mawashi or ceremonial apron. These richly embroidered silk aprons can cost anywhere from 400,000 to 500,000 yen ($4,000-$5,000 USD).

In between the rankings we were treated to a a taiko drum performance and light hearted sumo skit that made me laugh out loud.

Then Yokuzuna (grand champion) Asashoryu made his entrance wearing a massive braided hemp rope that weighs between 25 to 35 pounds that is tied in an elaborate bow at the back and ornamented in the front with strips of paper hanging in zigzag patterns. The yokuzuna is attended by a senior gyoji (referee) and two other wrestlers, one carrying a ceremonial sword. Here are some shots of Yokuzuna Asashoryu:

The concluding rite of the day is the “bow dance” which became part of Sumo custom sometime during the Edo Period when a winning wrestler was awarded a prize of a bow and to express his satisfaction and appreciation performed this dance.

Let me end by saying that this was an awesome event and it will go on my calendar again next year with a big red “must do” note beside it! I’ll be sure to let you know the date so that you can join me!

Check out some more of my photos from the event on my personal blog.

Photo Credit: Personal Collection Source: Grand Sumo Home Page

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler