National Diet Building, Tokyo

The National Diet Building is where the two chambers of the Japanese National Diet convene. The House of Representatives holds its sessions in the southern wing, while the House of Councillors meets in the northern wing. This building was finished in 1936 and is made entirely from materials sourced within Japan, except for the stained glass, door locks, and pneumatic tube system.

Originally, the National Diet Building's design was created by two German architects, Wilhelm Bockmann and Hermann Ende, in 1886 and 1887. Later on, an alternative plan was put forward by the American architect Ralph Adams Cram. The Diet initially moved into its first permanent building in 1890, but unfortunately, it was destroyed by an electric fire. A larger second structure was erected, and the Diet operated from this building until 1925. In 1918, a design competition was held, and the main structure's design by Watanabe Fukuzo was selected. The roof and tower design by Takeuchi Shinshichi, the third prize winner, was also chosen.

The building designates specific areas to different branches of the government: the central entrance, central hall, Gokyusho (where the emperor rests), and the central tower are under the authority of the House of Councilors (Upper House), while the front courtyard falls under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives (Lower House). Additionally, the National Diet Library suboffice on the 4th floor of the central tower is managed by the National Diet Library.

Today, guided 60-minute tours of the National Diet Building are available on weekdays when parliament is not in session. A Diet guard leads visitors through the Public Gallery, the Emperor's room, the Imperial Family's room, other significant chambers, and the central courtyard.