Once home to the families of regional samurai lords kept in Edo to keep them loyal to the shogun, Marunouchi has been at the center of Tokyo’s modern evolution, persevering through the vicissitudes of earthquakes, fires, and economic fluctuations. Your day in Marunouchi will begin with a guided tour with architectural culture curator Shuko Koike, who will lead you through the district’s architectural history, including such landmarks as KITTE Marunouchi, the Tokyo International Forum, and historic Tokyo Station (restored in 2012).

Why Visit: An architecture tour through the heart of Tokyo is a great way to understand how the great city modernized and evolved.

local_taxi3 min by car (2.9 km)

It is a short walk from Marunouchi to the Imperial Palace, long the abode of the Tokugawa shoguns, when it was known as Edo Castle, and now home to the Imperial Family. Take a moment as you approach to gaze across the wide moat to the towering stone blocks of its outer walls. While not all of the Palace is open to the public, you are welcome to stroll through the immaculately groomed East Gardens, home to many historic sites including the few remaining vestiges of the Tokugawa shogun’s former castle.

Why Visit: The Imperial Palace in Tokyo has stood at the center of power in Japan since the early 1600s, first under the Tokugawa shoguns and later the Imperial Family.

local_taxi3 min by car (1.3 km)

Edo Castle was originally surrounded by several rings of moats, many of which have been buried now under roads or other structures (for example, Sotobori-Dori means “Outer Moat Road”). Chidorigafuchi is a stretch of moat located to the northwest side of Imperial Palace that is the perfect spot to relax and reflect after your visit to the Palace. Rent a boat and drift atop the water or take a leisurely stroll along the 700-meter moatside path. The path is lined with cherry blossom trees that form a pink canopy in springtime, blanketing the moat with petals when their blossoms fall.

Why Visit: Chidorigafuchi is a beautiful and photogenic spot to take a break and reflect on all you’ve seen.

local_taxi6 min by car (4.2 km)

Step back into the modern world with a visit to MOMAT, home to the world’s premier collection of modern Japanese art. Housing over 13,000 works of art, including 18 Important Cultural Properties, the museum typically showcases approximately 200 pieces at a time and frequently hosts special exhibitions. Through the art displayed at MOMAT, you can get a fresh perspective on Japan’s most transformative era through the eyes of the country’s most insightful modern artists. Wrap up your day at A Room with a View, which offers sweeping vistas of the Imperial Palace and Marunouchi skyline.

Why Visit: MOMAT’s modern and contemporary Japanese art collection will make you think and rethink the country’s modern era.