Help : Visiting the Library
Frequently asked questions
Q Where is the National Diet Library located?
Q What are the Library's holidays (days of closure) and opening hours?
Q Are there any procedures required to enter the Library?
Q Is there parking?
Q Should I look up anything before visiting the Library?
Q Can I enter the Library accompanied by a child?
Q Are there any other libraries nearby?
We have main three facilities: the Tokyo Main Library (Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), theKansai-kan (Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto) and the International Library of Children's Literature (UenoPark, Taito-ku, Tokyo). Go to each facility's website for details.
Holidays and opening hours vary depending on the facility. Moreover, opening hours for variousservices and Special Materials Rooms may also vary. Please refer to each facility's pages for moreinformation.
Tokyo Main Library
To enter the Tokyo Main Library a registered-user card is required.
Issue of registered-user cards is free, but you will need personal identification documents. Please see"Application by Visiting theNDL" for more information.
You can enter simply by touching your registered-user card at the entrance gate. Please store your bag etc.in a coin locker.
Kansai-kan Library
To enter the Kansai-kan Library, either a one-day user card or a registered-user card isrequired.
Registered-user cards are issued at the Entrance Counter of the Kansai-kan Library.
Issue of registered-user cards is free, but you will need personal identification documents. Please see"Application by Visiting theNDL" for more information. Please be aware that registration procedures may take a long timeduring busy times.
One-day user cards are issued at the Entrance Counter of the Kansai-kan Library. I dentification documentsare not required, but restrictions do apply—for example, you will not be able to use materials in the closedstacks.
You can enter simply by touching your one-day user card or registered-user card at the entrance gate. Pleasestore your bag etc. in a coin locker.
International Library of Children's Literature
Please refer to: "Do I haveto follow any procedures to use the ILCL?" (International Library of Children's Literature Website)
Tokyo Main Library
The Library has a visitors' parking lot (free of charge).
However, since parking capacityis limited (27 spaces) and often crowded, we encourage you to use public transport as far as possible whenvisiting the Library.
Kansai-kan Library
The Library has a visitors' parking lot (free of charge).There is space for about 300 vehicles.Parking is also available for large buses.
Additionally, there are four private parking spaces forthose with disabilities.
International Library of Children's Literature
Please refer to: "Trafficguide・Access" (International Library of Children's Literature Website)
If you wish to read certain specific materials, we encourage you to search for those materials using NDL Search before visiting the Library, in order to confirm whether they are in the collections of the National Diet Library.
If the materials cannot be identified, we recommend that you search using Research Navi or NDL Search, so that you know inadvance about any materials that you might like to read.
Registered users can store information on materials searched in NDL Search using "Cart," and can conduct an immediate document request when visiting us.
You may not enter the Tokyo Main Library or the Kansai-kan Library accompanied by a child.Persons below 18 years of age who wish to use the collections of the NDL should refer to the sectionentitled: "How can persons below 18 years of age use theLibrary?"
Tokyo Main Library
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library, the Chiyoda City's Hibiya Library &Museum, and the Chiyoda Public Library arelocated nearby.
Kansai-kan Library
The Seika Town Library is located nearby.
International Library of Children's Literature
The Taito City Library is located nearby.