Tokyo's Elegant Akasaka Area: 20 Exciting Things to Do

One of Tokyo’s most vibrant business districts, Akasaka is filled with interesting sights, immersive entertainment, and great food. And though the area is well known in Japan for its excellent dining and sightseeing spots, it’s often somewhat neglected by overseas tourists - meaning that it tends to be a bit quieter when compared with major tourist spots such as Shinjuku and Asakusa!

Below we list 20 exciting things to do in Akasaka. Ranging from historical sites and cultural activities to fine dining and modern entertainment, there’s simply no shortage of things to enjoy in this lively and richly diverse district of Tokyo!

Things to Do in Akasaka

1. Visit Akasaka Palace (State Guest House)
2. Explore Akasaka Sacas
3. Indulge in Dining and a Shopping Spree at Akasaka Biz Tower and Biz Garden
4. Stroll Around Hinokicho Park
5. Explore Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
6. Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
7. Enter the World of Hogwarts at the Harry Potter Cafe!
8. Take a Japanese Cooking Class
9. Explore the Many Torii Gates of Hie Shrine
10. See the Sanno Festival
11. Attend a Traditional Geisha Performance
12. Dress up in Traditional Kimono
13. Relax at an Onsen or Chiropractic Salon
14. Appreciate the Beauty of Hotel New Otani’s Japanese Gardens
15. Discover Akasaka’s Many Surreal Public Artworks
16. Enjoy Unique Architecture
17. Try Exquisite Kaiseki Cuisine
18. Enjoy Drinks and Dining at Local Izakayas!
19. Enjoy the Nightlife!
20. Experience a Unique Hotel Stay

1. Visit Akasaka Palace (State Guest House)

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Built in a Neo-Baroque style, the lavish Akasaka Palace and State Guest House will wow those with an interest in historical architecture and decor. Originally built in 1909 as the Togu Gosho (Palace of the Crown Prince), its grand gardens and opulent interiors hint at a bygone age. Huge gold chandeliers hang from the ceilings, vermillion red carpets line the halls, and the interior is adorned with elegant marble pillars and gold embellishments.

Designated as a national treasure, the palace now welcomes influential international guests such as presidents, as well as hosting international summit meetings. The general public can also enter the spectacular palace and its gardens, for a fee of 1,500 yen for adults.

2. Explore Akasaka Sacas

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Centered around the TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) headquarters, this vast modern complex offers great options for shopping, entertainment and dining!

Akasaka Sacas houses five buildings, including the massive Biz Tower. It is also the location of the ACT Theatre, which hosts a wide range of fantastic performances - including kabuki and other traditional performances, as well as musicals, plays and concerts.

Many events are held each year in the complex’s outdoor area, such as a popular outdoor ice skating rink in winter. Sacas also holds glittering winter illuminations every year, making it a great stop during the Christmas season!

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3. Indulge in Dining and a Shopping Spree at Akasaka Biz Tower and Biz Garden

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A part of the larger Sacas complex, Biz Tower and Garden is a major shopping hub in the area, and is the perfect place for some food and retail therapy!

Most of the shopping and dining establishments are concentrated on three floors - the building’s basement, first floor and second floor. Shops include confectionary store Ginza West, the popular import supermarket Seijo Ishii, Harry Potter themed stores (including a cafe!) and Matsumoto Kiyoshi - a drug store popular for its huge range of cosmetic products. It also has a branch of the popular variety store Plaza Newsstand; a great spot for cosmetics, accessories and stationary!

After a spot of shopping, why not relax in one of the tower’s many trendy cafes or restaurants? A popular spot to take a break is the elegant Aoyama Flower Market Tea House. There’s also a wide range of stylish and reasonably priced restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. And of course there’s a Starbucks!

4. Stroll Around Hinokicho Park

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A serene green space in the middle of Akasaka, Hinokicho Park offers an escape from the chaos of the city. And what it may lack in size when compared to other popular Tokyo parks, it certainly makes up for in beauty.

The park is home to a beautiful pond, Japanese gardens and traditional Japanese buildings. A popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in springtime, it is also known for the beautiful blue hydrangeas which bloom there during the summer months.

The park offers a tranquil escape from the urban sprawl of the city; an oasis right in the middle of one of Tokyo’s busiest business districts.

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5. Explore Akasaka Hikawa Shrine

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Originally built in 1729, Hikawa Shrine offers a fascinating slice of history in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Akasaka’s modern setting.

The shrine’s well preserved buildings are a fantastic example of the architecture of the era, having changed little in the almost 3 centuries since it was constructed. Historic features include shimenawa ropes, torii gates, lion dog statues, and a tranquil garden featuring a traditional bridge.

It offers a captivating contrast between Tokyo’s urban scenery, and setting foot within its grounds feels like stepping back in time.

6. Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

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Among the nation’s most well-known cultural traditions are Japan’s elegant tea ceremonies. A customary way of preparing and drinking matcha green tea, they are often held in exquisite tea rooms, and the practice is considered by many to be an art form.

Akasaka has several excellent venues where visitors can take part in authentic tea ceremony experiences; one such venue is Hotel New Otani’s gorgeous tea room Seiseian. Another is at the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, where visitors can enjoy a tea ceremony with sweets in the hotel’s ‘teahouse in the sky’, located 180 meters above ground.

*At the time of writing in July 2024, Seiseian is temporarily closed.

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7. Enter the World of Hogwarts at the Harry Potter Cafe!

Image courtesy of the Harry Potter Cafe
Fans of the hit wizarding series will surely be spellbound by this recently opened establishment!

Located on the ground floor of the Biz Tower, the Harry Potter Cafe seems a world away from the futuristic skyscrapers of Akasaka. Its grand interior fully immerses diners within the world of Hogwarts, evoking an ambience akin to a gothic library.

The menu serves up a multitude of creative drinks and dishes themed around the world of Harry Potter. These include the Gryffindor cheese toastie, soup served in a cauldron, Expecto Patronum mocktails, and even a Hogwarts Sunday roast!

8. Take a Japanese Cooking Class

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Japan is famed worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, and a popular way to delve deeper into the country’s culture is to take a traditional cooking class.

From ramen to tempura; sushi to taiyaki pastries - there’s no end to the types of cooking classes available to visitors! The Akasaka area is home to several cooking schools offering courses, and among its most popular are definitely the sushi making experiences.

Beloved sushi restaurant Itamae Sushi offers one such class, where experienced sushi masters teach participants how to create authentic nigiri using freshly caught fish from Tokyo Bay. Indulge in an experience that will be truly unforgettable!

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9. Explore the Many Torii Gates of Hie Shrine

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Many people will instantly recognize photos of the thousands of red torii gates which stretch up the mountainside of Kyoto’s iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha. But did you know that Fushimi Inari isn’t the only shrine with mesmerizing rows of red torii?

Located in Akasaka and hidden within lush greenery, Hie Shrine’s distinctive row of tightly-packed torii gates guides visitors up a flight of stairs leading to the complex’s main shrine building. Though much smaller than Fushimi Inari, it is far less well known by tourists - and visitors are far more likely to snap an unobstructed shot of the shrine’s atmospheric tunnel of red gates!

Hie Shrine also happens to be one of Tokyo’s most important; housing the guardian deity of the city, and having deep connections with the Tokugawa Shogunate. It’s also the beginning and ending point of one of Tokyo’s most famous festivals - the Sanno Festival.

10. See the Sanno Festival

Image courtesy of Chiyoda City Tourism Association

One of Tokyo’s 3 most important festivals, the Sanno Festival takes place in June, with its full version only being held during even-numbered years.

During the full festival the Sanno Matsuri Grand Parade begins and ends at Akasaka’s Hie Shrine. This colorful procession of around 500 people is perhaps best known for the 3 beautiful mikoshi (portable shrines) which are carried through the streets of Tokyo, passing through the Tokyo Station area and Ginza. These mikoshi are lavishly decorated, each featuring a phoenix on its roof.

The vibrant festival also includes traditional costumes, exciting drum performances, and eye-catching festival floats.

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11. Attend a Traditional Geisha Performance

Image courtesy of Akasaka Geisha
Akasaka has a rich and facilitating history, and many aren’t aware that the area is one of Tokyo’s 6 remaining Kagai - traditional entertainment districts where geisha live and work.

Recognized worldwide for their iconic appearance, geisha are in fact traditional performers, highly trained in Japanese performing arts such as dance, song and koto playing. Akasaka’s geisha are especially known for their elegance, and they take part in several performances that are open to the public. These include Akasaka Odori, a traditional dance show that can be experienced in venues such as the ATC. Other opportunities to see a geisha performance include during the Akasaka Hikawa Festival.

Perhaps one of the most memorable performances visitors can experience is an exciting Kanrin-daiko show, during which the geisha energetically play massive traditional drums. This can also be experienced during Akasaka Odori.

12. Dress up in Traditional Kimono

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Japanese traditional wear is famed around the world for its elegance, and perhaps the nation’s most well-known and iconic outfit is the traditional Japanese kimono. A popular activity among both overseas tourists and locals is to don a kimono and do a spot of sightseeing - making sure to snap beautiful photos throughout!

Kimono experiences can be enjoyed in Akasaka, and can be booked via Viator. A 2 hour experience includes choosing an authentic silk kimono, obi and accessories with the help of an expert coordinator, assistance with putting it on (the tricky part!) and being given the perfect hairstyle to match. A wide variety of styles and sizes are available, including children’s kimono - making this a great experience for the whole family!

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13. Relax at an Onsen or Chiropractic Salon

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One quintessentially Japanese experience is to enjoy relaxing in an onsen (hot spring bath). With great hot spring facilities located all over the country as well as many hot spring resorts and hotels, this is a hugely popular activity that everyone should try at least once!

Akasaka has some great public saunas hidden in its vicinity - one such place is SPABLIC AKASAKA SAUNA ONSEN, an onsen facility that offers very reasonably priced bathing and relaxation plans, as well as housing a capsule hotel!

Those who want to relax even further could stop by Hannari, a chiropractic salon with the atmosphere of a traditional Kyoto inn. Visitors to the salon can enjoy Japanese tea and sweets, as well as expert massages!

14. Appreciate the Beauty of Hotel New Otani’s Japanese Gardens

Image courtesy of Hotel New Otani Tokyo
One of Akasaka’s most well-known luxury hotels, the New Otani is a landmark structure in the area. And although a stay in one of its many gorgeous guest rooms may be a bit out of budget for some, its stunning Japanese gardens are ranked among the best free attractions in Tokyo!

The hotel’s breathtaking green space boasts a history of over 400 years, and features traditional stone gardens, delicate vermillion bridges stretching over koi ponds, and a truly stunning waterfall. Beautiful in all seasons, visitors can enjoy everything from gorgeous spring and summer flowers to brilliant autumn foliage.

Incredibly tranquil in spite of its central urban location, the atmosphere of this aesthetically beautiful garden is nothing short of magical.

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15. Discover Akasaka’s Many Surreal Public Artworks

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Akasaka is home to countless public art installations, hidden all over the area, beckoning visitors to explore the strange, surreal and captivating!

Tucked behind the TBS building is a small outdoor seating area where 3 towering Ultraman statues stand watch, and 2 sculptures of the TBS pig mascots rest on a nearby bench. Continue further into the area and you will discover perhaps its most striking installation - Hundertwasser’s 21st Century Countdown Clock. This magical clock monument seems straight from another world, and is hauntingly illuminated at night.

In a small park close to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station, atop a tiny hill, stand 2 colossal yellow budgies - they’re know as Polly Zeus; created by Kyoto artist Noboru Tsubaki. Towards Nagatacho Station, on the grounds of the Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, a ghostly white deer stands to attention - a creation by artist Kohei Nawa. On its opposite side sits a massive, colorful flower sculpture born from the mind of Shinji Omaki.

This is just a brief snapshot of the intriguing public artworks that can be discovered simply by wandering Akasaka’s streets!

16. Enjoy Unique Architecture

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Akasaka is well known for its diverse architecture, featuring a particular juxtaposition between historical and hypermodern. The elegance of traditional structures such as Hie Shrine and Hikawa Shrine contrast sharply wth the futuristic towering skyscrapers of Akasaka Sacas - all are architectural marvels in their own right.

Also representing the area's diverse architectural styles are buildings such as the previously mentioned Neo-Baroque Akasaka Palace, as well as the European-inspired architecture of luxury hotels such as the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho.

Other lesser-known structures which stand out from the crowd include the Akasaka Brick Residence and popular capsule hotel Nine Hours Akasaka; both showcasing distinctively modern design. And for those who want to walk on the kitsch side of Japan’s architecture, the bizarre love hotel Hotel Chantilly literally looks like a fairytale castle!

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17. Try Exquisite Kaiseki Cuisine

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Akasaka’s dining scene is certainly not limited to its excellent izakaya - the area is also famously home to many high-end Japanese restaurants, and is a great spot to sample some of Tokyo’s best cuisine.

Perhaps one of Japan’s most well-known and exquisite luxury dining experiences is enjoying a multi-course kaiseki meal - featuring multiple distinctive and beautifully served dishes that change with the seasons.

Among the area’s most renowned kaiseki restaurants is Hanagasumi, a stunning establishment serving exquisite seasonal courses in a truly sublime setting. Another is the Michelin-starred Kien, serving diners fabulous food and easily reserved in English via Klook.

Why not indulge in haute cuisine, Japanese-style!

18. Enjoy Drinks and Dining at Local Izakayas!

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A popular after-work spot for business professionals and even powerful politicians, Akasaka is home to a multitude of excellent izakayas - Japanese drinking establishments that serve both alcohol as well as fantastic food!

Akasaka’s numerous izakaya also suit all budgets - with options ranging from casual to the highest level of luxury. And even many of the relatively cheap establishments provide private or semi-private seating areas!

One of Akasaka’s most well-known izakaya, Warayakiya offers excellent Japanese food, great ambience, as well as a wide variety of seating options! The store’s distinctive entrance and interior is sure to charm visitors.

Another excellent izakaya with a distinctive entrance and Japanese atmosphere is Umaya. Hidden down a side street and boasting a Japanese garden at its entrance, stumbling upon this establishment feels like discovering one of Akasaka’s best kept secrets!

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19. Enjoy the Nightlife!

Akasaka is a hugely popular spot among working professionals wishing to unwind after a hard day at the office, and the area has a truly vibrant nightlife scene!

In contrast with the numerous international clubs and dive bars of Shibuya and Roppongi, Akasaka’s nightlife feels far more distinctly Japanese - the area is filled with izakaya pubs and high-end Japanese restaurants (as detailed earlier in this article)!

These establishments are an excellent way to spend a night out in the city - but certainly aren’t the be-all-and-end-all of nightlife in the district!

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There are also a huge number of bars lining the streets, making it a great spot for some bar hopping! Many of the neighborhood watering holes have distinctive decor, and no two places are the same!

Enjoy the opulent (and somewhat surreal) decor of sports bar The Public Red, or be transported back in time to the glamorous 1920s at Art Deco themed Satin. For those looking for a truly unique experience, why not hit up the Muscle Bar - an establishment entirely staffed by incredibly buff bar attendants!

Those looking for a romantic night can enjoy cocktails with a view at Tchilo Rooftop Lounge or at the luxurious Sky Gallery Lounge Levita.

Akasaka provides the perfect place to get a true taste of the Japanese nightlife scene!

20. Experience a Unique Hotel Stay

Only Cool Stay - Vacation STAY 26944v. Image courtesy of booking.com

With its eclectic nightlife scene, rich range of sightseeing spots and great dining options, Akasaka is also a popular place for visitors to stay while in Tokyo. The area is filled with a vast array of accommodation options - ranging from super budget to the highest in luxury. It also happens to be home to some very unique places to spend the night!

For those on a budget but still looking for an unforgettable stay, why not try one of Akasaka’s capsule hotels? Among the most distinctive of these is the eye-catching Nine Hours Akasaka. The hotel’s striking exterior and interior boast hyper modern design, with capsules which look like they came straight out of science fiction. Another wonderfully bizarre budget hotel located in the area is a branch of Henn Na Hotel - famous for the fact that it is staffed entirely by robots!

Henn Na Hotel - image courtesy of booking.com
For those looking for an apartment rental while in the area, Only Cool Stay - Vacation STAY 26944v features striking decor; perfectly blending traditional Japanese and modern design.

And of course, there’s the opportunity to experience a truly unforgettable stay in one of Alaska’s many incredible luxury hotels - these include the ANA Intercontinental, the Capitol Hotel Tokyu, the Prince Gallery Kioicho, Hotel New Otani, and Hotel Okura Tokyo.

Enjoy An Exciting Day Out in Akasaka!

Akasaka is truly filled to the brim with exciting experiences for all tastes and budgets, providing a great mix between traditional and modern activities!

The area is also located within walking distance of another popular Tokyo district - Roppongi. The Roppongi area is home to superb shopping and entertainment facilities such as Tokyo Midtown, a massive ‘city within a city’ which houses numerous shops, museums, and the luxury hotel the Ritz Carlton Tokyo!

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