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The Ultimate Guide to Akasaka District: Attractions, Dining Options, Cafes & Lodging
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Akasaka in Tokyo is one of the city's renowned commercial districts. It features the TBS Broadcasting Center, theaters, international corporations, and upscale restaurants. In this article, we provide a detailed introduction to the attractions, hotels, and establishments in the Akasaka area.
Written by
Born in Taipei, Taiwan. I worked in the inbound tourism industry in Kyoto, writing a blog about travel in Japan. I joined MATCHA in October 2019.
Hobbies: travel, watching trains, visiting stylish cafes, sweets, collecting seal stamps, watching musicals, taking photos, and others - so many, in fact, that I find it weird myself.
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Tokyo's Akasaka District
Akasaka is in Tokyo's Minato Ward. This bustling area is filled with office buildings and restaurants while maintaining a quiet, high-end residential area. Akasaka becomes a food paradise at night, where visitors can enjoy sophisticated Japanese cuisine, fine Chinese dining, bars, and affordable Chinese food. This unique atmosphere attracts many Western travelers visiting Japan who choose to stay in this area.
During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Akasaka was home to many large feudal lords' residences. After the Meiji Era (1868-1912), it became a residential area for high-ranking government officials and business leaders. Historically, it thrived as an entertainment district, and even today, you can see old ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) buildings as you walk through the alleys. After the war, the presence of embassies and U.S. military housing turned it into a high-class district comparable to Ginza.
The Akasaka area is also adjacent to the Toranomon area, the Roppongi area, and the political center of Japan, Nagatacho. This has made it a nationally recognized place name in the world.
The Origin of the Name Akasaka: Kii-No-Kuni-Zaka (Slope of the Province of Kii)
The Akasaka area has many slopes, and interestingly, none of the slopes are named "Akasaka." According to historical documents, there are two theories about the origin of this district's name.
The first theory is that "Kii no Kuni Zaka" and the surrounding area contained a lot of red soil, which led to the nickname Akasaka.
The second theory suggests that this place was formerly known as "Akanesaka," meaning it was covered with akane (red-tinged) plants. The local dyeing industry also used akane as a dye. Over many years, the name evolved into "Akasaka."
Main Transportation Methods to Akasaka
You can access the Akasaka area by taking the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to either Roppongi-Itchome Station or Akasaka-Mitsuke Station, the Marunouchi Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station, or the Chiyoda Line to Akasaka Station.
Top Five Attractions in Akasaka
Although Akasaka is known for its concentration of office buildings and restaurants, it has been an important area since the Edo Period, with many historical shrines and buildings today.
Hie Shrine
Photo by PIXTA
The history of Hie Shrine can be traced back to the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). It was originally a shrine located within Edo Castle, serving as a guardian shrine for Edo Castle. Later, the shrine was moved outside the castle walls. In 1659, it was relocated to its current site, where it has remained to this day.
The Sanno Matsuri, one of the three major festivals of Edo, also originates from this shrine.
Hotels near Hie Shrine
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is one of Tokyo's top ten shrines. It was relocated to its current site in 1730 at the order of Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun of the Edo shogunate. The shrine's buildings date back to that time, giving it a long and rich history. The grounds are lush and green, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Hotels near Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
Toyokawa Inari Betsuin (Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Annex)
Toyokawa Inari Betsuin (Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Annex) is the only branch of Myozen-ji Temple hailing from Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture, and is one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines.
Shrine-goers come here to pray for success, avoid theft, and find lost items and missing persons, making it a very important temple for the local community. Upon entering the temple, the lush greenery allows visitors to forget the chaos of the Akasaka commercial district.
Hotels near Toyokawa Inari Betsuin
Akasaka Palace
Akasaka Palace is Japan's state guest house, constructed in the 42nd year of the Meiji Era (1909). It originally served as the residence of the Crown Prince (the Imperial Prince) and is now used as a venue for hosting state guests by the Japanese government.
The palace is usually open for internal tours, with an admission fee of 1,500 yen. After going through several security checks, visitors can explore the interior and gardens. The decorations inside the building are splendid and extravagant, making it worthwhile to visit.
Hotels near State Guest House, Akasaka Palace
Akasaka SACAS
Akasaka SACAS is a commercial complex located in Akasaka. Centered around the TBS Broadcasting Center, it houses offices, commercial facilities, theaters, and restaurants.
The name "SACAS" is derived from "saca-su" (to showcase). It serves as a hub for cultural and informational dissemination. You'll also find the Akasaka Biz Tower and Akasaka ACT Theater, which create an urban space that blends commerce and culture.
Hotels near Akasaka Sacas
Shopping Streets of Akasaka
Around Akasaka Station are five shopping streets, each with a different atmosphere. However, they all share one common feature—they become more lively at night. In the evenings, these streets are bustling with restaurants, ramen shops, saunas, bars, and cafes that stay open until late at night. Numerous establishments from the nightlife industry also operate in this area.
Great Places for Shopping in Akasaka!
Aside from boutiques along the shopping streets, shopping options in Akasaka are somewhat limited. There are two larger stores mentioned below.
BIC CAMERA Akasaka-Mitsuke Station Store
The BIC CAMERA Akasaka-Mitsuke Station Store is connected to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. Compared to other popular stores, the crowd is significantly smaller, and the store has a wide variety of products. You're guaranteed to have a more comfortable shopping experience here!
Hotels near Bic Camera Akasaka Mitsuke Station store
Don Quijote PICASSO Akasaka Store
There is a small Don Quijote store on the shopping street in Akasaka. Although there are only two floors, it still offers a complete range of products. Many cosplay items are available to reflect the district's local characteristics and help exude an atmosphere comparable to other Don Quijote locations.
Hotels near Don Quijote Picasso Akasaka store
International Cuisine in Akasaka
Akasaka is home to many delicious food options, offering a variety of international cuisines and high-end Japanese dishes. Whether you’re looking for Taiwanese, Korean, Chinese, or Indian cuisine, you can find authentic tastes worldwide here.
Sansho Qiaofu
Sansho Kofuku is a Taiwanese beef noodle shop and is currently the only one in Japan. It offers the most authentic and affordable beef noodles, making it an oasis for many Taiwanese residents in Japan.
Akasaka Ichiryu Bekkan
Ichiryu Bekkan is a Korean restaurant with a 50-year history in Akasaka. Thirty years ago, it opened a separate branch that operates 24 hours a day, offering just one item on its menu: Seolleongtang (ox bone soup).
Seolleongtang is a rich soup made from beef bones, knuckles, brisket, shank, tongue, and lungs. It is simmered for a long time and seasoned with green onions and salt. This restaurant is also a hidden gem frequented by many Koreans living in Japan.
Hong Kong Hanten 0410 Akasaka
Although it's called Hong Kong Hanten, it actually serves Korean-style Chinese cuisine. But you can think of its menu offering an array of original Korean dishes. It is a well-known chain in Korea as well. The restaurant's signature dish is Jjamppong (spicy mixed-up seafood noodle soup). However, the writer highly recommends Jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) and Jjajangbap (black bean sauce over rice). Each dish is quite generous in portion, making it perfect for sharing among friends.
STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY AKASAKA
STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY AKASAKA is a trendy cafe in Akasaka frequented by many travelers residing in the area. The cafe has plenty of power outlets, making it ideal for remote work. Each cup of coffee is carefully brewed, and their donuts are trendy. Personally, the writer enjoys their coffee latte, and it's delightful to watch the baristas skillfully create latte art.
Accommodations in Akasaka
Akasaka offers various accommodation options, including five-star hotels, business inns, capsule hotels, and even youth hostels. All are conveniently located near subway stations, making them accessible to guests.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is a five-star luxury hotel in Tokyo, Japan. Situated next to Hie Shrine, it boasts a prime location near several major government buildings and landmark attractions, ensuring a high level of safety. The hotel’s design combines contemporary style with traditional Japanese aesthetics, offering guests a comfortable and stylish accommodation experience.
The hotel is fully equipped with multiple restaurants, bars, a spa, and a fitness center, all aimed at providing comprehensive services and convenience to guests. The guest rooms are thoughtfully designed, with many offering stunning city views. Additionally, the hotel is often chosen as a venue for high-end conferences and social events.
Via Inn Prime Akasaka
Via Inn Prime Akasaka is in Tokyo and is the highest brand created by VIA INN, a hotel chain under JR West that launched in 2022. This hotel offers more spacious guest rooms, welcome drinks, and a large public bath among its comprehensive facilities.
With excellent transportation access, it is close to commercial areas and subway stations. By providing a comfortable environment and attentive service, the accommodation meets the needs of both business and leisure travelers.
Super Hotel Premier Akasaka
Super Hotel Premier Akasaka is located in Tokyo and is the premium brand of Super Hotel. It offers comfortable accommodations and advanced facilities near business and entertainment districts.
The hotel emphasizes health and sustainability, providing a complimentary breakfast and a large public bath. It is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.
APA Hotel PRIDE Akasaka Kokkaigijidomae
APA Hotel PRIDE is in Akasaka, near Tokyo's National Diet Building. The PRIDE brand is the premium line of the APA hotel chain, offering a level of comfort distinct from typical APA accommodations. It attracts business and leisure travelers with convenient transportation and dining options nearby.
In Conclusion
Akasaka's location is highly suitable for travelers visiting Tokyo, whether for tourism or business. It offers convenient access to Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Shibuya, with excellent living amenities surrounding the station, making it a highly recommended area to stay.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan. I worked in the inbound tourism industry in Kyoto, writing a blog about travel in Japan. I joined MATCHA in October 2019.
Hobbies: travel, watching trains, visiting stylish cafes, sweets, collecting seal stamps, watching musicals, taking photos, and others - so many, in fact, that I find it weird myself.
more
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