Akasaka Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, food, and accommodation options in Akasaka, a culturally rich neighborhood in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.


Introduction to Akasaka

Akasaka is a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood located in Minato, one of Tokyo’s 23 wards. Known for its blend of traditional and modern attractions, Akasaka offers visitors a unique experience that highlights the best of Japan’s culture and history.

The neighborhood is home to several high-end hotels, traditional restaurants, museums, and temples, making it a favorite destination for both tourists and locals. The famous Akasaka Palace, the official state guesthouse, and a popular tourist attraction, is also located here.

If you’re planning to visit Tokyo, make sure to include Akasaka in your itinerary. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit, activities to try, food and drink options, and accommodation choices in Akasaka.

List of Places to Visit in Akasaka

There’s no shortage of attractions in Akasaka, and it’s easy to spend several days exploring the neighborhood. Here are some of the top places to visit in Akasaka:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Akasaka Palace
  2. Hattori Hanzo Samurai Museum
  3. National Art Center, Tokyo
  4. Suntory Museum of Art
  5. Hie Shrine
  6. Togo Shrine
  7. Akasaka Sacas

Akasaka’s cultural heritage is well-preserved, and there are several museums and historical places worth exploring. The Akasaka Palace, built in 1909, is an architectural marvel that served as a residence for the Japanese Imperial Family. The Hattori Hanzo Samurai Museum is another must-visit attraction for history buffs, with a vast collection of samurai artifacts and weapons on display.

The National Art Center, Tokyo, and the Suntory Museum of Art are perfect for art enthusiasts looking to soak in some local culture. The Hie Shrine and Togo Shrine are also worth visiting for their scenic beauty and spiritual significance.

If you’re in the mood for some shopping, Akasaka Sacas is a modern shopping complex with several high-end stores, restaurants, and entertainment options to choose from.

Natural Attractions of Akasaka: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Akasaka Imperial Grounds
  2. Hinokicho Park
  3. Mouri Garden
  4. Central National Route No. 20

While Akasaka boasts several cultural attractions, it’s also a haven for nature lovers looking to spend some time outdoors. The Akasaka Imperial Grounds is a lush green oasis amidst the bustling city, spread over 51 hectares with several walking paths, gardens, and ponds.

Hinokicho Park is another popular park with a Japanese-style garden, a pond, and several walking trails. The Mouri Garden, located within the Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower, is a serene and tranquil spot perfect for relaxation.

Central National Route No. 20 is a must-visit for biking enthusiasts, with a scenic route that passes through several tourist attractions and provides stunning views of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Akasaka

Akasaka offers several biking and hiking routes that are perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the best ones to try:

  1. Akasaka Imperial Grounds Hiking Trail
  2. Central National Route No. 20 Biking Trail
  3. Hinokicho Park to Aoyama Cemetery Hiking Trail
  4. Ark Hills to Roppongi Hills Biking Trail
  5. MOGRA Roppongi to Akasaka Sacas Biking Trail

These routes offer scenic views of Akasaka and are a great way to explore the neighborhood at your own pace.

Best Things to Do in Akasaka: Activities and Tours

Here are some fun activities and tours to try during your visit to Akasaka:

  1. Samurai Experience at Hattori Hanzo Samurai Museum
  2. Sumo Practice Viewing
  3. Tsukiji Fish Market Morning Tour and Sushi Making Class
  4. Akasaka Food Tour
  5. Nighttime Boat Cruise on the Sumida River

These activities offer unique insights into Japanese culture and are an excellent way to spend your time in Akasaka.

Week-Long Itinerary for Akasaka

Here’s a sample itinerary that covers some of the top attractions in Akasaka:

Day 1

  1. Visit the Akasaka Imperial Grounds
  2. Explore Hinokicho Park
  3. Enjoy a meal at a traditional Japanese restaurant

Day 2

  1. Learn about Japanese history at the Akasaka Palace
  2. Visit the Hattori Hanzo Samurai Museum
  3. Shop at Akasaka Sacas

Day 3

  1. Take a sumo practice viewing tour
  2. Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market and take a sushi-making class

Day 4

  1. Explore the National Art Center, Tokyo
  2. Spend a relaxing day at Mouri Garden

Day 5

  1. Enjoy a food tour of Akasaka’s best eateries
  2. Visit Hie Shrine and Togo Shrine

Day 6

  1. Go on a nighttime boat cruise on the Sumida River
  2. Visit the Suntory Museum of Art

Day 7

  1. Take a biking tour of Central National Route No. 20
  2. Enjoy a meal at a high-end restaurant

Food and Drink Scene of Akasaka

Akasaka is a foodie’s paradise, with several restaurants and bars showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Sushi
  2. Ramen
  3. Takoyaki
  4. Okonomiyaki
  5. Yakitori

Akasaka boasts several restaurants that offer these dishes and more, including high-end Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional izakayas.

Local Beverages

  1. Sake
  2. Shochu
  3. Whiskey

Akasaka is also known for its local breweries and distilleries, producing some of the best sake, shochu, and whiskey in the country.

Where to Stay in Akasaka: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Akasaka offers several accommodation options to choose from, catering to all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best choices:

  1. Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
  2. ANA InterContinental Tokyo
  3. The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
  4. First Cabin Akasaka
  5. Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier Tokyo Akasaka

These hotels offer luxurious amenities, convenient locations, and excellent service.

What to Buy in Akasaka: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to buy in Akasaka:

  1. Sake
  2. Shochu
  3. Japanese ceramics
  4. Traditional Japanese clothing
  5. Japanese sweets and snacks

These products are available in several stores and gift shops in Akasaka and make for great souvenirs and gifts to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Akasaka

Like the rest of Japan, Akasaka has several unique customs and cultural practices worth respecting. Here are some essential things to know:

  1. Remove your shoes before entering private homes, temples, and shrines.
  2. Bow when greeting someone.
  3. Avoid making loud noises or speaking loudly on public transport.
  4. Eat with chopsticks and avoid crossing them when placing them on the table.
  5. Do not blow your nose in public.

Best Time to Visit Akasaka

The best time to visit Akasaka is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasant and mild during this time, and the crowds are fewer than during the peak season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Akasaka

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Akasaka:

Do:

  1. Try traditional Japanese cuisine.
  2. Visit the local temples and shrines.
  3. Experience some of the local culture and customs.
  4. Respect the traditional dress code in religious sites.
  5. Practice basic Japanese words and phrases.

Don’t:

  1. Smoke in public places.
  2. Be loud or disruptive in public areas.
  3. Eat or drink while walking in public places.
  4. Display impatience or anger in public.

Safety and Health

Akasaka is a safe neighborhood, but it’s always best to exercise caution and common sense when traveling. Here’s some essential safety and health advice:

Safety in Akasaka

  1. Keep your valuables in a secure place.
  2. Be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
  3. Cross streets only at designated crossings.
  4. Follow traffic rules when biking or driving.
  5. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Akasaka

  1. Drink only bottled water.
  2. Wash your hands frequently.
  3. Wear a mask during flu season.
  4. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
  5. Carry proper medication for any pre-existing conditions.

Getting to Akasaka: Transportation Options and Logistics

Akasaka is conveniently located and easily accessible by several transport options. Here’s what you need to know:

Airports Near Akasaka

  1. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) - 20 km
  2. Narita International Airport - 70 km

Both airports are well-connected by public transport, and several taxi and shuttle services are available for convenient transfers.

Bus Stations Near Akasaka

  1. Akasaka Station - City Bus Route No. 01
  2. Akasaka-mitsuke Station - City Bus Route No. 82 and 84

These bus stations offer easy access to Akasaka and connect to several other locations in Tokyo.

Other Options

  1. Subway - Akasaka-mitsuke Station (Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line)
  2. Taxi - Available throughout the neighborhood
  3. Car Rental - Available from several rental companies

How to Get Around in Akasaka

Akasaka is a compact neighborhood that can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle.

Public Transportation

The subway and buses connect Akasaka to the rest of Tokyo, with several options available for convenient transfers.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Akasaka, and the fares are reasonable. However, they can be expensive during peak hours and in heavy traffic.

Biking

Biking is a popular way to get around Akasaka, with several rental options available throughout the neighborhood.

Where to Go Next from Akasaka: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Akasaka is centrally located in Tokyo, making it an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations. Here are some top choices:

  1. Shinjuku
  2. Harajuku
  3. Shibuya
  4. Akihabara
  5. Tsukiji

These neighborhoods offer a rich cultural experience and are easily accessible by public transport from Akasaka.

Conclusion

Akasaka is a hidden gem in the heart of Tokyo, offering a blend of traditional and modern attractions that appeal to all types of travelers. With several cultural, historical, and natural landmarks, Akasaka is a must-visit destination that showcases the best of Japan’s culture and history.

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