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At one point the city’s most celebrated entertainment district, Akasaka still draws Tokyoites looking to relax after a hard day’s work. Here, Korean barbeque joints rub shoulders with exclusive sake bars and high-class Japanese restaurants a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace. Just down the road, Kasumigaseki is Japan’s Capitol Hill, with corridors of power that include the National Diet Building, various ministries and even the nearby palace of the Crown Prince and Princess. The area is also home to its share of flashy developments, iconic hotels, bold-name foreign businesses and embassies, including a very well-protected US presence.
Spa Cristina and Chisun Grand Akasaka
If the hustle and bustle of Tokyo have you looking for a way to unwind, try an aroma oil massage and facial treatment at Spa Cristina. Located in the Chisun Grand Akasaka, a refined and comfortable hotel just steps from Akasaka station, Spa Christina is an oasis in the middle of Tokyo. Enjoy a full range of spa services, from massage to aromatherapy, and take advantage of special discounts and promotional offers through December. Spa Christina’s luxurious atmosphere will make your stay in Tokyo a relaxing and memorable one. 1F East Wing, Chisun Grand Akasaka Hotel, 6-3-18 Akasaka Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5572-7788. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.sky-gate.co.jp;
www.solarehotels.com/english/chisun |
arts & crafts
Fuji Fine Arts
The stomping ground of the nearby Tokyo American Club contingent, this antique store is chockablock with porcelain lamps, Korean chests and other sundry crafts. 2-3-20 Azabudai, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3582-1870. Open 10:30am-6:30pm. Closed Tue. Nearest stn: Kamiyacho.
PORTRAITS
Shiki
Offering a wide selection of Kyoto-made kimono and cosmetics, Shiki will transform you into a beautiful geisha. 1-24 Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3252-6264. Open daily 11am-9pm (reservations recommended). Nearest stn: Kojimachi.
¥(~¥3,000)
¥¥(¥3,000-¥6,000)
¥¥¥(¥6,000-¥10,000)
¥¥¥¥(¥10,000~)
japanese
Yasaiya Teppanyaki Akasaka
This new teppanyaki restaurant in the old nightlife quarter of Akasaka serves healthy and organic food from all over Japan, including quality fish and steak and plenty of Japanese beer and sake. The wraparound counter has a full view of the chef’s grill. Reservations strongly recommended. 104 Akasaka Belgo, 3-11-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3560-3131. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-4am, closed Sun & hols. Nearest stn: Akasaka or Akasaka-Mitsuke.
www.vegedinning.com |
Regional
Cascade
This restaurant at the ANA Hotel specializes in food from Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, including jingisukan (or Genghis Khan, barbecued lamb) and seafood. 2F, 1-12-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3505-1111.
24 hrs. Nearest stn: Tameike-Sanno.
www.anahoteltokyo.jp ¥¥
theme
Ninja
This Akasaka eatery is an amazing mix of architecture and ambience. A replica Edo-period village with ninja waiters, magicians, Japanese cuisine and a maze of dark private rooms. 1F Akasaka Tokyu Plaza, 2-14-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5157-3936. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun & hols 5-11pm. Nearest stn: Akasaka-Mitsuke. ¥¥¥¥
others
American
West Park Café
WPC serves excellent salads, roasted chicken and brunch, as well as other classic American cuisine. 2F Akasaka Tokyu Plaza, 2-14-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3580-9090. Open daily 11:30am-10pm (L.O.). Nearest stn: Akasaka-Mitsuke. ¥¥
GERMAN
Franziskaner Bar & Grill
This bistro specializing in German beer offers some of the finest, exclusively imported lagers in a traditional, laid-back atmosphere. 5-11-12 Toranomon, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3436-6949. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-4am, Sat, Sun & hols 1-10pm. Nearest stn: Kamiyacho. ¥
www.zato.co.jp |
Zum Eichen Platz
This country-style restaurant is like a traditional German home in the heart of the city. Zum Eichen Platz offers an excellent selection of German beers, from Spaten to Flensburger, as well as authentic food items, including schnitzel, sardine dishes and imported, additive-free sausages. Their seasonal course menu starts at a reasonable ¥3,200. 2F Akasaka Dori No. 50 Bldg, 5-5-11 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5545-6623. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-11:30pm, Sat 5:30-11pm. Nearest stn: Akasaka. |
Italian
Pizzeria 1830
A tribute to the first “true” pizzeria opened in Naples in 1830, the eatery uses only the freshest ingredients. 1F Albergo Nogizaka Bldg, 9-6-28 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3402-1830. Open daily 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-10:30pm. Nearest stn: Nogizaka. ¥¥
pub
The Dubliners’
One of eight in a chain of well-known Irish-style watering holes, this Akasaka pub features a friendly atmosphere. B1 Sanno Park Tower, 2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3539-3615. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5-11:20pm. Nearest stn: Tameike-Sanno. |
sports bar
BBC
BBC, or Billiard Bar Cosmo, offers drinks, darts and billiards in a lively downtown location, with an ever-changing bar-food menu and mix of Japanese and foreign customers. Heavy on American bourbons, BBC also features Guinness and other Western and Japanese beers. 2F Mayuzumi Bldg, 3-10-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3585-4838. Open 5pm-late, closed Sundays. Nearest stn: Akasaka-Mitsuke. |
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togu palace Inspired by Buckingham Palace and Versailles, the Crown Prince’s residence
is closed to the public but still
a sight to behold|national
diet building See where the
big decisions are made with
a tour through the home of the House of Councillors and House of Representatives|sanno park tower This high-rise office tower is hard to miss and filled with famous Japanese and foreign firms|hie shrine Dating back to 1478, this hilltop shrine was reconstructed in 1967 and holds one of the city’s most celebrated festivals|hotel okura Home to Orchid Bar, this iconic hotel also has the best ’70s decor in the city|suntory museum of art Founded by the liquor company of the same name, this small museum houses a collection of Japanese paintings, lacquerware and more
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