AKASAKA, TORANOMON

CITY GUIDE Map

Akasaka-Toranomon-Kojimachi

Akasaka, literally “red slope,” is a modern iteration of “akanesaka” or “madder slope,” from the Madder plant that once grew there and was used to make red dye. Akasaka first appeared on maps at the start of the 17th century when the shogunate was established.

Today, Akasaka is laid out over approximately 25 hills and is the closest commercial and entertainment district to the Japanese Diet in Nagatacho. The bars, narrow streets and nightlife that characterise the area between Akasaka-Mitsuke and Akasaka subway stations is contrasted to the more-upscale feel of the area up the hill towards Kojimachi. Akasaka is also home to the New Otani Hotel—featured in the classic 1960s James Bond movie You Only Live Twice—the Prime Minister’s residence, numerous embassies and a number of richly historic shrines.

Housing Japan has a range of accommodation options in the neighbourhoods featured in this guide, whether it be for short, medium or long-term stays. For more information, visit housingjapan.com/short-term or call us on +81 3 3588 8862.

OSAKAYA SUNABA

KOTOHIRA-GU

HIE SHRINE

KIOICHO

On a gloriously sunny day, we began our walk in Akasaka’s neighbouring district of Toranomon, stopping at the legendary Tokyo soba house of Osakaya Sunaba. Serving soba noodles since 1923, Sunaba’s traditional, two-storey wooden restaurant stands like a defender of old-school Japanese style amidst the high-rise, glassy modern office buildings of the area. Enjoy the calm interior and immaculate service whilst you dine on simple but exquisite soba noodles, tempura, tofu and katsu-don. GoogleMaps PlusCode: MQ92+77. www.toranomon-sunaba.com/

Tokyo is scattered with all manner of different shrines and temples, but few come close to Toranomon Kotohira-gu Shrine for visual impact or contrast between old and new. Nestled tightly between towering skyscrapers, Kotohira-gu dates from the 1660s. It draws its visitors to pray for good luck in business, family matters, health and maritime safety. Visit on the 10th of each month for the soto kagura (traditional music and dance performances). GoogleMaps PlusCode: MP9X+R6. www.kotohira.or.jp/

Two shrines back to back might seem like overkill but, when walking from Toranomon to Akasaka, it would be criminal to miss the opportunity to see one of Tokyo’s best examples of lines of red torii (decorative gates at shrine entrances). Located at the rear of the sprawling Hie Shrine you’ll find a beautiful stone staircase lined top to bottom with red gates. Each gate represents a donation by a sponsor. Once you’ve taken your Insta-worthy shots from the top of the stairs, it’s just a minute’s walk to the main shrine. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to explore. It’s well worth it. GoogleMaps PlusCode: MPFQ+XM. www.hiejinja.net

Completed in 2016 and within sight of the Hotel New Otani, Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho is a dramatic addition to the Akasaka scene. The 38-storey main tower is paired with an adjacent 23-storey residential tower. At its heart, the complex has a fully restored mansion house dating from 1930. The Akasaka Prince Classic House was once home to Yu In, the last crown prince of Korea and lieutenant general in the Imperial Japanese Army. It’s now home to a restaurant and banquet rooms. Photo opportunities abound with the classic lines of the house and nearby skyscrapers. In between, Kohei Nawa’s White Deer sculpture stands resplendent. GoogleMaps PlusCode: MPHP+RV. www.tgt-kioicho.jp

BEL AMER

ERICK SOUTH

AKASAKA TORIKOU

HISHIDA BUTTONS

Tucked just inside the front entrance of the Kioicho development is Chocolat Bel Amer. Established in Tokyo, with a factory in Ota Ward, Bel Amer has concessions in the city’s major department stores. The firm recently opened its first stand-alone shop in Kyoto. Bel Amer’s signature Palet Chocolat comes in a bewildering array of flavours and styles. Nothing in Bel Amer’s range, which includes chocolates, Mille-Feuille cakes, biscuits and bonbons, will disappoint. Before going inside, spend a little time perusing the mouth-watering selec- tion in the window. It’s a great way to work up an appetite for your purchase! GoogleMaps PlusCode: MPHP+PR. www.belamer.jp/en/

Whilst there are a number of great Indian curry restaurants in Tokyo, find- ing a good South Indian meal can be a little difficult. Situated right next door to Bel Amer, on the second floor of Kioicho, Erick South offers superb south Indian food at very reasonable prices. Lunchtime and evening set plates are plentiful and there is a range of à la carte options, too. The Goan fish curry is something of a signature dish but everything is tasty. The biriyanis are espe- cially easy on the wallet and a delight for the palate. But leave some room for a Bel Amer chocolate for dessert! GoogleMaps PlusCode: MPHP+QW. enso. ne.jp/erick-south/garden/

On the third floor of Kioicho is Akasaka Torikou. This wonderful little yakitori restaurant has an intimate feel and private rooms, which hold between eight and 10 diners. Torikou has a family-run and homely atmosphere. Food is delicious and much of it unique, cooked in the house style. Authentic binchotan (white charcoal) is used to grill the food. A large foreign and domestic wine list is available alongside a very well-curated range of sake. The polite and welcoming staff speak enough English to get by. Torikou is recommended for those who want a tasty and authentic meal in a cosy atmosphere. GoogleMaps PlusCode: MPHP+RR.

Heading out from the Classic House side of Kioicho takes you up a hill and into the neighbouring area of Kojimachi. A few minutes’ walk away is the delightful Hishida Buttons. A reminder of days gone by, this shop has been in Kojimachi since 1923 and, amongst the sewing community in Tokyo, is something of a legend. There is a multitude of items on display, and staff also make custom buttons for you. Hishida Buttons is one of the charming old shops you can still find dotted around Tokyo—a little Aladdin’s cave. Whether you are buying or browsing, it is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. GoogleMaps Plus- Code: MPMQ+88.