Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Akasaka is a polished business district with a quieter side: a palace built for a crown prince, a shrine reached through red torii gates, a temple full of stone foxes, and backstreets of jazz clubs, wine bars and ramen shops. It is also one of Tokyo’s best areas for fine dining.
Quick answer
Getting there: Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line) or Akasaka-mitsuke Station (Ginza and Marunouchi lines)
Time needed: Half a day
Best time: Daytime for the palace and shrines; evening for dining
Good for: History, shrines, fine dining, nightlife
Plan Your Visit to Akasaka
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Overview
| Getting there | Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line) or Akasaka-mitsuke Station (Ginza and Marunouchi lines) |
| Time needed | Half a day |
| Best time | Daytime for the palace and shrines; evening for dining |
| Good for | History, shrines, fine dining, nightlife |
Best Things to Do
State Guest House Akasaka Palace
Built in 1909 for the Crown Prince, Akasaka Palace is open to the public year-round except when official receptions are held. Its garden with a fountain is a national treasure, and there is also a Japanese-style annex. Check the schedule before you go.
Hie Shrine
Behind The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Hie Shrine is reached by a staircase lined with red torii gates and is a popular place for traditional weddings.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin
This temple is known for its many stone fox statues and for mixing Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. Many people come to pray for business success.
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
A quieter shrine shaded by trees, a calm break from the business streets.
Akasaka Sacas
Directly connected to Akasaka Station, Akasaka Sacas centers on Akasaka Biz Tower and the TBS Broadcasting Center, with shopping, dining, stage shows and seasonal events at Sacas Plaza.
Food & Drink
- Upscale bistros, many of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional ryotei.
- Narrow backstreets, some cobbled, with jazz clubs, wine bars and simple ramen shops.
- A ninja-themed restaurant with tricks and magic, recommended by GO TOKYO for families.
See our izakaya guide and restaurant finder.
Best Restaurants in Akasaka
The head restaurant of Nadaman (founded 1830), serving kaiseki in the Japanese garden of Hotel New Otani Tokyo.
- Reservations: see details
Shopping
- Akasaka Sacas for shops and restaurants by the station.
Where to Stay
Akasaka has large hotels such as Hotel New Otani Tokyo. Roppongi is also close. See Where to stay in Tokyo.
Getting There
- Akasaka Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line), or about 10 minutes on foot from Akasaka-mitsuke (Ginza Line).
- From Shinjuku: Odakyu Line to Yoyogi-Uehara, then the Chiyoda Line, about 30 minutes.
- From central Tokyo: Marunouchi Line to Kokkai-gijidomae, then the Chiyoda Line, about 25 minutes.
- From the airports: about 55 minutes by train from Haneda, or about 1 hour 50 minutes from Narita.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- MorningState Guest House Akasaka Palace
- MiddayToyokawa Inari and lunch
- AfternoonHie Shrine and Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
- EveningDinner and a jazz bar
Travel Tips
- Akasaka Palace closes for official receptions: check before you go.
- Sacas Plaza events change with the seasons.
- Book ahead for popular fine-dining restaurants.
Comparing areas? See 23 Tokyo neighborhoods side by side in Tokyo neighborhoods compared.
FAQ
What is Akasaka known for?
Akasaka Palace, Hie Shrine, Toyokawa Inari temple, fine dining and its backstreet bars.
Can you visit Akasaka Palace?
Yes, it is open to the public except when official receptions are held.
How do I get to Akasaka?
Take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Akasaka Station, or the Ginza or Marunouchi Line to Akasaka-mitsuke.
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Explore More in This Area
Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
