What To Do in Akasaka: Where To Eat, Drink, Shop and Sightsee (2024)

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Spot 1: Harry Potter café

All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s24)

Step into the wizarding world at the Harry Potter Cafe. This is a special limited-time cafe inside the Akasaka Biz Tower where you can taste test culinary creations inspired by the Hogwarts houses and characters, and shop for exclusive Harry Potter goods. Inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, the cafe's interior decor perfectly captures the wonder and whimsy of Hogwarts, with various photo frames on the walls and an oversized wand hanging from the ceiling, extending to a beautiful light fixture reminiscent of the floating candles in the films.

The cafe menu also takes inspiration from the series’ British origins, with dishes like Platform 9 ¾ Beans, Black Lake Fish and Chips and Hogwarts Sunday Roasts. The non-alcoholic cocktail selection also spares no expense with presentation. Each drink is named after different spells and charms taught at the wizarding school, and they resemble potions, with elaborate garnishes.

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Spot 2: Harry Potter - Mahou Dokoro

All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s24)

Just around the corner from the Harry Potter Cafe, you’ll spot Harry Potter - Mahou Dokoro. Harry Potter - Mahou Dokoro, or “magical spot,” is the one-stop shop for merchandise that adds a little magic to everyday life. Products include apparel, toys, stationery, homeware, snacks, figurines, books and more.

The goods here are not your typical gift shop souvenirs — many of them are exclusive to Harry Potter - Mahou Dokoro, like the wand magnets from the “blind box (surprise box)” collection, which are inspired by Harry Potter’s, Hermione Granger’s, Ron Weasley’s, Draco Malfoy’s, and more. Each wand comes with a mini poster for decoration. You can also purchase a cookie tin based on the birthday cake that Hagrid baked for Harry, as well as stylish Harry Potter-themed apparel. Along with merchandise, Harry Potter - Mahou Dokoro also hosts various events and activities.

Travel Guide

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Spot 3: Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin

Toyokawa Inari Betsuin is a Buddhist temple that is said to bring happiness and health to those who pray there. Secluded from the concrete jungle of Tokyo, the shrine is a peaceful escape from the metropolitan landscape. Toyokawa Inari is famous for its red lanterns and hundreds of stone fox statues, which represent fertility, agriculture, industry and success. The Inari foxes serve as messenger spirits. Business owners often come to the temple to pray for prosperity and fortune, while expectant mothers pray for safe childbirth.

To participate in prayer, it’s recommended to first purify your heart and soul with the temple’s water. Wash your hands and mouth using the water dipper. Then you can proceed to the prayer with a slight bow, an offering, and a ring of the gong. End with another bow after you’ve finished praying.

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Spot 4: State Guest House Akasaka Palace

A brief walk from Toyokawa Inari is the State Guest House Akasaka Palace. The palace was originally built in 1909 for the Crown Prince of the Japanese Imperial family. It was built in the European neo-Baroque style, with ornate and intricately designed reception areas and gardens. It is one of two Imperial family residences belonging to the government and is now mostly reserved for accommodation of visiting state dignitaries. The palace has hosted numerous monarchs, presidents and prime ministers over the years.

For those who want a taste of royalty, the Akasaka Palace is open throughout the year for tours. The main building, Japanese-style annex and garden are all available for public viewing through designated routes. Admission fees range from 300 to 2000 yen, with discounts for students and children. Visitors of the Japanese-style annex are led by a specialist tour guide, and the main building offers accompanying audio guides. Advance reservations can be made online on a first-come, first-served basis. After your tour, stop by the Akasaka Palace Tourist Lounge for their cafe, gift shop and rest area.

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Spot 5: Fujifilm Photo History Museum

The Fujifilm Photo History Museum is a free museum and art gallery showcasing a remarkable collection of cameras throughout history, promoting the photographic arts as not only an art form, but also a tool for historical records. Here, you can learn about more than 190 years of photography history through the lens of over 100 classic cameras.

The collection includes Japan’s oldest “camera obscura,” an optical device from the 18th century which was used for drafting drawings and later led to the invention of cameras. The venue also includes art galleries that feature both domestic and international photographers’ work; the exhibitions frequently change, always promising a new experience.

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Spot 6: Umegaoka Sushi no Midori

Umegaoka Sushi no Midori brings the world-famous Toyosu Fish Market to you, sourcing its ingredients straight from the iconic market every day to deliver unbelievably fresh sushi dishes. Midori’s philosophy is based on the trinity of fresh ingredients, refined craftsmanship and passion for sushi and customer service. As such, they serve incredibly high-quality sushi at reasonable prices. Everything is carefully considered, from the fish to the rice on which it’s served to the seaweed used in their rolls.

Midori’s signature conger eel sushi has been on the menu since the restaurant’s inception in 1977, and remains hugely popular today. The rice ball is a typical nigiri size, but it’s layered with an entire filet of eel, cascading its long tail across the plate. The “surprised sujiko” similarly features an impressive trail of salmon roe over the rice. Midori also has grilled and simmered dishes such as grilled salmon belly and simmered Chilean sea bass.

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Spot 7: Akasaka Fukinuki

With over 100 years of history, Akasaka Fukinuki is a traditional unagi restaurant, specializing in exquisitely grilled eel. They’re famous for their unajyu: broiled eel with dipping sauce served in a beautiful traditional lacquered box. (Fukinuki’s unajyu set is served with eel-liver soup and pickles.) The shop also specializes in hitsumabushi, a Nagoya-style variation where the eel is thinly sliced and served on rice; the dish is divided into four portions, each of which is meant to be eaten in a different way.

Fukinuki has a wide variety of other unique eel offerings: nikogori, braised eel served with a jellied broth; hone senbei, or bone crackers, fried eel bones served with a sprinkle of Japanese pepper; and an umaki roll — a Japanese-style sweet omelet — with a delicate broiled eel in the middle. With a name written using kanji characters that signify quality and nobility, Akasaka Fukinuki remains committed to serving delicious unagi with impeccable presentation.

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Spot 8: Warayakiya Akasaka

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Spot 9: Akasaka Kikunoi

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Spot 10: B&R

For those who revel in the rich aroma of cigars and the deep notes of fine spirits, B&R is a hidden gem in Akasaka — a sanctuary of sophistication for the discerning connoisseur. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by the inviting glow of dimmed lights reflecting off polished wood and dark leather, casting a warm, intimate ambiance that whispers of quiet luxury.

With a carefully curated selection of cigars and spirits, B&R invites guests to indulge in a perfect pairing while soaking in the rich, woody interior bathed in soft lighting. In this serene, wood-paneled retreat, time seems to slow, offering a perfect haven for those who seek to savor the finer pleasures of life in a setting that is both elegant and unpretentious.

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Spot 11: Délirium Café Reserve

Beer lovers will find their haven at Délirium Café, the Asian flagship of the iconic Belgian beer bar, known worldwide and even recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Directly connected to Akasaka Station in the Akasaka Sacas Biz Tower, the cafe boasts an impressive selection of over 40 bottled Belgian beers and more than eight draft varieties, including the award-winning Delirium Tremens.

Guests can enjoy the open-air entrance area or relax on plush sofas in semi-private spaces, making it a perfect spot to unwind after catching a show at the Akasaka ACT Theater or simply for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The cafe also features a range of grilled dishes, including their signature aged steaks, making it a great all-around spot for food and drink.

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Spot 12: Grigio La Tavola

For those who prefer sipping wine under the open sky, Grigio La Tavola offers a sophisticated yet relaxed terrace escape amidst the energy of Akasaka Biz Tower. The chic, understated tables exude elegance, perfectly complemented by the gentle hum of conversations and the soft glow of ambient lighting. Order a class from the extensive menu, or, if you prefer, choose your own bottle directly from the wine cellar.

Grigio’s charm lies in its quiet sophistication; for those who want to do a little bar-hopping, it’s situated beside the lively cigar bar B&R. The warm wooden interiors and subtle lighting create a cocoon of calm, inviting guests to savor every moment. Whether you're enjoying Italian comfort food or just winding down with a glass of natural wine, Grigio provides a perfect escape in Akasaka.

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Spot 13: Heaven