Quick Guide to Akasaka Biz Tower


2019.09.20

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Built in the last decade, the Akasaka Biz Tower transformed the local area from a rather drab business zone to an energetic, colorful center of all kinds of activity. Like other mixed retail/business/entertainment complexes, the area around the tower (called Akasaka Sacas) is constantly evolving with seasons and holidays, and of course there’s a marked improvement in dining options to come with it, all generally open until 10pm or later.

  • One of the benefits of the location, and the fact that the tower is away from common tourist areas, is that the complex is more relevant to the general population and the area around it. In addition to food and entertainment, there are medical clinics, book stores, flower shops, and pretty much everything you could need all within reach.

    Of course, it’s also perfect for meals in an amazing environment, and some of Tokyo’s best options have opened branches inside of the complex. If you’re staying in the area, having food and drinks is well worth it as you’ll avoid the larger crowds that you get around larger train stations. We’ve put together some of our favorite options across categories, but with the wide selection there’s a lot of cross-over as well!

  • 02

    Cafes

    The Aoyama Flower Market, generally an actual flower store, has opened the Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse, merging modern, healthy food and drinks with an interior completely draped in flowers and plants. They have a seasonal menu with curries and salads, and of course a great selection of tea and other drinks, including alcohol. They also have a flower shop outside of the cafe where you can have a bouquet made or get something already prepared.

    There are plenty of casual options throughout the day as well, and not just your average cafes either. For a quick shot of caffeine pop into espressamente illy, with authentic Italian espresso served by professionals. There’s also a Starbucks on-hand when you want your favorite go-to drink quick and easy.

  • 03

    Japanese Food

    Our favorite sushi in Tokyo is Sushi no Midori, and though it tends to get a bit crowded there’s a reason for that. They have high-quality fish and great atmosphere for very reasonable prices. We don’t generally say that it’s worth the wait, but if you’re generally skeptical about lining up for food this would be the time to make an exception. The fish is straight from the Tokyo fish market, and prepared right in front of you. Best of all, they don’t skimp on the portions.

    If you’re looking for the famous wagyu, it’s hard to ignore Zakuro, which is a shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant, seasonal dishes, and a great atmosphere. There’s also fish for non-meat eaters. It’s also consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in the area, and is priced accordingly. More into gastropub/izakaya territory is Yamato-ya Hanzo, with sashimi, grilled fish, and all of the side dishes and shareable meals that izakaya are known for. This is great food with a more lively, evening-oriented local vibe.

    For something more simple, Tokyo Akasaka Yabusoba is a branch of the well-known Yabusoba soba shop. While the food itself is simple (as soba should be) the interior design is incredible and features a beautiful bar counter and aesthetics not usually seen in a soba shop.

  • 04

    Quick Eats

    If you’re just looking for a quick bite, it’s also worth checking out the restaurants on floor B1, which serve up quality dishes quickly, and also have take out options. Hainan Chi-Fan has some of the best chicken rice in Tokyo, as well as other traditional Singaporean street foods on offer. Smile Kitchen has vegetarian and macrobiotic meals, but also selections with meat and fish, so it’s a great place if you’re in a group with mixed dietary needs. Dashi+ also has Japanese fare and a vegetarian menu with a stylish interior at a nice price, and DO-ZO has traditional Japanese food prepared in a healthy way, with steamed vegetables and main dishes, and lots of fresh, seasonal options.

    If you would like to take your meal outside, Dragon Deli serves up a range of Chinese cuisine with a varied take out menu, freshly prepared in their open kitchen. And DeliFrance bakery and cafe have both pre-prepared and order-made sandwiches, as well as cakes and pastries.

  • 05

    International Dining

    Visitors often feel strange eating international food when they’re in Japan, but the fact remains that you’ll find food from all over the world here that rivals the originals. Mei Mei is authentic Chinese dim sum reminiscent of the old Shanghai, and grigio la tavola does the same with authentic Italian food and a beautiful interior with dark woods, nice lighting, and a more European sensibility, including the outdoor terrace. For a more simple European vibe, Vilamoura is a Portuguese restaurant with a more casual vibe and easy accessibility any time of day, and La Granata is Italian and perfect for ordering a la carte and sharing with your group.

    The famous Bondi Cafe which started near Yoyogi Park has opened the Salty Sunny Bondi Café in the Akasaka Biz Tower, with plenty of Western-style fare and an interior suited to meals and drinks with friends or just to take a needed break rather in somewhere other than a busy chain coffee shop. The Kyushu Pancakes and Eggs Benedict are their more famous offerings, the former being an original creation and the latter being almost impossible to find otherwise in Tokyo.

  • 06

    Bars and Nightlife

    Even though this is a residential and business area, you have plenty of reasons to spend your evening around here. b&r is a quiet, dimly-lit bar for conversation with a partner, chatting with the bartender, or just having some quiet time until the wee hours. MODERN Catalan SPANISH “BIKiNi” has both food and drink and keeps earlier hours, but the mix of bar and restaurant space is great when you find that you also want to order something a la carte.

    Completely different, but definitely unexpected, SMT is produced by a South Korean entertainment label and brings together Seoul-style tapas, Korean drinks, and plenty of modern Korean pop culture all in one place.

    If you’re planning to stay out a bit later than most and have a more lively atmosphere, the Pub Cardinal Akasaka is open until 4am, and to call it a “pub” is a gross understatement. They have authentic tapas, a very modern atmosphere, and DJs playing well into the night. Luckily they also have segregated lounge, bar, and terrace spaces so you can choose from different atmospheres throughout the evening. Plus, if you’re staying nearby it’s a perfect nightcap with an easy walk back to your hotel.

    Bring the coupon above to Pub Cardinal Akasaka on the 1st floor to get a discount.
    Opening Hours
    Monday - Saturday 11:00~04:00(L.O.03:30)
    Sundays and holidays 11:00~23:00(L.O.22:30)

    Akasaka Biz Tower SHOPS & DINING (Directly connected to Akasaka Station)
    place
    Tokyo Minato-ku Akasaka 5-3-1
    opening-hour
    [Shop/Service] 11:00-21:00 …
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    First Cabin Akasaka

    3-13-7, Akasaka Tokyo

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