The Area

With the National Diet Building and many government offices just to the east, Akasaka has always been a favorite place for politicians to socialize. The creation of Akasaka as a "pleasure quarter" goes back to the Meiji Era when the most refined geishas welcomed the powerful into teahouses that lined the narrow lanes.

Today, shopping, historic and cultural attractions mix seamlessly with business and government offices, major embassies and Akasaka's famous nightlife.

Sightseeing Nearby

• Akasaka Rikyu Detached Palace - A Versailles-style structure, this is Japan's official guesthouse for visiting foreign dignitaries. (10-minute walk from hotel)
• National Theater - Facing the moat of the Imperial Palace's Sakuradago, this theater has Kabuki performances in January, June, July, October and November. (5-minute walk from hotel)
• Imperial Palace - The residence of the reigning Emperor of Japan and his family is set on the former site of the Edo Castle, once the home of the famous Tokugawa Shogunate. The Imperial Palace East Garden makes up a third of the Palace grounds and is open to the public. (10 minutes by subway)
• Meiji-Jo and surrounding garden - A long and beautiful pavement links a museum. Enjoy walking in summer greenery or among colorful falling leaves in autumn. (5-minute walk from Aoyama 1-chome Station, Ginza subway)
• Rainbow Bridge - When it's lighted up, the bridge across Tokyo Bay is an ideal place for a drive. (20 minutes by car)

Day Trips

• Tsukiji Fish Market - Open from 4 a.m., Japan's largest fish market is a flurry of sights, sounds and smells. The 5 a.m. tuna auction is especially fun to watch. Also nearby are the Tsukiji Honganji Temple, Sumiyoshi Shrine and Tokyo Central Wholesale Market. (15 minutes by train)
• Ueno Park - Japan's first and largest public park is known for its boating ponds, temples, shrines and museums including the Tokyo National Museum. Adjacent is the Ueno Zoo, famous for the two giant pandas given by the People's Republic of China. (25 minutes by subway)
• Asakusa - On the banks of the Sumida River, Tokyo's "downtown" shopping district is a great place to buy inexpensive souvenirs. (25 minutes by subway)
• Tokyo Disneyland - As if Anaheim wasn't enough, kids of all ages will find lots to see and do in Mickey's Magic Kingdom. (40 minutes by train)
• Kamakura - One of Japan's most interesting cultural areas with 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines including the famous Great Buddha. (60 minutes by train)

Shopping and Entertainment

• Ameya-Yoko-Cho - Japanese traditional small markets and shops where discounted products can be found. (15 minutes by train, Ginza Line)
• Ginza - Those looking for large department stores, small exclusive boutiques and excellent restaurants can find it all right here. (8 minutes by subway)
• Akihabara - Visitors come here to wheel and deal in discounted electronic products. (20 minutes by subway)
• Yuraku-Cho - Besides coming here for authentic ramen and soba, this shopping area is a good place to see movies and get tourist information. (10 minutes by subway)