10 things to do around Omo3 Tokyo Akasaka hotel

A sushi takeaway shop located on the first basement floor of the Nagatacho Hoso Building, Yushoku Honten is just a stone's throw from the Prime Minister's official residence. Famous for its chakin sushi and chimaki sushi, the shop proudly claims to have introduced chakin sushi at a royal tea party during the Taisho era, and this tradition has since been passed down through its founding family.

Made with carefully selected ingredients wrapped in delicately thin omelettes to resemble a chakin (tea bag), chakin sushi is topped with sesame seeds, shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts, seafood and other gourmet ingredients to offer a refined taste. Meanwhile, the traditional chimaki sushi is a unique Japanese delicacy, as it’s wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with salted sea bream, shrimp, trout and horse mackerel. With its distinctive flavours reminiscent of the traditional fermented narezushi, Yushoku Honten’s sushi makes for a special treat.

Chakin and chimaki sushi are not only convenient and satisfying meals, they also make thoughtful gifts. Made to order by the Imperial Household Agency, they embody a legacy of culinary excellence.

A popular and down-to-earth izakaya, Marushige Yumehaya is widely regarded as Akasaka's top gastropub, as it has been a bustling spot for salarymen and locals since opening in 2000.

Given its prime location, it’s no surprise that the izakaya attracts a loyal following of company presidents and government officials. What draws them in is the excellent sake and seafood offerings, with over 40 types of sake and 100 types of shochu available. The menu features beloved staples like ‘aburi hoppe no maruyaki’ (grilled pork cheek), along with daily specials.

With fresh ingredients sourced from across Japan, the menu changes daily based on what’s available. The option to order half portions is also a popular choice. The owner invites customers to savour the perfect pairing of carefully selected sake and seafood.

Ichiryu Honten is a venerable Korean restaurant that embodies the rich and diverse culinary history of Akasaka. Located in the same ward as the Korean Embassy, Akasaka has long been a hub for Korean cuisine, predating the rise of Shin-Okubo as Tokyo’s ‘Korean Town’. Since its founding in 1965, Ichiryu Honten has been a local institution, operating 24 hours a day and serving authentic, home-style dishes that have delighted generations of patrons including visiting Korean dignitaries.

The restaurant's signature dish, seollongtang, showcases its culinary expertise. This snow-white soup, prepared through the meticulous process of simmering beef bones for hours, is a rich, flavour-packed dish known for its restorative properties.

The first floor of Ichiryu Honten is dedicated exclusively to this iconic dish, making it a 24-hour seollongtang speciality restaurant. This unwavering commitment to tradition and quality has solidified its status as a beloved restaurant in Akasaka, offering a true taste of Korea’s culinary heritage to all who visit.

Jaime is a beloved neighbourhood cafe, a hidden gem just a six-minute stroll from Akasaka Station. Its Parisian-inspired interior, featuring white walls adorned with mosaic-like artwork, creates a serene and stylish atmosphere.

A standout on the menu is the Jaime Tiramisu, named after the shop. This delectable dessert combines the richness of mascarpone cheese and cold fresh cream with the unique texture of gyuhi, a mochi-like Japanese confection made from rice flour. The bitter cocoa powder perfectly complements the sweet and creamy flavours, resulting in an indulgent treat.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful break during your Akasaka exploration or an early morning pick-me-up, Jaime offers a delightful experience, especially on its inviting terrace. More importantly, it’s open from 8am.

Located just a minute's walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station, Bar Salon Norainu is a hidden gem nestled on the 7th floor of a multi-tenant building. While its discreet location may initially deter some, stepping inside reveals a tranquil oasis. This versatile space transforms from a daytime café to a nighttime bar, offering a range of experiences.

The bar’s popularity is reflected in its inclusion in the Omo3 Amazing Akasaka Walking Tour, with many participants expressing a desire to return. The relaxed atmosphere encourages patrons to linger, and some may even strike up a conversation with the hostess.

Norainu also hosts a variety of weekly events, including unique opportunities to interact with geisha, providing a rare glimpse into a world often not accessible. The venue's versatility extends to private events like live performances and reunion parties. To ensure a smooth experience, it's best to check the bar’s website for its opening hours before visiting.

Just a five-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station, Ginger Sauna Kin-no-kame offers a unique sauna experience in one of Tokyo's most competitive sauna districts. Operated by a restaurant specialising in ginger-grilled set meals, this sauna features a distinctive ‘gingery’ experience.  

Ginger, which is known for its perspiration-inducing properties, is the star ingredient here. Guests can enjoy a ginger-water-infused sauna and ginger massage water bath, both featuring ginger sourced from Hidaka Village in Kochi prefecture. To complement the experience, the sauna also serves ginger water and a special ginger miso soup called Samiso.  

After unwinding in the sauna's forest bathing space, head to the first floor of the building to complete your ginger-infused wellness journey with a ginger-flavoured set meal at Shoga-yaki BaKa.

Akasaka Palace State Guest House
Completed in 1909 as the Crown Prince's Palace, this Neo-Baroque masterpiece is Japan's only Western-style palace. Extensively renovated in 1974, it now serves as the prestigious State Guest House, having hosted dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II.  

Inspired by the grandeur of France's Grand Trianon, the palace’s imposing façade offers a striking contrast to its Japanese surroundings. While the interior follows Western aesthetics, it subtly incorporates traditional Japanese art and craft, reflecting the harmonious blend of East and West that defined the Meiji era.  

The palace grounds are equally captivating, with seasonal blooms transforming the gardens into vibrant canvases. Visitors can explore the main building without reservation, provided they are not part of a group larger than 20 people. Why not take the opportunity to explore this architectural gem and its serene surroundings during your visit to Akasaka?

21_21 Design Sight

A contemporary gallery in the Tokyo Midtown compound, 21_21 Design Sight is the vision of renowned fashion designer Issey Miyake. Curated by some of Japan’s leading designers, including graphic artist Taku Satoh and product designer Naoto Fukasawa, the exhibitions here explore a wide range of themes, from graphic design and architecture to water, food and even insects. In addition to the exhibitions, the facility hosts engaging talks and workshops, offering fresh perspectives on everyday life.

Designed by world-famous architect Tadao Ando, the building itself is a work of art, as it features a vast steel plate roof that reflects Miyake’s signature design philosophy of ‘a single piece of cloth’. The interior, which descends into the basement, is bathed in natural light, creating a surprisingly comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

This Edomae sushi restaurant, nestled within the serene grounds of Jodo-ji Temple, offers a truly unique dining experience. Led by Takashi Okabe, a renowned chef who had previously worked at five-star hotels and Michelin-starred establishments both in Japan and abroad, the restaurant serves exquisite Tokyo-style sushi.

The sushi rice, made from premium Miyagi-grown Sasanishiki rice, is cooked to a perfect al dente consistency. To complement the diverse selection of seafood sourced from Toyosu Market, the restaurant uses two types of sushi rice: the red sushi rice is infused with the rich flavour of red vinegar from Tajima Brewing while the rosé sushi rice is known for its delicate taste.

The menu features both classic and inventive dishes. Highlights include the kuruma ebi prawns which are lightly pasteurised to preserve their natural flavour, and the awabi no kimo sauce, a concentrated abalone liver sauce that demonstrates the chef's creativity. Another must-try is the chirashirazu, a box of sushi arranged beautifully into a stunning patchwork pattern.

With counter seating amid a tranquil atmosphere, the restaurant provides the perfect setting for a memorable sushi meal. Whether you choose a simple nigiri set at lunch or indulge in a sumptuous nigiri course with side dishes in the evening, you’ll get to savour the artistry and flavour of authentic Edomae sushi.

Okumanya

Opened in June 2024, this taiyaki shop is run by an owner from Ise-Shima. The taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) come in a variety of fillings, from the classic red bean paste to rich custard taiyaki.

For foodies, check out the unique and unusual flavours. The Oiso Taiyaki is infused with the savoury aroma of Ise-Shima seaweed while other inventive fillings include Honey Cheese & Chorizo and Meat Sauce & Marinated Onion. In addition to parfaits, cheesecakes and coffee jelly that complement the sweet taiyaki, the menu also offers lunch with a salad and a mini sweet on the side. Okumanya serves alcohol, too, making it the perfect spot to try out unconventional taiyaki over a quick drink.