Akasaka-Mitsuke serves as a common stop for both Tokyo Metro Ginza and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi lines. As one of the prominent Sound of Music song lyrics connotes, the hills are indeed alive since Akasaka-Mitsuke sits in an area composed of 25 hills housing grandiose hotels, entertainment halls, fine cafés, and restaurants. Aside from that, the commercial district is strategically situated near the shopping arena, nightlife district and Tokyo’s seat of government.
Akasaka, which literally means “red slope” was formerly lined with the “madder plant," whose roots were used to produce a red dye. The name Akasaka-Mitsuke also denotes the Akasaka Guard Post, which protected the Edo Castle. A smorgasbord of culture, being the seat of various foreign embassies, tradition, and old and new Tokyo, Akasaka-Mitsuke has a lot of eye candy to offer. And after your stroll in this glorious arena, you might be wondering where to eat in Akasaka-Mitsuke, so fill your famished self with the food offerings at these Akasaka-Mitsuke restaurants and shops.
Where to Eat in Akasaka-Mitsuke
Here are some of the best places for a bite to eat in Tokyo's Akasaka-Mitsuke!
- Uoshin Nogizaka
- Nyorosuke Akasaka
- Umaya
- Shabugen
- Akasaka Aono
1. Uoshin Nogizaka
Reasonably-priced sushi will definitely lure you into Uoshin Nogizaka. At this izakaya, offering fresh seafood, you can expect exquisite, high-quality sushi and sashimi since the owners are also seafood wholesalers. The space at this restaurant in Akasaka-Mitsuke has an open, spacious feel thanks to the transparent vinyl walls and rustic design which even uses crates as seating! For foreigners, there's no need to be intimidated since Uoshin Nogizaka's staff are fluent in English. Don't miss the house specialty nokke sushi, a cucumber roll topped with salmon roe, chopped tuna, crab meat, and sea urchin.
2. Nyorosuke Akasaka
Nyorosuke Akasaka's longevity as a premier unagi (eel) specialist in Akasaka speaks volumes about its reputation. Akasaka, once a bustling entertainment district known for its geisha, naturally attracted esteemed eateries. Nyorosuke, nestled on the central Hitotsugi-dori street, stands testament to this history. Word of mouth has solidified its reputation for exceptional unagi, meticulously prepared by generations of skilled chefs.
Setting Nyorosuke apart is its unwavering commitment to the Kansai-style of unagi preparation. Unlike the more widespread Kanto style that utilizes steaming, Nyorosuke focuses solely on grilling. This technique creates a stunning contrast: a remarkably crisp skin enveloping melt-in-your-mouth eel.
Book the ultimate unagi feast at Nyorosuke Akasaka.
3. Umaya
For laid-back Japanese fare in a restaurant with gorgeous traditional yet modern Japanese architecture, Umaya is the restaurant in Akasaka-Mitsuke to visit. Housed in a hidden little enclave, you'd hardly know this charming restaurant was even there. Umaya serves yakitori grilled chicken, pork shabu-shabu, and hotpot and vegetable dishes from Kyushu. Private rooms are available for a more intimate dining experience. Umaya is also very foreigner-friendly and offers an English menu.
4. Shabugen
If you're in the mood for shabu-shabu in Akasaka Mitsuke, Shabugen is the restaurant for you. While a little on the pricier side, Shabugen offers shabu-shabu with the most delicious, seasonal ingredients. Many set course meals, like their 9-course Kuroge wagyu beef shabu-shabu, even include a cost-effective nomihoudai (all-you-can-drink) plan, perfect for celebrations and parties. And each person is provided with their own personal shabu-shabu hotpot, so you can feel free to enjoy your meal at your own pace.
5. Akasaka Aono
Hope you saved room for dessert! A Japanese sweets shop with a signature Akasaka mochi, and a dedication to using only the best raw materials, Akasaka Aono has a main store in Akasaka and a branch in Akasaka-Mitsuke, as well as a few other locations. In addition to namagashi (fresh Japanese confections), this Tokyo wagashi shop also makes mochi and yokan. While only the Akasaka main store has seating, you can take out some of the Japanese sweets from the Akasaka-Mitsuke store to enjoy later or give as gifts. Boxes of their Japanese desserts come beautifully packaged in furoshiki, traditional cloths used for wrapping, and Akasaka Aono is known as one of the first shops to use furoshiki in their packaging. Their special Akasaka mochi consists of a soft mochi made with walnuts and brown sugar, dusted with kinako (soybean power). With a gentle sweetness and tender texture, this is one Japanese dessert you'll have to try in Akasaka-Mitsuke.
The marriage of traditional and contemporary is indeed evident in the sights and the flavors of Akasaka-Mitsuke. With a few ideas about where to eat in Akasaka-Mitsuke, go forth and enjoy the food scene in this stunning Tokyo neighborhood.
Discover Tokyo byFood! Browse food experiences in Tokyo or check out our YouTube channel.
