Guidebook for Minato-ku
Sightseeing
A beautiful and peaceful Shrine just a short walk from the apartment -walk there on your way to Roppongi .
Hikawa Shrine (氷川神社 Hikawa-jinja?) is a Japanese Shinto shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan. In Tokyo, it is the best known of the 59 branch shrines of the Hikawa jinja,[1] which was designated as the chief Shinto shrine (ichinomiya) for the former Musashi province.
The shrine structures were constructed in 1730 under the patronage of Tokugawa Yoshimune. This became Yoshimune's personal shrine.
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Santuario Hikawa
6-chōme-10-12 AkasakaA beautiful and peaceful Shrine just a short walk from the apartment -walk there on your way to Roppongi .
Hikawa Shrine (氷川神社 Hikawa-jinja?) is a Japanese Shinto shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan. In Tokyo, it is the best known of the 59 branch shrines of the Hikawa jinja,[1] which was designated as the chief Shinto shrine (ichinomiya) for the former Musashi province.
The shrine structures were constructed in 1730 under the patronage of Tokugawa Yoshimune. This became Yoshimune's personal shrine.
The Imperial Palace, where their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, is situated in the center of Tokyo. The palace is surrounded by a water-filled moat and tree-covered grounds - a precious taste of nature within the bustling metropolitan city. Kokyo Gaien (Imperial Palace Outer Garden), Kokyo Higashi Gyoen (Imperial Palace East Garden) and Kita-no-maru-koen Park are all open to the public free of charge.
Also a popular Scenic Running /Jogging course ( 5 Km loop) .
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Palazzo Imperiale
1-1 ChiyodaThe Imperial Palace, where their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, is situated in the center of Tokyo. The palace is surrounded by a water-filled moat and tree-covered grounds - a precious taste of nature within the bustling metropolitan city. Kokyo Gaien (Imperial Palace Outer Garden), Kokyo Higashi Gyoen (Imperial Palace East Garden) and Kita-no-maru-koen Park are all open to the public free of charge.
Also a popular Scenic Running /Jogging course ( 5 Km loop) .
Arts & Culture
Spectacular Shrine - easy 5 min walk .
The Hie Shrine (日枝神社 Hie Jinja?) is a Shinto shrine . Its June 15 Sannō Matsuri is one of the three great Japanese festivals of Edo (the forerunner of Tokyo).
The main god of the shrine is Ōyamakui-no-kami.
The date of establishment of the Hie Shrine is uncertain. According to one theory, Ōta Dōkan established it in 1478. Another theory identifies the Hie with the Sannō Shrine mentioned in a 1362 record of the Kumano Nachi Taisha.
Tokugawa Ieyasu relocated it to the grounds of Edo Castle, and in 1604 his son Tokugawa Hidetada moved it out, so the people of Edo could worship there. The shaden was lost to the Great Fire of Meireki of 1657, and in 1659 Tokugawa Ietsuna rebuilt it at its present location. The shrine stands southwest of the castle, in the ura kimon direction according to onmyōdō.
From 1871 through 1946, the Hie Shrine was officially designated one of the Kanpei-taisha (官幣大社), meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines.[1]
The shaden was lost again to the bombing of Tokyo during World War II. The present structure dates from 1958.
The Hie Shrine possesses one National Treasure, a tachi (single-edged sword). It also holds 14 Important Cultural Assets, 13 swords and one naginata. The shrine is also one of the most popular for Japanese families to visit during the Shichi-Go-San coming-of-age festival.
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Hie Shrine Homotsuden
2-chōme-10-5 NagatachōSpectacular Shrine - easy 5 min walk .
The Hie Shrine (日枝神社 Hie Jinja?) is a Shinto shrine . Its June 15 Sannō Matsuri is one of the three great Japanese festivals of Edo (the forerunner of Tokyo).
The main god of the shrine is Ōyamakui-no-kami.
The date of establishment of the Hie Shrine is uncertain. According to one theory, Ōta Dōkan established it in 1478. Another theory identifies the Hie with the Sannō Shrine mentioned in a 1362 record of the Kumano Nachi Taisha.
Tokugawa Ieyasu relocated it to the grounds of Edo Castle, and in 1604 his son Tokugawa Hidetada moved it out, so the people of Edo could worship there. The shaden was lost to the Great Fire of Meireki of 1657, and in 1659 Tokugawa Ietsuna rebuilt it at its present location. The shrine stands southwest of the castle, in the ura kimon direction according to onmyōdō.
From 1871 through 1946, the Hie Shrine was officially designated one of the Kanpei-taisha (官幣大社), meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines.[1]
The shaden was lost again to the bombing of Tokyo during World War II. The present structure dates from 1958.
The Hie Shrine possesses one National Treasure, a tachi (single-edged sword). It also holds 14 Important Cultural Assets, 13 swords and one naginata. The shrine is also one of the most popular for Japanese families to visit during the Shichi-Go-San coming-of-age festival.
Hidden away in the back streets between Nogizaka and Roppongi Stations, as you approach the National Art Center Tokyo, it looms like a giant melting iceberg, its organic curves a stunning contrast to the perpendicular concrete boxes in the neighbourhood which surrounds it.
Entering the museum grounds, don’t be fooled by the prominent ticket booth to the right. Entrance to the museum itself is free. They sell art exhibition tickets needed only for the ‘special exhibitions’ of which there are always one or two occupying the galleries on the ground floor of the complex. To be fair, the special exhibitions are usually of top quality, and if you’ve come this far and you have the disposable yen, they’d probably be worth checking out.
The Atrium of the National Art Center, Tokyo
The atrium also is a stunning airy space with restaurants perched on pedestals
However, the great thing about the National Art Center Tokyo, is that there are almost always free shows occupying the galleries on the second and third floors which you are welcome to wander in and out of. Enquire at the information desk on the ground floor when you arrive for English info .
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Centro Nazionale d'Arte, Tokyo
7-chōme-22-2 RoppongiHidden away in the back streets between Nogizaka and Roppongi Stations, as you approach the National Art Center Tokyo, it looms like a giant melting iceberg, its organic curves a stunning contrast to the perpendicular concrete boxes in the neighbourhood which surrounds it.
Entering the museum grounds, don’t be fooled by the prominent ticket booth to the right. Entrance to the museum itself is free. They sell art exhibition tickets needed only for the ‘special exhibitions’ of which there are always one or two occupying the galleries on the ground floor of the complex. To be fair, the special exhibitions are usually of top quality, and if you’ve come this far and you have the disposable yen, they’d probably be worth checking out.
The Atrium of the National Art Center, Tokyo
The atrium also is a stunning airy space with restaurants perched on pedestals
However, the great thing about the National Art Center Tokyo, is that there are almost always free shows occupying the galleries on the second and third floors which you are welcome to wander in and out of. Enquire at the information desk on the ground floor when you arrive for English info .
Shopping
As a gallery, select shop and event space that celebrates the very best of Japanese design – particularly the kind that fuses traditional and modern styles – Wa Space is everything it should be. It's not obvious – you'll find it up a small side street in Akasaka, a beautiful wooden sliding door giving way to the wonders within. The interior is architect-designed, with rough wooden beams acting as partitions in the L-shaped space, dividing it up into an exhibition area and shop, while allowing light to circulate and the eye to wander. And the products on display are very clearly curated to appeal to both those with an eye for serious art as well as those who are looking to upgrade their souvenir shopping. You might find, for example, a piece by Ryoichi Kobayashi for ¥250,000 but you could just as easily pick up a pair of colourful zouri slippers for ¥4,200. Wa Space holds monthly artist exhibitions and regularly rotates their product selection, with all items also available via their online shop.
WA SPACE
As a gallery, select shop and event space that celebrates the very best of Japanese design – particularly the kind that fuses traditional and modern styles – Wa Space is everything it should be. It's not obvious – you'll find it up a small side street in Akasaka, a beautiful wooden sliding door giving way to the wonders within. The interior is architect-designed, with rough wooden beams acting as partitions in the L-shaped space, dividing it up into an exhibition area and shop, while allowing light to circulate and the eye to wander. And the products on display are very clearly curated to appeal to both those with an eye for serious art as well as those who are looking to upgrade their souvenir shopping. You might find, for example, a piece by Ryoichi Kobayashi for ¥250,000 but you could just as easily pick up a pair of colourful zouri slippers for ¥4,200. Wa Space holds monthly artist exhibitions and regularly rotates their product selection, with all items also available via their online shop.
Tokyo Midtown is a city within the city in the center of Tokyo's Roppongi district. Opened in 2007, the complex includes apartments, offices, shops, restaurants, museums, park space and a luxury hotel. In its center stands one of Tokyo's tallest buildings, the 248 meter tall Midtown Tower.
The top floors of the Midtown Tower are occupied by the Ritz Carlton Tokyo, one of Japan's best hotels. Tourists who want to enjoy the view from the building can either stay overnight at the hotel (room rates range from 40,000 to 2,000,000 yen per night) or visit one of its high-end restaurants.
The Galleria building is an elegant 4-story shopping and dining complex that also houses the Suntory Museum of Art, one of the museums of the "Art Triangle Roppongi". Green space is found behind the buildings of Tokyo Midtown, including a pleasant Japanese style garden named Hinokicho Park.
Midtown Tower
At 248 meters, Midtown Tower is one of Tokyo's tallest buildings. While office space occupies most of the building, the top floors make up the world class Ritz-Carlton Tokyo hotel and the lower floors contain conference space, a medical center and a few shops. The restaurants and bars of the Ritz Carlton are also open to non-staying guests.
Suntory Museum of Art
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
Closed: Tuesdays, January 1, between exhibitions
Admission: varies by exhibition
The Suntory Museum of Art shows five or six exhibitions per year, which usually focus on a particular style or theme of traditional Japanese art. Bringing the joy of art to regular life has been one of the museum's guiding principles since its foundation. First opened in 1961, the museum was relocated here with the opening of Tokyo Midtown in 2007.
Galleria
Shops: typically 11:00 to 21:00
Restaurants: typically 11:00 to 24:00
Galleria is Tokyo Midtown's main shopping area, and has a large number of attractive high end shops. The building itself is very attractively designed with wooden hues, soft lighting and a spacious central walkway that extends to the top of the four story structure. Visitors can find fashion, interior design, cafes, restaurants and a 24 hour supermarket.
Hinokicho Park
Hinokicho Park is a Japanese style garden that belongs to the city and is located on the former site of a feudal lord's villa. Next to it, the Midtown Garden offers even more green space and has a number of cherry trees that flower during the cherry blossom season in late March and early April. Tokyo Midtown's various gardens make it one of the greenest city redevelopments in the capital.
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Tokyo Midtown
9-chōme-7-1 AkasakaTokyo Midtown is a city within the city in the center of Tokyo's Roppongi district. Opened in 2007, the complex includes apartments, offices, shops, restaurants, museums, park space and a luxury hotel. In its center stands one of Tokyo's tallest buildings, the 248 meter tall Midtown Tower.
The top floors of the Midtown Tower are occupied by the Ritz Carlton Tokyo, one of Japan's best hotels. Tourists who want to enjoy the view from the building can either stay overnight at the hotel (room rates range from 40,000 to 2,000,000 yen per night) or visit one of its high-end restaurants.
The Galleria building is an elegant 4-story shopping and dining complex that also houses the Suntory Museum of Art, one of the museums of the "Art Triangle Roppongi". Green space is found behind the buildings of Tokyo Midtown, including a pleasant Japanese style garden named Hinokicho Park.
Midtown Tower
At 248 meters, Midtown Tower is one of Tokyo's tallest buildings. While office space occupies most of the building, the top floors make up the world class Ritz-Carlton Tokyo hotel and the lower floors contain conference space, a medical center and a few shops. The restaurants and bars of the Ritz Carlton are also open to non-staying guests.
Suntory Museum of Art
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
Closed: Tuesdays, January 1, between exhibitions
Admission: varies by exhibition
The Suntory Museum of Art shows five or six exhibitions per year, which usually focus on a particular style or theme of traditional Japanese art. Bringing the joy of art to regular life has been one of the museum's guiding principles since its foundation. First opened in 1961, the museum was relocated here with the opening of Tokyo Midtown in 2007.
Galleria
Shops: typically 11:00 to 21:00
Restaurants: typically 11:00 to 24:00
Galleria is Tokyo Midtown's main shopping area, and has a large number of attractive high end shops. The building itself is very attractively designed with wooden hues, soft lighting and a spacious central walkway that extends to the top of the four story structure. Visitors can find fashion, interior design, cafes, restaurants and a 24 hour supermarket.
Hinokicho Park
Hinokicho Park is a Japanese style garden that belongs to the city and is located on the former site of a feudal lord's villa. Next to it, the Midtown Garden offers even more green space and has a number of cherry trees that flower during the cherry blossom season in late March and early April. Tokyo Midtown's various gardens make it one of the greenest city redevelopments in the capital.
The Best Store for Electronics: Bic Camera Shibuya
Bic Camera is not only an extremely popular electronics store - it's also foreigner-friendly and tax-free for tourists .
There are always English-speaking staff on shift.
At Bic Camera, if you’re a foreign visitor, you can buy all items free of tax. All you have to do is show your passport at the checkout. Another thing that makes Bic Camera special is its wide range and large number of products, from the latest equipment to more familiar everyday goods. Rice cookers, cameras , Japanese toilet seats .. you name it !
With so much more on offer than the usual sake, sports equipment, and electronics, we recommend Bic Camera to those searching for souvenirs that are a little bit different.
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything in particular, just browsing through the latest technology is a fun way to spend an afternoon.
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BicCamera Akasaka-Mitsuke Station
3-chōme-21-20 AkasakaThe Best Store for Electronics: Bic Camera Shibuya
Bic Camera is not only an extremely popular electronics store - it's also foreigner-friendly and tax-free for tourists .
There are always English-speaking staff on shift.
At Bic Camera, if you’re a foreign visitor, you can buy all items free of tax. All you have to do is show your passport at the checkout. Another thing that makes Bic Camera special is its wide range and large number of products, from the latest equipment to more familiar everyday goods. Rice cookers, cameras , Japanese toilet seats .. you name it !
With so much more on offer than the usual sake, sports equipment, and electronics, we recommend Bic Camera to those searching for souvenirs that are a little bit different.
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything in particular, just browsing through the latest technology is a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Getting Around
Akasaka Station
5-chōme-4-5 AkasakaNearest subway station to apartment
Akasaka-Mitsuke Station
3-chōme-1-6 AkasakaShort walk from apartment
Another station near apartment - ginza , Marunouchi , Namboku , Chiyoda lines ...
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Tameike-sanno Station
2-chōme-2 AkasakaAnother station near apartment - ginza , Marunouchi , Namboku , Chiyoda lines ...
Food Scene
For your morning coffee fix . Just a few mins walk
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BicCamera Akasaka-Mitsuke Station
3-chōme-21-20 AkasakaFor your morning coffee fix . Just a few mins walk
Back in the days of feudal Japan, ninja were top-class assassins who also made excellent sushi.
That’s the premise at Ninja, an Akasaka eatery where the food is as robust as the "fortress" in which it’s served.
The restaurant is surprisingly immersive, set in a dark maze-like cave designed to look like a ninja hideout, complete with treasure chests and a secret bridge.
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Ninja Akasaka
2-chōme-14-3 NagatachōBack in the days of feudal Japan, ninja were top-class assassins who also made excellent sushi.
That’s the premise at Ninja, an Akasaka eatery where the food is as robust as the "fortress" in which it’s served.
The restaurant is surprisingly immersive, set in a dark maze-like cave designed to look like a ninja hideout, complete with treasure chests and a secret bridge.
Famous worldwide ramen chain restaurant, Ippudo caters to foreigners and locals alike — the restaurant provides an English menu, and the waiters are friendly and enthusiastic. The Ippudo classic ramen, also known as Shiromaju Motoaji, combines white broth and slippery soba noodles with a tonkotsu (pork bone flavored) soup .
Ippudo is also famous for its pork dumplings, or gyoza, served fresh off the stove and still simmering with bubbles of vegetable oil. Roppongi is the nearest branch .
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Ippudo Roppongi
4-chōme-9-11 RoppongiFamous worldwide ramen chain restaurant, Ippudo caters to foreigners and locals alike — the restaurant provides an English menu, and the waiters are friendly and enthusiastic. The Ippudo classic ramen, also known as Shiromaju Motoaji, combines white broth and slippery soba noodles with a tonkotsu (pork bone flavored) soup .
Ippudo is also famous for its pork dumplings, or gyoza, served fresh off the stove and still simmering with bubbles of vegetable oil. Roppongi is the nearest branch .