O AKASAKA SHINJUKU WHY GO?


In this sophisticated neighbourhood, huddled in the shadow of an Edo-era castle, modernity mixes easily with the old. The vast, glass-walled Tokyo Midtown shopping centre sits a stone’s throw from the Akasaka Hikawa Shinto shrine, which dates back to the 10th century. At the peaceful complex, stone pathways connect numerous torii gates and smaller shrines – many guarded by statues of foxes, believed to be messengers for Inari, the god of rice.


WHAT TO DO Akasaka is perfect for food and drink lovers. There are some brilliant bars and restaurants, including the Yona Yona Beer Works Akasaka, a beer hall-style venue where visitors can sample everything from Japanese-made stouts to pale ales. Bar & Salon Norainu, a tiny venue that feels fabulously homely, is also a must – expect kitsch statues, a soothing soundtrack of jazz and fabulous cocktails prepared by kimono-wearing servers. Meanwhile, the quintessential Akasaka souvenirs are chewy wagashi from the Toraya sweet shop, which has made these traditional Japanese confections since the 1500s. History fanatics will delight at the State Guest


House, where they can tour a fabulous former imperial residence styled on Vienna’s Hofburg Palace. The uniquely European building now hosts overseas dignitaries on state visits. If clients are looking for somewhere plush


to stay, Akasaka has some wonderful small hotels – including the Hoshino Resorts-owned, ryokan-style OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka, where perks include free tours of the area.


WHY GO? Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest districts – a tangle of skyscrapers, shopping centres and throngs of commuters. Nishi- Shinjuku, to the west of Shinjuku Station, has the highest density of skyscrapers and office buildings, so tourists typically gravitate east, where the bars and bookstores attract a youthful crowd.


WHAT TO DO Eastern Shinjuku has the best nightlife, restaurants and shopping, including the enormous Isetan and Takashimaya department stores (with spectacular depachikas – food halls – in their basements). The latest addition to Shinjuku’s skyline is the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, which opened in April. Japan’s largest hotel and entertainment complex is home to the Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A ParkRoyal Hotel, Pan Pacific’s Bellustar Tokyo and a 900-seat theatre.


travelweekly.co.uk


DESTINATIONS JAPAN | ASIA


² 28 SEPTEMBER 2023 35


PICTURES: Shutterstock/TokyoVideoStock, Luciano Mortula


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