Located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Akasaka Sacas is a complex in Akasaka 5-chome, Minato-ku. The word “Sakas” in Akasaka Sakas means both “cherry blossom” and hills which is a crafty little play on words referencing the Sakura and the many hills in Akasaka.
It is designed around the TBS main headquarters and contains five buildings, which house shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
It is directly underground from Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, and about an 8-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station on the Marunouchi and Ginza Lines.
The marketing team call it “a city within a city”, and it’s one of Tokyo’s newest mini-cities along with Roppongi Hills and Midtown. It’s an exciting place to visit if you’re a fan of media and entertainment as it contains a full-size theater and live venue for theatrical and musical performances.
Key Takeaways
- A new complex opened in 2008 and is
- Designed around the TBS main headquarters.
- Contains five buildings, which house shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- One of Tokyo’s newest mini-cities.
- Contains a full-size theater and live venue for theatrical and musical performances.
- On the Ginza and Marunouchi Subway lines
Location
Akasaka Sacas is in the Minato ward of and is a popular destination due to its central location and easy access to public transportation.
The closest subway station is Akasaka Mitsuke Station, which is served by the Ginza and Marunouchi subway lines. From there, you can explore the surrounding area on foot or take a short taxi ride to other popular destinations in Tokyo.
One of the main draws is its proximity to the Akasaka Palace, a former imperial residence that is now used for state occasions and other important events. The palace is just a short walk from the center of Akasaka Sacas and is open to the public on certain days throughout the year.
In addition to its cultural attractions, it is also home to restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine as well as international options, making it a great destination for foodies.
Features
The facility is also home to entertainment areas, including the live music club Akasaka BLITZ and the Akasaka ACT Theater. Other facilities include the adjacent Sacas Plaza, where TBS events are held, and the Akasaka Biz Tower, which houses cafes, bars, restaurants, and other food outlets and stores selling a wide variety of items.
One of the main buildings in Akasaka Sacas is the TBS headquarters, which houses the TBS Broadcasting Center. You can explore the center and learn about the history of broadcasting in Japan.
The Akasaka ACT Theater is another must-visit attraction, offering a wide range of entertainment, including plays, musicals, and kabuki performances. Note that most performances are in Japanese.
There’s also a shopping mall or you can grab a meal at one of the many restaurants, or shop for souvenirs and other items at the mall. It is open from 11am to 8pm, but check the specific hours of each shop and restaurant before visiting.
For those looking for office spaces, Akasaka Sacas offers the Biz Tower, which gives you modern and comfortable office spaces for businesses. The tower also features conference rooms and other amenities for business meetings and events.
Cherry Blossom
As we said Akasaka Sacas is a play on the word for Sakura or saku and alludes to cherry blossoms. So it makes sense that area around the complex is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with approximately 100 cherry trees planted around the area, which bloom beautifully in spring.
Entertainment
Akasaka Blitz music venue is a popular spot for live music performances, attracting both local and international artists. The venue has a capacity of 1,500 people, making it an intimate setting to enjoy live music.
Akasaka ACT Theater is home to a wide range of entertainment, including plays, musicals, and kabuki performances. Most of the performances are in Japanese, but it is still a great place to experience traditional Japanese theater.
For those looking for a more relaxed evening, the complex also has a cinema and a spa. The cinema features the latest blockbusters and Japanese films, while the spa offers a range of treatments and massages to help visitors unwind.
Shopping
One of the main shopping areas in Akasaka Sacas is the Akasaka Biz Tower. This tower is home to several shops and restaurants, including a popular bookstore and clothing stores. The shops in this tower offer a range of products, from high-end fashion to everyday essentials.
For those looking for a unique shopping experience, the Akasaka Sacas also has an outdoor market that sells goods, including fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal foods. This market is a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home.
Dining
Here are some of the popular dining spots in Akasaka Sacas:
- Bifteck Kawamura Roppongi branch: This French-style steakhouse is known for its high-quality beef and excellent service.
- Emmado Akasaka: This Japanese restaurant serves traditional dishes such as sushi, tempura, and soba noodles.
- Orange: This cafe is a great spot for a quick bite or a cup of coffee. They offer sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
- Balcon Tokyo: This Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of pasta dishes and pizzas.
Most of the restaurants and cafes are on the lower floors of the Biztower. You can check the official website for a complete list of dining options and opening hours. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance for popular restaurants, especially during peak hours.
Some restaurants offer lunch and dinner sets at a reasonable price. You can also enjoy a drink or two at one of the bars or izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) in the area. Overall, Akasaka Sacas is a great place to sample some of the best cuisines in Tokyo in a vibrant and modern setting.
History
Akasaka Sacas is a relatively new development, having opened in 2008. However, the area has a rich history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). During this time, Akasaka was a bustling entertainment district with numerous teahouses, theaters, and restaurants.
In the Meiji era (1868-1912), the area became a popular residential district for wealthy merchants and government officials. It was also a hub for the emerging film industry, with many studios and production companies setting up shop in the area.
During World War II, Akasaka was heavily bombed, and many of its historic buildings were destroyed. In the post-war years, the area underwent rapid redevelopment, with many modern office buildings and high-rise apartments being constructed.
Today, Akasaka Sacas stands as a symbol of the area’s continued evolution and growth. Its sleek, modern design and state-of-the-art facilities are a testament to Tokyo’s status as a world-class city.
The Sum Up
Akasaka Sacas is a unique destination in Tokyo that offers entertainment, dining, and shopping options. It is a city within a city that combines the headquarters of the Tokyo Broadcasting System with entertainment venues, shops, and restaurants. You can explore the Akasaka ACT Theater, which hosts a wide range of performances, including plays, musicals, and kabuki.
Details
| Information Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Akasaka Sacas (赤坂サカス) |
| Address | 5-3-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan |
| Opening Times | Varies by facility; generally, shops and restaurants are open from around 11:00 to 23:00 |
| Website | https://www.tbs.co.jp/sacas/ (Japanese) |
| Nearby Hotels | |
| Luxury | The Capitol Hotel Tokyu – 0.6 km |
| ANA InterContinental Tokyo – 1.4 km | |
| Mid-range | Hotel Monterey Akasaka – 0.4 km |
| Centurion Hotel Grand Akasaka – 0.4 km | |
| Budget | Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka – 0.2 km |
| ICI HOTEL Akasaka by RELIEF – 0.3 km |
