Akabane in Tokyo

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Facts & Figures

Akabane is the name for a more local neighborhood and a railway station in Kita-ku in the northern part of Tokyo. Kita-ku belongs to one of the 23 special wards of the capital. Akabane is separated from the Saitama Prefecture by the Arakawa River (length 173km). The JR Akabane Station serves 87000 passengers per day. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Tokyo Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > You can easily access downtown Tokyo like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Akihabara from here. Tourists come here to explore a more retro-style area with many small bars and little shops. A stroll along the river banks of the Arakawa River is also highly recommended. It is not easy to find such a wide and open space within a crowded metropolis. Other highlights are the Akabane Hachiman-jinja Shrine, Asukayama Park, Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, and much more.

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History

Akabane Station was opened to the public in 1885 by the Japanese National Railways. The area was already a bustling transportation hub during the Edo period (1603 – 1868) because it was located along the Nakasendo route connecting Kyoto with Edo (modern-day Tokyo). It became home to many industrial facilities, which were destroyed by the heavy bombings of World War 2. Akabane was later rebuilt, and you still feel the retro charm when you come here to enjoy its many bars, restaurants, and shopping facilities.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Akabane Station - The commercial center of the district includes many shopping facilities and the best bars in town.

Akabane Ichibangai Shopping District - Leave the JR Akabane Station at the East exit and enjoy an approximately 400-meter-long shopping street. It is also one of the best bar districts in Tokyo with over 40 izakayas. Many locals enjoy an after-work drink here.

Asukayama Park - The park includes the Paper Museum, Shibusawa Memorial Museum, and Asukayama Museum. People come here during the cherry blossom season to admire the approximately 650 trees in full bloom and in summer when hydrangeas show their beautiful colors. A special highlight is the - Oji Kitsune-no-Gyoretsu Fox Parade - on New Year's Eve.

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens - At first you will see a huge Western-style mansion, which dates back to 1917. British architect Josiah Conder (1852 - 1920) developed the design. The house is surrounded by a beautiful garden with European and Japanese elements. The rose garden attracts large crowds in May - July.

Akabane Hachiman-jinja Shrine - The must-see highlight in Akabane attracts many athletes and students, who need the help of the god of victory for good results in their tests. It is also the guardian deity of the Akabane neighborhood. The current main building of the Akabane Hachiman Shrine dates back to 1931. Everything was renewed in 1988. The shrine is also a popular photo spot for lovers of Shinkansen and other trains that pass by in close proximity.

New Iwabuchi Sluice / Floodgate - Lower parts of Tokyo must be protected from floods. Therefore these sluices are so important.

Riverside Park - Walk along the Arakawa River and enjoy the open space, the view of Saitama, and the green scenery.

Akabane Nature Observatory Park - Nice park which shows you how the nature/area looked like before 37 Million people moved here. The park includes also some historical houses.

Ukima Park - You should come to the park (in front of Ukimafunato Station) to admire the windmill by the pond and during the cherry blossom season, which is especially beautiful.

Catholic Akabane Church - The building stands out in the neighborhood. It was established in 1949.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Akabane Baka Matsuri ("All Fools Festival") (last weekend of April)
It is a beautiful local festival with a big parade in front of Akabane station. It all started in the year 1956.

September

Kita Fireworks Festival (late Sep)
These huge fireworks start usually at 6:30 pm and end at 7:30 pm.