Tucked away in northern Tokyo, Akabane Ichibangai (赤羽一番街) remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. This bustling shopping street, beloved by locals and sake connoisseurs alike, offers an authentic glimpse into Tokyo’s drinking culture far from the tourist-heavy areas of Shibuya and Shinjuku.

What Makes Akabane Special?

Known affectionately as “Tokyo’s Kitchen” among locals, Akabane Ichibangai stands out for its extraordinary concentration of sake bars, traditional izakayas, and small family-run restaurants. Unlike the polished sophistication of Ginza or the youthful energy of Shinjuku, Akabane keeps things down-to-earth, maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere of old Tokyo.

The Sake Scene

• Over 100 Sake Bars: The street boasts an impressive collection of sake establishments, each with its own unique character
• Extensive Sake Selection: Many bars offer rare and regional sakes not commonly found elsewhere
• Affordable Pricing: Compared to central Tokyo, prices here are notably reasonable
• Knowledgeable Staff: Many proprietors are sake experts happy to guide newcomers

Must-Visit Spots

Food and Drink

1. Saketen Alley: A narrow passage lined with tiny sake bars, each seating 5-10 people
2. Standing Bars: Traditional tachinomi (standing bars) offering quick, casual drinks
3. Local Izakayas: Family-run establishments serving home-style Japanese dishes
4. Street Food Stalls: Various vendors selling yakitori, oden, and other classic snacks

Shopping and Entertainment

• Traditional Shopping Arcade: Browse local crafts, clothing, and daily necessities
• Food Markets: Fresh produce and specialty ingredients
• Entertainment Venues: Karaoke bars and small music venues

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday Evenings (5 PM – 10 PM): Perfect for experiencing the after-work drinking culture
• Weekend Afternoons: More relaxed atmosphere, ideal for shopping and exploration
• First Saturday of Each Month: Special events and sales throughout the shopping street

Local Etiquette Tips

• Many establishments are small and intimate – be mindful of noise levels
• Some bars may have seating charges – check before entering
• Photography policies vary by establishment – always ask first
• Basic Japanese phrases are appreciated, though many places have picture menus

Budget Planning

• Standing Bars: ¥500-1,000 per drink
• Seated Izakayas: ¥3,000-5,000 per person
• Specialty Sake Bars: ¥4,000-7,000 per person
• Street Food: ¥300-800 per item

Best Seasons to Visit

• Spring: Cherry blossom viewing along nearby Arakawa River
• Summer: Local festivals and beer gardens
• Autumn: Perfect weather for sake tasting
• Winter: Cozy izakayas serve warm sake and seasonal dishes

Insider Tips

1. Early Evening: Arrive around 5 PM to secure seats at popular establishments
2. Sake Sampling: Many bars offer tasting sets for beginners
3. Food Pairing: Ask staff for recommended food pairings with your sake
4. Local Events: Check for seasonal festivals and sake tasting events

Safety and Convenience

• The area is generally safe and well-lit
• Multiple convenience stores and ATMs available
• Police box (koban) located near the station
• Many restaurants close between 11 PM and midnight

Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or simply looking to experience authentic Tokyo nightlife, Akabane Ichibangai offers a genuine glimpse into local drinking culture. Its unpretentious charm, extensive sake selection, and friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to venture beyond Tokyo’s usual tourist spots.

Remember to pace yourself, stay respectful of local customs, and don’t be afraid to try something new – that’s what Akabane is all about!

Getting There

Train Access

• JR Akabane Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Saikyo Line, and Takasaki Line)
• 2-minute walk from the east exit
• Approximately 20 minutes from Shinjuku Station

Navigation Tips

• Look for the large shopping street arch marked “赤羽一番街”
• The main shopping street runs parallel to the train tracks
• Most sake bars are concentrated in the alleys branching off the main street

Experience a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide tour

After you enjoy the place, you can go to Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.

Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.

When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!

Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.

New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!