Akabane, on the Saitama border, is where Tokyo drinks in the afternoon: Ichibangai off the east exit has about 100 bars, izakaya and eateries, many open during the day, with regulars nursing sake at 3pm. The lantern-lit alleys around the station fill with workers at night.
- Address
- 1-23-6 Akabane, Kita-ku, Tokyo
- Hours
- Many bars open from daytime; varies
- Best time to go
- Afternoon, Evening · About 2 h
- Price
- Free to walk; drinks are cheap (Price not verified per bar)
- Price level
- JPY
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Go mid-afternoon and do as the regulars do.
- April brings the Akabane Baka Matsuri parade, running for more than 60 years.
- Walk north to the Arakawa riverbank afterwards.