Kuramae, Akasaka, & Asakusabashi

Neighborhood Favorites

Think of Kuramae as Tokyo’s Brooklyn — old-world charm meets cutting-edge creativity. Shrines sit on one corner, trendy ateliers on the next. The food scene is equally eclectic, with everything from iconic spots serving some of Tokyo’s best tonkatsu to quirky natural wine bars and inventive izakayas. Keep your eyes open — Ginza rewards the curious.

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Let’s Talk Food
 Kuramae’s food scene is a true mix, with something for every mood. Sure, the main streets have your standard fast food and combinis, but dig a little deeper and you’ll hit the local favorites. For the neighborhood’s defining taste, don’t miss the tonkatsu — widely considered some of the best in the city.

If you’re a wine lover, I’ll point you to my favorite cozy wine and vinyl bar, where the laid-back yet entrepreneurial spirit of Kuramae really shines. A glass of something unexpected, a plate of pasta, and a conversation with the owner? That’s the vibe.

Cafes here range from minimalist, design-forward shops serving single-origin pour-overs to retro kissaten that feel like time capsules. Whether you’re after precision or nostalgia, Kuramae has you covered. (Pro tip: many places don’t open until after 11am.)

The Vibe
 Kuramae is more than food — it’s artsy, laid-back, and quietly stylish. The area is full of workshops and boutiques, especially for leather goods and handcrafted items. From ribbon shops to basket makers, you’ll stumble across craftspeople keeping traditional skills alive while reimagining them for today. Add in the nearby canals, the Tokyo Sky Tree, and the Sumida River, and you’ve got a neighborhood that feels both grounded and alive.

The Best Part
 Kuramae, Akasaka, and Asakusabashi may attract tourists, but they still hold onto their neighborhood soul. I know this firsthand — I lived across all three areas over six months, soaking in the food, the craft, and the daily rhythms. That mix of the ordinary and extraordinary is what makes this part of Tokyo feel like home.

Kuramae & Surrounding Quick List

  • Kuramae 

    • Leaves

    • A Drop 

    • Camera 

    • Coffee Wrights Kuramae - Roastery 

    • Lucent Coffee (opens at 8!) 

    Asakusabashi 

    • Tomoyasuseisakusho Cafe

    • Yūraku (not hip, super old school, very cute)

    Asakusa 

    • Cafe Michikusa 

    • Kono Hana

  • Kuramae 

    • Tokyo Riverside Distillery

    • Beaux Spirits

    • Focus Hostel

    Asakusa 

    • dr

    Asakusabashi 

    • Aiiro Kannon-Ura

  • Kuramae 

  • Handmade Soba noodle shop Asada

  • Sugita Tonkatsu (best!!)

    • Kuramam Koyuna (traditional, really delicious)

    • Yello Kuramae (favorite of the new age, natural wine!)

    • Bon Hanabi (new age, natural wines!)

    • Ashi Teishoku & Dine (new age)

    • Yuwaeru 

    • Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge

    • Konaku Lunch Counter 

  • Asakusabashi 

    • Daily’s Muffin

    • Pizzeria Buono Buono

    • Salt & Tobacco Museum in nearby Sumida

    • Tokyo Skytree, Sumida River

    • Kakimori Stationary Store

    • REN leather goods

    • Alloy, Anno Lifestyle Store

    • Marunouchi Business District

A Very Personal Tokyo Favorite!

Beaux Esprits

This charming little wine bar is run by an owner who’s as passionate about vinyl records as he is about wine. I first met Arima-San during my initial trip to Tokyo, and we quickly became fast friends. Something he’s known for with his regulars.

With a fantastic selection of wines from around the world, Arima-San pairs each pour with simple, delicious pasta dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Sometimes, he cooks up steaks. Every glass of wine is served with a gratis baguette and butter basket, and he often offers tasty snacks like olives, cheese, anchovies, and salamis. After all, he knows what pairs best with his pours.

Planning to stop by? Reach out to Arima-San on Instagram before you go, and be sure to tell him hello from me.

Legendary Establishment

Sugita Tonkatsu

Established in 1977 by the current owner’s father, Sugita Tonkatsu is a well-known spot that has earned its place in the Michelin Guide and countless other media outlets. This iconic tonkatsu spot is worth every bit of the hype.

The signature pork cutlets are as equally crispy on the outside as they are tender on the inside, but don’t miss out on the Ebi Tonkatsu. This jumbo shrimp, delicately fried using the same two-temperature oil method as the pork, both items are a 100% must try.

They offer traditional, Japanese floor-style seating that is ideal for a group but I prefer the counter seats alone or with one other person. That way you get to see the show.