Akira Nakameguro

How To Get To Akira

The Akira in Nakameguro definitely fulfils the criteria of a hidden gem. It's not in the easiest to find location. Indeed, on my first visit, my dining partner and I decided to trust to instinct only to spend fifteen minutes enjoying a leisurely stroll in completely the wrong direction in search of the place!

With confidence, I can now tell you that this is the way to get to Akira via the most direct route.

Starting from Nakameguro station on the Tokyo Toyoko train line, cross the busy main road, and go straight over the little bridge across the concrete-encased, tree-lined "river" and turn right when you get to a little izakaya with a photographic portrait of the nineteenth century samurai Sakamoto Ryoma on its façade.

Walk down the riverside street and continue passed the line of small French restaurants, izakayas and bars that line the route. Then climb the pale blue pedestrian bridge and cross to the other side of the main road. Back on the pavement, head for the right hand side of the river, and down a small path over shadowed by a canopy of trees.

Along the path you'll see a variety of enticing izakayas and restaurants but don't be distracted. Akira waits at the end of the row.

The yakitori-ya's facade is a tastefully subdued "traditional" Japanese design with wide windows framed in light wood. These allow a glimpse, as you climb the steps to the entrance, of the tatami floors and iron chimney hoods suspended from the ceiling above each table.

As you push through the hanging noren curtains over the doorway you'll be greeted by a loud chorus of "irasshai" (welcome) from the staff.