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日本語/Japanese  Tue 03/25 10:22 JST
So we've already taken a look at a few "City within a city" areas so far - Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown and Shin Marunouchi Building. Today we take a walk around another one that just opened - Akasaka Sacas.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Akasaka Sacas is situated right in the middle of Akasaka. Part of the Sacas grounds is the broadcasting station TBS which is why there were many characters walking about like these two Ultraman's. According to Ultraman expert One, I'm not allowed to call them "Ultramen."
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Dont even think about coming here by car or you will spend half a day waiting for a space - we went by train.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
The Sacas grounds.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Sacas just opened and they are having some sort of celebration fair.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Fair = loads of people lining up.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
A few stalls with goodies on display here n there.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
More people lazing around on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Dont bother eating before you visit as Sacas has a ton of food to choose from.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
And during the celebration period which ends on the 6th of April, they have many stalls outside selling grub.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Shuttle bus that goes between Tokyo Midtown and Sacas.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
I used to walk past this spot every day when I was working at the Akazaka Microsoft offices and was surprised at how much changed in just over a year.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
This pratt says to me "no photos" even though theres not much to see. Pratt.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Is that a Kermit clone? Or is that Kermit-the-later-years ?
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
They were giving out Geass and Gundam 00 postcards. Hmmm. No Shirley...
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Two words to sum up the Akasaka area - "offices" + "restaurants."
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
A building in the Sacas grounds houses a load of restaurants too.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Some pub type place.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
More people relaxing doing not much.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Folks queuing up for 30 mins just to take a pee.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Was trying to figure out why this Thai restaurant was empty apart from a single couple. We guessed because it was they way the menu was un-descriptive while the other restaurants had loud menus with more pictures and large writing.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
The bottom floor of the Sacas building has a load of food shops.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
More queuing for the toilet.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Example of some of the restaurants available.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Singapore Hainan Chicken Rice - 1,900 yen per meal.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
A view from the Sacas grounds into the surrounding town.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
More folks queuing up for bread.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
A view of the Sacas grounds from the outside.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
This old building was right in the middle of everything which looked very very out of place - I guess the owners want to hold on to it as the land in that area must be worth quite a bit.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
The local transport.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Theres a shrine nearby called "Hie" which you may want to visit.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
A view from the shrine.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
A couple getting married at the shrine.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
The shrine grounds.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Relaxing here after an afternoon of walking about is a nice way to end the day.
Akasaka Sacas (click to enlarge)
Polls
Last{[0]}Raven in ☆DANNYCHOO Site ☆
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/02 12:55
wow people waiting in line to buy bread , etc. and pee waiting for 30 minutes thats gotta hurt @_@
(ID #160894) Posted on 2008/03/24 20:15
lostandfound in a UFO... catcher...
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Registered on 2007/10/22 02:10
LOL @ the comment on the pratt... What's a pratt anyway?
If I were to go there, I won't be able to go home coz' I'm gonna be 2 times my normal size from eating too much...
(ID #160897) Posted on 2008/03/24 20:23
gregory_gdp in Boise, ID
Photographer
Registered on 2007/07/16 21:56
I'm not a line waiter so I think I'd have to skip that area at the moment. 

Plus nothing really jumps out at me as interesting in my opinion.  
(ID #160898) Posted on 2008/03/24 20:28
oliphant in Sydney
Design Student
Registered on 2007/01/10 19:04
Do they not have enough restrooms? Shouldn't there be some kind of restaurant to loo ratio?
(ID #160901) Posted on 2008/03/24 20:50
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:57
danny was right when he mentioned previously japenese loves to queue. 30 mins for toilet? O_O
(ID #160905) Posted on 2008/03/24 21:14
wcloudx in Singapore
Artist
Registered on 2008/01/12 03:00
They need more restrooms!! XD

30 mins for a leak is too much for me >_<; Might as well just ride back at home XD
(ID #160911) Posted on 2008/03/24 21:22
harumonia in Singapore
Registered on 2008/02/25 04:15
rofl. 1,900 yen for chicken rice.

I expect it to be served on a golden plate.
(ID #160917) Posted on 2008/03/24 21:37
Fariz Asuka in Singapore
Student and Miku Guardian
Registered on 2008/03/11 20:11
Wow.. It's a shopping haven.. Though I pity the people queueing for 30 mins for the toilet..

This will be recorded down in my what-to-do list when I have the money to visit Japan.. 
(ID #160919) Posted on 2008/03/24 21:43
qingy in center of the galaxy
SMS
Registered on 2007/10/06 05:09
is it just me or does the Kermit clone look like a slightly fatter version of the Grinch? those Japanese do love the queues, i personally can't stand waiting in line for 30 minutes to use the washroom, what if i have an emergency? also, congrats to the couple getting married, upon closer examination, its an interracial couple, good for them. no pictures of food Danny? this isn't like you!
(ID #160941) Posted on 2008/03/24 22:13
Choo in Singapore
Student
Registered on 2007/10/31 21:28
woah. seems fun. I would love to visit that place some day. =S
(ID #160943) Posted on 2008/03/24 22:15
Henry in Makati, Philippines
anime/cosplay events organizer
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:17
wow! is that a shopping mall? more like a food center with all the restaurant

and i lol'd at toilet queue XDDD

that place needs more toilets XD
(ID #160944) Posted on 2008/03/24 22:15
Timotei in Sweden
NEET
Registered on 2008/02/17 09:28
It looks quite peaceful. Beautiful scenery too, def on my visit list. 

But, those lines to the toilet, damn. 
(ID #160950) Posted on 2008/03/24 22:27
Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth
Student and full-time otaku
Registered on 2007/12/19 00:24
Nice, it's new, shiny and seems very relaxed. Hope it'll still be whenever I visit ^^
(ID #160955) Posted on 2008/03/24 22:38
Hyun-Bin in Sydney Australia / Busan Korea
Sterilization Technician@ Prince Of Wales Hospital
Registered on 2007/01/09 22:47
If I Fail at my next job..

im going to teach English in Taiwan or Japan

i gotta go Japan and like.. live there (even if bad quality)

this place will sort of remind me of Sydney City.. many Asian restaruants..(then again , most of Sydney City is all Asian , walk passed the CBD and play "Spot the Aussie")

by golly it should be good

(ID #160960) Posted on 2008/03/24 22:48
Demacrez in Evansville, Indiana, US
Link Cosplayer, Video Gamer, Amatuer Programmer, and Artist
Registered on 2006/12/25 13:31
Well that goes on my list on "Where to go in Japan!"

I plan on visiting next summer when I saved up enough money to go.  Plan on 5 weeks staying there, tops.
(ID #160969) Posted on 2008/03/24 23:10
terry in Singapore
=.=!
Registered on 2007/08/02 23:32
lol 30 mins for a toilet break, it remind me of the 1 hrs wait at tokyo big sight lol..
(ID #160975) Posted on 2008/03/24 23:24
Kazearashi in Indonesia --> Singapore
Animation Student
Registered on 2008/03/10 13:26
Nice tour again danny! It's interesting!! xD Well i planned to visit all over Japan if i have the money and time too... xD But definitely Akihabara is the first one! This can be considered as an option too, looks fun.
(ID #160978) Posted on 2008/03/24 23:38
TuGs in Singapore
NIL
Registered on 2008/03/23 02:29
I guess I'll wait awhile longer to visit it when it is less crowded. Or does it never gets less crowded?????
(ID #160986) Posted on 2008/03/25 00:01
squee in Singapore
Techie
Registered on 2007/09/27 05:11
1900 yen can get me 10 plates of chicken rice here -_-;
(ID #160992) Posted on 2008/03/25 00:09
Tami in Germany - Cologne
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
Registered on 2007/12/16 10:42
hmm interesting area... somehow... would be nice for a sunday walk but not more i supose. o.-
(ID #161009) Posted on 2008/03/25 00:23
Hirito in The Little Red Dot - Singapore
ORD!! Now awaiting Uni admission.
Registered on 2007/09/01 18:24
That's some expensive Hainan chicken rice!! Looks like an interesting place to visit. *adds to visit list*
(ID #161015) Posted on 2008/03/25 00:37
Subarunyon in Canada
Student
Registered on 2007/08/24 08:01
Here in Vancouver, Canada buildings like that are often designated as "heritage building" and the owner is allowed to keep it like the way it is (or I think they're even required to once they got that status). Then again maybe japan got lot those kind of buildings in some other areas of Tokyo? We dont have much here ourself so gotta keep what we have =)
(ID #161017) Posted on 2008/03/25 00:41
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
A nice place to go as well...
I will also comment on the toilet line... thirty minutes?! Better not be in a rush, if you see what I mean.
It's nice you gave it as information so if one of us in the DC community decides to go there, he/she will have the chance to manage self so this kind of infortune does not happen. ^^;
(ID #161023) Posted on 2008/03/25 00:48
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Registered on 2007/12/04 23:16
Hmm... might visit this place if time allocation allows.

By the way 1,900 yen for a hainan chicken rice is just silly.. >_<
(ID #161039) Posted on 2008/03/25 01:16
Koji98 in Arlington, Texas
Your local Otaku Cashier.
Registered on 2007/11/04 12:31
Looks like a nice place to check out. Maybe, in a couple years, I'll check it out.
(ID #161064) Posted on 2008/03/25 02:38
chun in home feeling sleepy LOL
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:33
gold plated chicken rice? LOL I dunno if I want to queue up 30 minutes to go to the toilet tho o_o
(ID #161067) Posted on 2008/03/25 03:32
Akiba-Kid in California, USA
Online Shop
Registered on 2008/01/17 11:35
So Akasaka Sacas is more like a good hang-out place than otaku city I assume.  Maybe next time I visit Japan, I need to go to places like this since all my past trips revolved around otaku things @_@
(ID #161076) Posted on 2008/03/25 04:38
gurugurutrex in Vancouver, B.C., Canada
オタク by moonlight, Graphic Designer by daylight
Registered on 2007/11/08 03:37
Interesting place. Just looks like the downtown area in my region. I think I'll die if I need to lineup for washroom for 30min. (@@.
(ID #161094) Posted on 2008/03/25 06:42
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
Oh and a newb's random comment here... On your Ultramen picture, looks like the one on the left did hit the gym on an much extensive way. ^^;
(ID #161103) Posted on 2008/03/25 07:03
Neil Duckett in Yoyogi, Tokyo
Software Engineer
Registered on 2007/11/06 13:37
Looks like a good spot to spend a Sunday.
(ID #161139) Posted on 2008/03/25 08:59
Registered on 2007/12/17 19:42
japan's got such great places
(ID #161229) Posted on 2008/03/25 13:28
Pyramid_Head in somewhere
student
Registered on 2008/02/07 01:13
that local transport is so cool >_<, compare to bajaj we got here -_-
(ID #161231) Posted on 2008/03/25 13:50
Zeroblade in Manila, Philippines
Student
Registered on 2007/04/10 21:47
Is it just me, or do just about all your picture have some degree of tilt to them? My photography teacher told us once that when you get into that habit (tilting the camera for a more dynamic angle), it's really hard to get out of.
(ID #161245) Posted on 2008/03/25 14:19
xaky in Tokyo
IT content developer, crosscutural trainer, freelance translator / interpreter
Registered on 2007/06/15 09:04
Danny,
It looks like you there exactly the same day I was with my son Leo! We might have even been there at the same time! As a Frenchman, I was a bit disgusted by the long line in front of the bakery, the security guard, and the ridiculous prices. Bread is supposed to be affordable and for the masses, not treated like expensive jewelry or something...
(ID #161256) Posted on 2008/03/25 14:49
BeLe in Davao, Philippines
.NET/Web Developer
Registered on 2007/01/03 16:36
Looks like a nice place to stroll around on a weekend.  Prices are a bit pricey don't ya think?  and the long lines are insane. >_>  I hope it won't be like that all the time.  And their transpo are nice...way nice to the ones compared here. :D

How about a post on how marriages in japan go about next time danny?  I've always wondered about that. ^^
(ID #161288) Posted on 2008/03/25 17:36
M'C in Jakarta, Indonesia
^o^v
Registered on 2008/01/30 22:46
not much on my interest...but kinda good 4 couples :)
(ID #161308) Posted on 2008/03/25 18:40
mervyn in Japan
Registered on 2007/08/14 14:39
Thanks for the information and pictures. Think I'll check it out after the celebration. Otherwise it's gonna be real crowded.
(ID #161340) Posted on 2008/03/25 19:41
radical anime fan in Dai-Singapore-dan. Hotter than Kamina and Lelouch combined.
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Registered on 2007/01/25 21:20
I wanna go there just for the food alone :3 And 1900 yen (Singapore dollar $26) for A plate of chicken rice?!?! I could probably get as much with ONE dollar (Japanese Yen 72+)!!
(ID #161373) Posted on 2008/03/25 20:45
Sarg in London
IT analyst
Registered on 2007/07/03 20:26
something wrong with your camera danny? all your shots are slanted!
(ID #161541) Posted on 2008/03/26 06:20
chibihien in Singapore
National Servicemen
Registered on 2008/01/19 21:34
what a rip-off for Hainanese chicken rice....

You can get superb ones for less than 2 USD all around Singapore
(ID #161697) Posted on 2008/03/26 11:28
shinikenshi in San Diego, CA (US)
Nameless company executive
Registered on 2008/03/13 12:00
Eesh. That place is too crowded. For a good place to eat without as many people, I like Ikebukuro's Sunshine City building. It's older (which might explain lack of people compared to Akasaka Sacas) but a good choice of restaurants. And it is convenient for doujinshi events and the local shops for guys and gals.

For slightly ritzier, the mall next to JR Kawasaki station is also pretty cool. It also houses a California Pizza Kitchen for all you expats that miss the stuff...or something.
(ID #161805) Posted on 2008/03/26 17:05
AK-kun in Singapore
Writer.
Registered on 2007/06/19 22:48
ZOMFG. SGD$26 for a plate of chicken rice. While you can buy it at just SGD$3 (215 yen) here...
(ID #161982) Posted on 2008/03/26 23:01
XSportSeeker in Brazil
Hikikomori
Registered on 2007/08/22 05:30
Looks like a very nice place... lines apart (hate them! Though in Japan, things are so organized I think I wouldn't mind that much).

Didn't get to know Akasaka... I really wanted to stop in every little city within a city in Tokyo, but I would have to spend more than a month in Tokyo only to see that.

Shure hope someday I'll be able to do that though!
(ID #162876) Posted on 2008/03/28 14:48
TomGnome in USA
Digital animation
Registered on 2008/02/15 17:56
That old house looks pretty cool. It's sometimes nice to see such relics from days long past. They kind of break of the monotony of commercialism.
(ID #173655) Posted on 2008/04/22 10:30
Kilkrazy in London
Producer
Registered on 2008/04/18 02:19
I went there on March 10th. I thought it was a bit small and rubbish compared to Tokyo Midtown which I visited the same day. The wife thought the same.
(ID #177541) Posted on 2008/04/29 19:04
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