Located in the heart of Tokyo, Iidabashi is a charming neighborhood that mixes the old with the new. This area is a hidden gem, full of cultural spots, green parks, and a lively food scene. You can enjoy a peaceful walk by the Kanda River, visit historic shrines and temples, or simply soak in the local atmosphere.
Iidabashi is also a great place for food lovers, with many restaurants offering a range of delicious options from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. Whether you want a casual meal or a fancy dining experience, you’ll find it here. Plus, there are plenty of places to stay, from high-end hotels to budget-friendly options, making Iidabashi an ideal base for exploring Tokyo. Join us as we explore the best things to do, top restaurants, and recommended accommodations in Iidabashi.
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A Quick Primer to Iidabashi
Iidabashi in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, was named “Iidamachi” by Tokugawa Ieyasu. It has witnessed the transition of Tokyo’s history since the Edo period. Today, Iidabashi is a bustling student and office district. It is well-served by JR, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway lines, making it easily accessible from major areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Marunouchi, all within about 10 minutes.
While Iidabashi itself does not have a strong tourist image, it is adjacent to popular sightseeing areas such as Edogawa, Korakuen Garden, and Kagurazaka, making it a great place to visit en route.
Iidabashi is dotted with famous shrines and temples such as the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine and Yasukuni Shrine, which give the area a sense of history. Nearby Kagurazaka was home to cultural figures such as Momiji Ozaki and Kyoka Izumi, and traces of them can still be seen today. Iidabashi is a well-balanced town that combines history and culture in a modern city, with the charm of Edogawa adding to its appeal.
Things to Do in Iidabashi
Hyogo Yokocho Alley 兵庫横丁
Hyogo Yokocho is an old street with long-established restaurants and inns. You can find back alleys that are reminiscent of the ancient city. The cobblestone road creates a charming atmosphere. In Kagurazaka, it is interesting to discover new things by strolling through narrow alleys without a set purpose.
Find out more about Hyogo Yokocho Alley here on Google maps.
Nezu Shrine 根津神社
Nezu Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, surrounded by luscious greenery and beautiful natural settings. The contrast between the trees and the tunnel of torii gates is picturesque and reflects Japanese culture in all its age and beauty. Nearly all of Nezu Shrine’s structures date back to 1706 and are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Find out more about Nezu Shrine here on Google maps.
Yasukuni Shrine 靖国神社
Originally called Shokonsha and established during the Meiji era (1869), Yasukuni Shrine was renamed a decade later. Currently, more than 2,466,000 divinities are enshrined here, said to be the souls of those who sacrificed their lives for Japan since 1853. These souls, regardless of their social ranking, are considered equal and worshipped as venerable divinities of Yasukuni.
Find out more about Yasukuni Shrine here on Google maps.
AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū
This shop offers a wide range of original products, including traditional Japanese houseware, clothing, and food. There is also a farmer’s market with vegetables and flowers, making it a pretty and authentic place to visit. The restaurant here serves healthy and organic options, with the Kaiseki meal being a popular choice.
Find out more about AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū here on Google maps.
Tokyo Daijingu 東京大神宮
Tokyo Daijingu houses various deities, including the ancestral deity of the Imperial Family and the guardian deity of agriculture, industry, clothing, food, and housing. Many people visit this shrine to seek good fortune and luck for a happy marriage. Check the shrine’s website for annual events to see if any overlap with your time in Japan.
Find out more about Tokyo Daijingu here on Google maps.
TeNQ Space Museum 宇宙ミュージアム
This museum offers a unique experience of the universe from various perspectives. Enjoy high-quality projections around a theatre with an 11-metre diameter, allowing you to “surround” and “look into” space videos. Most exhibitions are displayed in both Japanese and English, so overseas visitors can fully enjoy the content.
Find out more about TeNQTeNQ Space Museum here on Google maps.
Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is an integrated sports and lifestyle complex famous for baseball matches and music concerts. There’s also a shopping complex, game centre, and amusement park within the area. There are many tasty restaurants to choose from, making it easy to satisfy your hunger. The dome is located between many stations from different train lines, making it very accessible. Be cautious during baseball matches as the area will be flooded with fans!
Find out more about Tokyo Dome here on Google maps.
Printing Museum 印刷博物館
The Printing Museum aims to show the cultural, social, and historical aspects of printing rather than just the technology behind it. Many videos and descriptions are in both English and Japanese, allowing for an in-depth learning experience about the relationship between printing and mankind. It is a good place to escape the city’s busy bustle and take a relaxing walk around the museum.
Find out more about Printing Museum here on Google maps.
Akagi Shrine 赤城神社
Akagi Shrine is visited by many women as one of its deities, Akagi Hime-no-Mikoto, grants women’s wishes. Established in the 1300s and located at the foothills of Mount Akagi, it is a quiet and intimate place to appreciate the modern architectural design of the shrine.
Find out more about Akagi Shrine here on Google maps.
Zenkokuji 善國寺
Zenkokuji Temple, with its bright red gate, is located in the middle of Kagurazaka in Tokyo and has been busy since the Edo period (1600-1867). Known for the two tiger statues in front of the main hall, it is a popular spot today. The temple is dedicated to Bishamonten, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune and the god of wealth.
Built in 1595, the temple’s precincts are purified, and the dignified statue of Bishamonten gives you a sense of the historical atmosphere.
Find out more about Zenkokuji here on Google maps.
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens 小石川後楽園
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, one of Japan’s oldest and most popular gardens, was built during the early Edo period and named Korakuen after a poem encouraging the ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people. The garden features ponds and beautiful greenery, especially lovely during autumn and early spring.
Find out more about Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens here on Google maps.
Kagurazaka-dori 神楽坂通り
Kagurazaka-dori starts at the bottom of Kagurazaka, turning right out of the west exit of Iidabashi Station and crossing Sotobori-dori. It goes up a slightly sloping slope, passing Bishamonten Zengokuji on the way to the top of Kagurazaka for about 400 m. Both sides of the street are lined with old and new stores.
Entering the alleys, you can still see streets reminiscent of the old Hanamachi. A stroll along Kagurazaka Street is recommended, especially combined with lunch or dinner, with sweet shops offering delights such as oshiruko (sweet red-bean soup) after your meal.
Find out more about Kagurazaka-dori here on Google maps.
Top Restaurants in Iidabashi
Kinozen 紀の善
When thinking about traditional Japanese sweets, Kinozen is a great place to go. Matcha is a staple here and irresistibly delicious. Matcha shaved ice and anmitsu are also very popular. It is a must-visit shop for Japanese sweets lovers.
Find out more about KinozenKinozen here on Google maps.
Canal Cafe
Canal Cafe is an Italian restaurant on the waterfront, offering casual food at a good price. It is especially beautiful during Hanami season, where you can enjoy your meal while looking at the cherry blossoms. The view of Edogawa adds to the charm of this dining spot.
Find out more about Canal Cafe here on Google maps.
Kagurazaka Saryō 神楽坂 茶寮 本店
Kagurazaka Saryō offers delicious green tea and traditional Japanese desserts. If you are unsure of what to get, there are set menus to choose from. The hot green tea is especially nice on a chilly day. The pleasant customer service creates a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
Find out more about Kagurazaka Saryō here on Google maps.
CAFE ＆ BAR 1363（ビアンカグループ
Cafe & Bar 1363 is a small eatery close to many main attractions in Iidabashi. The most popular dish is the roast beef, which pairs well with yuzu sauce. The desserts are also worth trying.
Find out more about CAFE ＆ BAR 1363 here on Google maps.
Agezuki 神楽坂とんかつ あげづき
Agezuki is a tonkatsu restaurant with a café-like interior. It uses “Minami no Shima Pork” from Nagata Pork Farm in Miyazaki Prefecture. The pork cutlets are light pink in colour, indicating they are cooked through, with an incredible and dense flavour.
Find out more about Agezuki here on Google maps.
Recommended Accommodations in Iidabashi
Sequence Suidobashi Tokyo
Offering air-conditioned rooms in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo, Sequence Suidobashi/Tokyo is 100 metres from Misaki Inari Shrine. The property features a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. The hotel is close to popular attractions such as Koanji Temple, St. Francis Xavier Church, and Tokyo Arts and Space Hongo. An American breakfast is available every morning.
Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo, just a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Iidabashi Subway Station, Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo offers comfortable rooms with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel boasts six dining options and massages. Nearby Iidabashi Station offers direct access to Shinjuku, Otemachi, and Ryogoku. The hotel features a convenience store and a 24-hour front desk with luggage storage and currency exchange.
The b Suidobashi
Just a 3-minute walk from Suidobashi Subway Station, the b Suidobashi offers rooms with free internet and an attached bathroom. It features a public bath, laundry facilities, and a buffet-style breakfast. Complimentary coffee is available in the lobby. Tokyo Dome, with its amusement park and shopping mall, is just a 5-minute walk away. The hotel provides easy access to Edogawa.
Sakura Hotel Jimbocho
Sakura Hotel Jimbocho has received the ‘2019 Certificate of Excellence’ and ‘Travellers’ Choice’ awards on TripAdvisor. Located in Chiyoda City, this hotel consistently achieves great traveller reviews and strives to improve each year to meet guests’ expectations. It is a motivating factor for the team to continue their hard work.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Iidabashi
Iidabashi has so much to offer that it would be impossible to explore everything in just a few days. From the rich history of its shrines and temples to the vibrant culinary scene and picturesque gardens, Iidabashi provides a unique blend of old and new Tokyo.
Museums like the Printing Museum and TeNQ Space Museum, alongside numerous traditional and modern restaurants, ensure there is always something fascinating to experience. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to unwind, Iidabashi has something special for everyone.
We hope you get to check out these museums, restaurants, and more for yourself and enjoy them as much as we do. Feel free to refer to this guide anytime for more ideas and activities to do in the greater Edogawa ward. If you have any questions or need further recommendations, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always here to help you make the most of your visit to this charming part of Tokyo.
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