This video provides an informative walking tour through Akabane in Kita Ward, Tokyo—formerly recognized as the largest military city among the 23 Tokyo wards. The presenter explores ten different sites connected to Japan’s wartime history, focusing on military relics and war heritage scattered throughout the Akabane area. Due to the rich concentration of sites, this is the first part of a two-part series.

Highlights include a visit to Akabane Hachiman Shrine (赤羽八幡神社), which holds deep historical connections to the area’s past. The tour continues with stops at Shidan-zaka (師団坂), a slope named after the former military divisions stationed nearby, and Sakura Namiki Park on Akabane-dai (赤羽台さくら並木公園), where old air raid shelters and other wartime remains can still be seen. Other noteworthy locations are Akabane Ryokudo Park (赤羽緑道公園), which features remnants of a former military railway line, and a historic boundary stone near Toyo University.

Akabane and neighboring parts of Kita Ward are revealed as living museums of war remains, with abandoned bunkers, old tracks, and markers offering a unique perspective on Tokyo’s military history. For visitors interested in historical tourism, these sites offer a compelling route for urban exploration, adding depth to the understanding of Tokyo’s layered past. Easy access via the JR Akabane Station makes it convenient for travelers aiming to combine local sightseeing with meaningful historical context.