IKI: Akebono adds a new location to discover in Edo: the bridge of Nihonbashi, which expands the main street and offers players new opportunities. Players can stop at the bridge to encounter famous personalities from the Edo era (like Hokusai Katsushika, Sanyo Rai or Tokunai Mogami) and to trade with the ships (built by the players) in the river.

The Akebono expansion also introduces new character cards, building cards, and new pipe, tobacco, and fish tokens for more strategic depth and decision making.