Exploring Yanaka
Exploring Yanaka is like taking a step back in time to a bygone era of old town Tokyo. Located in the Yanaka area of Tokyo, this historic area has many temples and shrines, and a retro shopping street. The Yanaka Cemetery nearby adds to the area’s nostalgic vibe with its peaceful cherry trees and historical graves.
Yanaka Ginza shopping street
The narrow, pedestrian Yanaka Ginza shopping street is the centerpiece of the area. It is lined with around 60 traditional stores and eating places which have been around from the 1950’s. The area suffered relatively little damage from the fires and bombings during World War II, so the traditional, nostalgic atmosphere has been preserved. However, on a recent visit we were disappointed to find that some of the older buildings had been torn down and replaced with new buildings. Still, walking through the narrow alleys and bustling crowds, visitors can experience the “shitamachi” atmosphere of old Tokyo.
There are many food stalls and restaurants that line the bustling Yanaka Ginza. Sample some local food such as the “cat tail” donuts. The Yanaka area is famous as a town of cats so you will find a lot of all things cats. At the end of the shopping street, you can find “yuyake dandan” (sunset stairs). True to its name, you can see a stunning sunset view and a picturesque view of the neighborhood from the top of the stairs.
After you satisfy your appetite, wander through the side streets and you might find some interesting stores like we did, such as the store with “kacchu”, Japanese-style armors in the show window. You will also run into the many temples and shrines that dot the area.
How to get to Yanaka Ginza
Located near Ueno Park and the Ueno museums (2.2 km away) and the beautiful Nezu Shrine just a short walk away, Yanaka Ginza is a perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon wandering around and soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere.
To get to Yanaka Ginza, take the train to the following stations and walk a short distance towards the shopping street.
Nippori station (JR Yamanote line) – 0.5km 6 minutes
Nishi-Nippori station (JR Yamanote line) – 0.7km 8 minutes
Sendagi station (Metro Chiyoda line) -0.5km 6 minutes
Nezu Shrine
At Nezu Shrine, visitors can explore the lush grounds, make a wish at the main hall, and admire the stunning vermilion torii gates. The bright red torii gates at Nezu Shrine, although smaller in scale, is very similar to the torii gates at the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
The shrine is known for its traditional architecture and beautiful gardens, where the Azalea Spring Festival is held (April to May). It also has a stunning collection of art and artifacts, including ancient scrolls, intricate wood carvings and priceless ceramics.
The shrine itself was designed after Toshogu Shrine in Nikko and dates back to the Edo period. It was built in 1705 and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Tokyo. It is one of the most underrated shrines
9am to 5pm depending on season, open everyday
Free, but ¥300 during the Azalea Festival early April to the end of May
1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Website in Japanese only
How to get to Nezu Shrine
To get to Nezu Shrine from Yanaka Ginza, visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Yanaka and Yanaka Cemetery, which is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. Walking to Nezu Shrine from Yanaka Ginza area – 1.1km 13 mins.
If you’re going by train, accessible from Nezu Station (Metro Chiyoda-line), Sendagi station (Chiyoda line) or Todaimae station (Metro Nanboku line) – 7 minutes on foot from these stations.
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