What is the best time to visit Yanaka Ginza?

The best time is mid-afternoon, around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This is when all the food stalls are open, and you can catch the sunset from the famous 'Yuyake Dandan' steps at the end of the street.

Is Yanaka worth visiting for first-time visitors to Tokyo?

Yes, it is highly recommended for those who want to see the 'Shitamachi' or old-town side of Tokyo. It offers a stark and beautiful contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Shinjuku and Ginza.

Can I see cherry blossoms in Yanaka?

Absolutely. Yanaka Cemetery is one of Tokyo's top spots for cherry blossom viewing, featuring a long avenue of trees that create a pink canopy usually in late March or early April.

Is the Yanaka walking route hilly?

The route is generally flat and easy to navigate. There is a slight incline when moving from the Nippori heights down toward Nezu, but it is manageable for most fitness levels.

Are there many temples in Yanaka?

Yanaka has the highest concentration of temples in Tokyo, with over 70 located in a small area. This is because many were moved here during the Edo period to protect the city from spirits.

What should I eat in Yanaka?

You should definitely try the 'menchi-katsu' (meat cutlet) from the famous stalls in Yanaka Ginza, as well as 'taiyaki' (fish-shaped cake) and traditional Japanese crackers called 'senbei'.

Is Nezu Shrine free to enter?

The main grounds of Nezu Shrine are free to enter. However, during the Azalea Festival in April and May, there is a small fee to enter the specific hillside garden where the flowers bloom.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back in time to the Tokyo of yesteryear with this self-guided walk through Yanaka, one of the city's most preserved traditional neighborhoods. While many travelers seek the neon-lit skyscrapers of Shinjuku or the bustle of Shibuya, a walking tour Tokyo provides a different perspective here in the historic Yanesen district. Yanaka is a rare corner of the capital that survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of World War II, leaving behind a charming atmosphere often referred to as 'Shitamachi' or old downtown. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of the Edo period, where narrow alleys are lined with artisan workshops, traditional wooden houses, and over 70 Buddhist temples. Your journey begins near Nippori Station and winds through the serene paths of the Yanaka Cemetery, where the last Shogun of Japan rests. You will discover the intersection of tradition and modernity at SCAI The Bathhouse, a contemporary art gallery housed in a former public bath. As you wander, the route leads you to the vibrant Yanaka Ginza, a retro shopping street famous for its 'lucky cats' and nostalgic street food. The walk concludes at the magnificent Nezu Shrine, one of Japan's oldest religious sites, famous for its tunnel of vermilion torii gates and lush azalea gardens. This self-guided walking tour Tokyo invites you to slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty of a village hidden within a metropolis. From the intricate bronze work at Tennōji Temple to the creative legacy of the Asakura Museum of Sculpture, this route is a deep dive into the cultural history of the city. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect 'Golden Hour' shot at the Sunset Steps or a history buff eager to explore ancient shrine architecture, Yanaka offers a peaceful retreat from the modern pace of life. Explore independently and discover why this area remains a local favorite for those seeking the soul of Tokyo.

Highlights

Wander through the peaceful Yanaka Cemetery, the final resting place of the last Shogun.

See the 17th-century bronze Buddha at Tennōji Temple.

Explore contemporary art inside a 200-year-old public bathhouse at SCAI The Bathhouse.

Sample traditional snacks and hunt for cat-themed souvenirs at Yanaka Ginza shopping street.

Walk through the tunnel of vermilion torii gates at the ancient Nezu Shrine.

Visit the former home and studio of famed sculptor Fumio Asakura.

Tour Stops (6)

Asakura Museum of Sculpture

Begin your self-guided adventure at the former home and studio of Fumio Asakura, often called the 'Rodin of the East.' This building is a masterpiece itself, blending Western-style concrete architecture with a traditional Japanese wooden wing. Asakura designed the house to integrate with a stunning courtyard garden centered around a water feature. Inside, you can see his expressive bronze sculptures and explore the rooftop garden, which was a pioneering effort in urban greening during the early 20th century. The museum offers a quiet, contemplative start to your walk, showcasing how Tokyo's artists once lived and worked in harmony with nature.

Tennōji Temple

Just a short walk away lies Tennōji, one of the oldest and most significant temples in Yanaka. Founded in the 13th century, it was once a massive complex that even hosted public lotteries during the Edo period to raise funds. Today, it is best known for the Great Buddha of Tennoji, a large bronze seated statue dating back to 1690. The temple grounds are exceptionally peaceful, featuring well-manicured gardens and a modern main hall that contrasts beautifully with the ancient bronze. It serves as a spiritual anchor for the neighborhood and a reminder of Yanaka's long-standing religious importance.

Yanaka Cemetery

This is not just a graveyard but a sprawling, park-like space that covers over 10 hectares. Yanaka Cemetery is famous for its cherry tree-lined 'Sakura-dori' central avenue, which becomes a tunnel of pink blossoms in spring. As you walk through, you are passing by the history of Japan; notably, the cemetery houses the tomb of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the 15th and final Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The atmosphere here is serene rather than somber, with locals often seen strolling or sketching. It is a perfect example of how Tokyo integrates memorial spaces into the daily life of the community.

SCAI The Bathhouse

Prepare for a unique architectural surprise. SCAI The Bathhouse is a premier contemporary art gallery located inside the former Kashiwayu public bath, which served the community for over 200 years. While the interior has been transformed into a minimalist, white-walled exhibition space, the exterior still features the traditional tiled roof and grand entrance of a bathhouse. Look up to see the high ceilings that once allowed steam to escape. By repurposing this historic structure, the gallery bridges the gap between Tokyo's heritage and its cutting-edge modern art scene, featuring works by both Japanese and international artists.

Yanaka Ginza

Transition from the quiet temples to the lively energy of Yanaka Ginza. This 170-meter-long shopping street has retained its 1950s charm, resisting the encroachment of modern chains. Known as a 'cat town,' you will spot feline motifs everywhere, from rooftop statues to cat-shaped pastries. This is the ideal spot for a break; try the 'yanaka menchi' (minced meat cutlet) or some traditional rice crackers. At the eastern end of the street, you will find the 'Yuyake Dandan' or Sunset Steps, a famous local spot for watching the sun go down over the retro storefronts of the village.

Nezu Shrine

Your final stop is Nezu Shrine, one of the most beautiful and ancient Shinto sites in the city. Legend says it was founded nearly 1,900 years ago, though the current structures date to 1706. The shrine is famous for its hillside covered in thousands of azalea bushes and its tunnel of small vermilion torii gates that wind along a path overlooking a koi pond. Unlike many shrines in Tokyo that were rebuilt after the war, Nezu's main buildings are original examples of 'Ishi-no-ma-zukuri' architecture, characterized by intricate carvings and vibrant colors. It is a spectacular conclusion to your exploration of old Tokyo.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical self-guided walk takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to browse the shops at Yanaka Ginza and explore the grounds of Nezu Shrine, covering a distance of approximately 2 kilometers.