Half-Day Itinerary at Yanaka Ginza: A Quick Tour of Traditional Tokyo & A Cat Town
Did you know there are still spots where you can experience the traditional old Tokyo? That place is Yanaka Ginza and its surrounding area.
This itinerary is a guide to enjoying the area of "Yanaka Ginza," a traditional shopping street loved by the locals in Tokyo, in a half-day trip from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Redevelopment is taking place all over Tokyo, and the old shopping streets that supported the lives of the locals are disappearing.
However, this area has resisted redevelopment, with many people continuing to live here from long ago, and the old shopping street still remains lively.
Yanaka Ginza has various street foods and Japanese restaurants/cafes. Furthermore, it is known as a "cat town," and you can enjoy cat-related shops and cafes.
Nearby, there is the "Nezu Shrine" with a row of red gates that are photogenic, and it is a must-visit spot in combination with the shopping street. Additionally, Yanaka Ginza is easily accessible from "Ueno Park," a popular spot for cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in Tokyo.
For foreign tourists, local spots in Tokyo may have less information available and feel less approachable compared to urban areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku. However, I wrote this article hoping that you will experience the charming appeal of this town during your trip to Japan.
For areas with strong cultural and traditional elements like this, I recommend taking a guided tour with a local expert, as it can be challenging for tourists to fully appreciate these places on their own. With a local guide's explanations, you can discover the subtle charms of the neighborhood and visit hidden spots that only locals know about, making your sightseeing experience twice as enjoyable.
If you want to fully experience the Yanaka area, try the "Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town." There are also several other tours where you can explore Tokyo's historic neighborhoods with local guides, such as the "Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour" and the "5-Hour Tokyo & Edo Hidden Gem Bike Tour with Lunch."
Make the most of your Tokyo old town experience with Magical Trip tours, which was ranked #1 among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024.
Then let me, your Tokyo navigator, take you on a half-day stroll through this downtown area!
Related article
・Yanaka Ginza Guide: Experience the Local Life in Tokyo's Old Neighborhood
This related article comprehensively introduces the charm of Yanaka Ginza. If you have extra time during your half-day trip, you should be able to enjoy an even more fulfilling journey through Yanaka Ginza by referring to this guide.
Table of Contents
・Recommended Route for Experiencing Yanaka Ginza in a Half-Day
・10:00 AM Start the Trip from Nezu Station
・10:10 AM - 11:00 AM Nezu Shrine: Visiting a Photogenic Historical Spot
・11:15 AM - 0:30 PM Enjoy Street Food and Japanese Lunch at Yanaka Shopping Street
・0:30 PM - 2:00 PM Enjoy the "Cat Town" Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
・2:10 PM - 3:00 PM Yanaka Cemetery: Strolling the Historical Graveyard and Green Streets
・3:10 PM Head to the End Point, Nippori Station
・Here Are Some Recommended Spots to Include Based on Your Preferences!
・For a Deep and Efficient Exploration of Yanaka, It's Best to Be Guided by a Local Guide Who Knows the Area Inside Out
・FAQs About the Half-Day Trip to Yanaka Ginza
・After Fully Enjoying Yanaka During the Day, Let's Enjoy Bar Hopping in Neighboring Ueno at Night!
Recommended Route for Experiencing Yanaka Ginza in a Half-Day
This half-day trip starts at 10 AM from Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro, visits the historical Nezu Shrine, and then enjoys the shopping street. In the shopping street area, you can also enjoy shops related to "cats."
After the half-day trip, a plan to visit nearby Ueno Park or Akihabara via the JR Yamanote Line is also explained.
The main spots to visit are Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, and Yanaka Cemetery. The map below shows the stations to be used and these three spots.
10:00 AM Start the Trip from Nezu Station
Head to Nezu Station on the Chiyoda Line of the Tokyo Metro.
From famous places in Tokyo like Shinjuku or Shibuya where the JR Yamanote Line runs, it's easier to take a route where you go to Nishi-Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote Line and then transfer to the Tokyo Metro.
If you're staying around Ueno Station, you can also get to Nezu Station in about 15 minutes by taking the JR Yamanote Line to Nishi-Nippori Station and then transferring to the metro. However, you can also walk from Ueno Station to Nezu Station in 15-20 minutes, and it's recommended to walk while viewing the townscape of the old residential area.
Related Article
・Tasty Breakfast in Yanaka Ginza
If you're planning to visit Yanaka Ginza earlier than 10:00 and want to have breakfast in this area, please refer to this article.
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM Nezu Shrine: Visiting a Photogenic Historical Spot
Source: Nezu Shrine Official Website
Nezu Shrine, a sacred historical spot built in this land in 1705, is a 5-10 minute walk from Nezu Station.
At this shrine, you must visit the "Thousand Torii Gates." This refers to the sight of numerous red gates (called "torii" in Japanese) lined up, which is especially famous at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, but a similar "Thousand Torii Gates" scenery can be enjoyed at Nezu Shrine.
Nezu Shrine is also known for having beautiful azaleas blooming within its grounds in April, attracting many flower-loving Tokyoites during this period. However, compared to Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, which I have also visited, Nezu Shrine is usually less crowded, making it easier to leisurely enjoy the photogenic "Thousand Torii Gates."
The opening hours start at 6 AM, so you can visit Nezu Shrine if you advance this itinerary by 2-3 hours. However, as many shops in the shopping street are open from 11 AM, I recommend arriving around 10 AM to enjoy the sacred atmosphere and then head to the shopping street.
<Information>
Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031
Closed: None
Hours: 6 AM - 5 PM (Opening and closing times may vary depending on the season or events)
Website: https://nedujinja.or.jp/
11:15 AM - 0:30 PM Enjoy Street Food and Japanese Lunch at Yanaka Shopping Street
The main spot of this half-day trip, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, is about a 15-minute walk from the previously visited Nezu Shrine.
In Japan, delicatessen shops where locals buy daily meals are called "sozaiya," and there are many such “sozaiya” in this old shopping street area where travelers can enjoy the delicatessen as street food.
In addition to street food, Yanaka Ginza has restaurants offering traditional Japanese cuisine at an affordable price, as well as stylish cafes in old houses.
You'll arrive here around lunchtime, so eat some street food or Japanese lunch!
I'll introduce some highly rated street foods, restaurants, and cafes that I personally recommend.
<Information>
Access: 3-13-1 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
5 Recommended Street Foods at Yanaka Ginza
First, let me introduce 5 popular street foods in Yanaka Ginza.
While there are also attractive Japanese food restaurants and cafes in the shopping street, it's also fun to try conquering the street foods introduced here as a substitute for lunch.
The appeal of street food is that each item is delicious and inexpensive, but be careful not to get too full to walk during your trip!
Niku no Satou: Famous Deep-Fried Snacks
Source: Tabelog by a_monary
If you want to enjoy Japanese "sozai" (delicatessen) in Yanaka Ginza, this is the place I highly recommend without a doubt.
You can enjoy deep-fried dishes such as “menchikatsu” (minced meat cutlets), croquettes, and “karaage” (fried chicken) at an affordable price of 100-300 yen each.
I love this place so much that I can't help but want to try various deep-fried foods! There are many attractive fried items, so you might have a hard time choosing, but if you try one, I especially recommend the juicy “menchikatsu”.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-13-2 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3821-1764
Hours: 10:00 - 19:30
Website: https://www.yanakaginza.com/ (Available in Japanese Only)
Yakiya: Squid Skewer Street Food
Source: Tabelog by Wakameshi
"Yakiya" is a shop where you can enjoy "ikayaki," a Japanese skewered street food made by wrapping squid (called "ika" in Japanese) in a batter of flour and eggs.
The price varies from around 260-300 yen depending on the toppings. My personal recommendation is the ikayaki topped with mayonnaise.
In fact, the ikayaki sold at "Yakiya" is something you typically see in western regions of Japan like Osaka. Therefore, a shop selling this food is a rarity here in Tokyo, and it often has lines, but it's worth the wait, so I recommend trying it!
<Store Information>
Address: 3-11-15 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 090-1313-9999
Hours: 11:00 - 19:30
Website: https://twitter.com/ikayakiyakiya
Koshizuka: Juicy Hot Dogs and Skewers
Source: Koshizuka Official Site
"Koshizuka" is a famous butcher shop that attracts people from all over Tokyo.
They offer street food made with Japanese meat, and their juicy skewers and American hot dogs are popular.
Among the street foods in Yanaka Ginza, their items are slightly more expensive, with many items priced around 400-500 yen each. However, their American hot dogs are especially juicy and filling, so be sure to try them before they sell out.
While not suitable for walking and eating, this shop is actually famous for corned beef among Tokyoites. It's also nice to take some corned beef back to your hotel and leisurely enjoy it with Japanese beer or alcohol, reminiscing about Yanaka Ginza.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-43-11 Sendagi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0022
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 03-3821-9124
Hours: 10:00 - 19:00
Website: http://www.koshizuka.jp/ (Available in Japanese Only)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sendagi.koshizuka/
Yanaka Shippo-ya: Cat Tail Doughnuts
Source: Tabelog by ykh110389
Yanaka Ginza is also known as a "town that loves cats," and while there are cat goods shops and cafes where you can meet cats, at "Shippo-ya," they sell sweets inspired by cats.
The Japanese word "shippo" means "tail," and they sell 13-14 varieties of doughnuts in the shape of a cat's tail.
While various patterns and flavors are sold, I personally like the cute tiger-patterned doughnuts. Popular patterns may sell out, but you can also take them away, so be sure to visit this shop early and find your favorite "cat tail."
<Store Information>
Address: 3-11-12 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 03-3822-9517
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (Open until 7 PM on weekends and holidays)
Website: https://www.yanakaginza.com/ (Available in Japanese Only)
Yanaka Sembei Shinseindo: Representative Japanese Baked Confectionery
Source: Tabelog 996GT3MK2
"Sembei" is a traditional Japanese rice cracker that has been around for a long time.
"Shinseindo" always prepares about 10 types of sembei, from sweet ones coated with sugar to unique ones with sesame or shrimp flavors. Each one costs around 130 yen.
In old Tokyo, sembei shops were commonly seen, but now they are a rare sight. While I usually buy sembei products at supermarkets, which contain many of the same flavors, I like this shop because you can purchase different flavors one by one and try various types of sembei.
<Store Information>
Address: 7-18-18 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 03-3821-6421
Hours: 10:00 - 17:30
Facebook: https://x.gd/47bEg
Related Article
・Recommended Street Foods in Yanaka Ginza
It introduces more street food for eating in Yanaka and desserts for after dinner. It also introduces some of Yanaka's standing izakayas at night, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy Yanaka for the whole day!
3 Recommended Japanese Food Restaurants/Cafes in Yanaka Ginza for Lunch
In addition to the street foods introduced earlier, the shopping street has Japanese food restaurants and cafes.
Compared to street foods, restaurants and cafes tend to have longer wait times for lunch. However, if you want to try affordable traditional Japanese cuisine or a healthy Japanese set meal, be sure to check out the following three establishments.
Soba Azegami: Traditional Noodle Cuisine at a Reasonable Price
Source: Tabelog by YR
"Soba" is a traditional Japanese noodle dish loved by the common people of Tokyo, featuring thin noodles made from buckwheat flour and a broth of soy sauce and bonito.
For lunch at "Azegami," you can enjoy a set of soba noodles with a rice bowl topped with tempura or tonkatsu (pork cutlet) for 1,500-1,800 yen.
While a single serving of soba costs 700 yen, it's also recommended to try it if you're still hungry after eating street food.
It's a bit spicy, but I personally love their curry soba!
<Store Information>
Address: 3-11-11 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays (closed every other Tuesday)
Phone: 03-5815-8710
Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Last order 20:30)
Details: https://www.yanakaginza.com/ (Available in Japanese Only)
TAYORI: Set Meals in a Warm Wooden Atmosphere
Source: TAYORI Official Website
TAYORI is a cafe renovated from an old house, and if you're there for lunch, I recommend the "teishoku" set meal.
"Teishoku" is a traditional Japanese set meal consisting of a main meat or fish dish, several types of vegetables, rice, and miso soup. TAYORI's teishoku sets are offered for around 1,500 yen and are popular among locals seeking healthy meals.
It's often crowded and you may have to wait a bit to get in, but I personally like that you can wait while enjoying the retro atmosphere of the garden with plants and flowers.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-12-4 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Phone: 03-5834-7026
Hours: Wed-Sat 12:00-20:00 (Sun/Holidays until 18:00)
Website: https://hagiso.com/tayori/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayori_yanaka/
Yamagishi: Enjoying Eel in Yanaka Ginza
Source: Tabelog by Shinichi Nippori
Eel has been used as an ingredient in commoner's cuisine in Tokyo since long ago.
Especially "unajuu" or "unadon," where eel is coated with a sweet sauce and served over rice, is a delicacy, and at "Yamagishi," you can enjoy such eel dishes for 1,000-3,000 yen.
Although originally a commoner's ingredient, eel has actually seen a price hike in recent years due to overfishing. Therefore, "Yamagishi," which continues to offer delicious eel dishes at an affordable price, is a popular spot among many locals.
In fact, I'm a huge eel lover, but I often give up eating it because of the high prices. If I visit Yanaka Ginza, this is definitely a place I want to stop by!
<Store Information>
Address: 3-13-9 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 03-3827-5763
Hours: 11:00-14:00 / 17:00-20:00
Website: Unavailable
Related Article
・Discover Yanaka Ginza: Best cafes and restaurants for lunch
This article introduces recommended lunch spots in a slightly wider area that includes the Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street.
0:30 PM - 2:00 PM Enjoy the "Cat Town" Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
Yanaka Ginza and its surroundings have a dense residential area with relatively low traffic, making it a cat-friendly environment.
The local residents have cared for and loved cats roaming freely in this area. Therefore, the shopping street has many cat-themed objects, cafes, and shops.
Here, I'll introduce two options to fully enjoy the "Cat Town" Yanaka Ginza during your half-day trip.
Cafe Nekoemon: Painting Lucky Cat Experience
Source: Cafe Neko-e-mon Official Website
In Japan, it is believed that the sight of a cat washing its face beckons good fortune, and figurines depicting this posture called "Maneki Neko" (Beckoning Cats) can often be seen.
At "Nekoemon," you can freely paint your own "Maneki Neko" figurine at this cafe, creating a one-of-a-kind lucky cat.
While the painting experience is enjoyable, I personally recommend trying the cute cat-inspired drinks and sweets as well.
The painting experience costs 1,620 yen for a small figurine and 2,160 yen for a large one, with drinks and food charged separately. Drinks cost 400-500 yen, and dessert sets are 700-800 yen.
There is also a shop selling Maneki Neko figurines designed by artists, so it's recommended to buy souvenirs for cat-loving friends there or get inspiration for your painting.
<Store Information>
Address: 5-4-2 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3821-0090
Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Website: https://yanakado.com/c_nekoemon.html
Yadori Gi Cafe: Cat Cafe Where You Can Meet Cats
Source: Yadori Gi Official Website
This cafe, "Yadori Gi," is where "rescue cats" that were originally pets but couldn't return home gather.
As you can actually interact with the rescue cats, cat lovers are sure to have a delightful experience at this cafe. You can enjoy the cafe for 1 hour with 1 drink included for 1,200 yen, or for 2 hours for 2,200 yen.
I thought rescue cats would be wary, but many of the cats at Yadori Gi are friendly and will approach you, which is truly relaxing when you can touch them.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-15-1 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays
Phone: 03-5809-0864
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
Website: https://www.yadorigicafe.com/
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・Best Cat Cafes and Shops for Cat Lovers in Yanaka Ginza
An article where you can learn about other cat cafes and shops in Yanaka Ginza besides the ones mentioned above.
・Yanaka Ginza, a town for cat lovers to visit!
An article focusing on Yanaka Ginza as a "cat town."
2:10 PM - 3:00 PM Yanaka Cemetery: Strolling the Historical Graveyard and Green Streets
Source: Wikipedia
After enjoying the food and "cat town" of Yanaka Ginza, walk 5-10 minutes to another famous spot, Yanaka Cemetery.
Yanaka Cemetery, established in 1874, is a traditional graveyard with graves of many historical figures and cultural figures of Tokyo.
Located on a hill, it offers a good view, making it a recommended spot to overlook the Yanaka Ginza area.
The well-maintained wide paths within the cemetery are beautifully lined with trees, and during the cherry blossom season in spring, many locals gather here to enjoy the "tunnel of cherry blossoms."
While there is the famous cherry blossom spot Ueno Park nearby, I personally prefer Yanaka Cemetery as it's less crowded and allows you to enjoy the cherry blossoms at a more leisurely pace.
After strolling through Yanaka Cemetery, if you have time, walk along the main street of the cemetery towards the nearest Nippori Station and visit Tennoji Temple. Here, you can enjoy the combination of large Buddhist sculptures and seasonal trees.
As Tennoji Temple and Nippori Station are located north of Yanaka Cemetery, it's convenient to enter the cemetery from the south side when moving from the shopping street.
<Information>
Open 24 hours
Address: 7-5-24 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
3:10 PM Head to the End Point, Nippori Station
After enjoying Yanaka Cemetery, head to Nippori Station, the end point of this half-day trip. Nippori Station is on the JR Yamanote Line, making it easy to move to major spots like Shinjuku or Shibuya.
If you haven't decided your plans after the half-day trip, you can also visit the following two spots accessible from JR Nippori Station.
Ueno Park: Enjoying the Seasons and Various Leisure Facilities
Source: Ueno Park Official Website
Ueno Park is a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage, attracting many Tokyoites during these seasons to enjoy the seasonal flowers and trees.
From Nippori Station, the end point of this half-day trip, you can move to Ueno Station, the nearest station to Ueno Park, in about 4 minutes via the JR Yamanote Line (2 stations).
Within the park grounds, there are historical spots such as Kanei-ji Temple, art museums, a zoo with pandas, and more, allowing you to fully enjoy your time.
Personally, I especially like Ueno Park during the cherry blossom season when there are many food stalls, giving it a festival-like atmosphere. If you take this half-day trip in spring, be sure to visit Ueno Park as well.
Akihabara: Tokyo's Iconic Subculture District
Source: Wikipedia
Akihabara is one of Tokyo's leading districts for subcultures.
With many electronics stores and shops selling anime, manga, idol, and game goods, it's an essential spot to experience otaku culture in Tokyo.
In addition to shopping for subculture items, there are also many entertainment facilities such as game centers and karaoke boxes, making it a recommended place to kill time after the half-day trip.
From the end point of this half-day trip at Nippori Station, you can reach Akihabara Station in about 10 minutes via the JR Yamanote Line. Additionally, the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, and Sobu Line, as well as the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, all run through Akihabara, making it accessible from major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Roppongi, and Tsukiji.
Here Are Some Recommended Spots to Include Based on Your Preferences!
Through my many visits to the Yanaka area, I have discovered that this town has various fascinating spots. All the places I'm about to introduce are ones I've actually visited and personally experienced their value.
While I believe the main route I've introduced is the best itinerary, I know that each traveler has different interests and preferences. I recommend reorganizing your itinerary by selecting from the spots introduced below based on your interests.
Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture
The Asakura Museum of Sculpture, wrapped in tranquility, is where you can experience the essence of modern Japanese sculpture. This museum was converted from the actual workspace and living quarters of sculptor Fumio Asakura.
The museum houses Fumio Asakura's masterpieces and valuable collections, allowing you to closely observe many important works of modern Japanese sculpture. I find the building's atmosphere particularly impressive, as it was used as a studio. The space, filled with bright light, still strongly retains its atmosphere as an artist's creative space.
I recommend allocating 1-2 hours for viewing the works. You can take your time facing the artwork and immerse yourself in Fumio Asakura's artistic world. This is a must-visit spot for those interested in sculpture and art, those who prefer quiet viewing environments, and those interested in modern Japanese art.
The location is easily accessible, about 5 minutes on foot from JR/Keisei Nippori Station. The surrounding area features historic townscapes perfect for strolling. It's ideal to visit when returning to Nippori Station at PM3:10.
Website: https://www.taitogeibun.net/asakura/
Takehisa Yumeji Museum
Source:GoogleMap
The Takehisa Yumeji Museum is a space that feels like stepping back in time to the Taisho Roman era. Here, the essence of Takehisa Yumeji's art, who was both a painter and poet, is concentrated. Among approximately 3,300 collected works, 200-300 pieces are regularly displayed, allowing you to encounter various works including Yumeji's Japanese paintings, oil paintings, and sketches.
I find the delicate sensibility embedded in the works and the Taisho era atmosphere particularly appealing. The elegant female figures and poetic landscapes express a unique aesthetic sense that is gradually being lost in modern times.
While I suggest about 1 hour for viewing, you might want to stay longer once captivated by Yumeji's world view. This will be a special experience for those interested in modern Japanese art and culture, those who want to understand Yumeji's works more deeply, and those who enjoy museum visits.
Located about 7 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Nezu Station, the Yayoi Museum is also nearby. You can spend a more fulfilling time appreciating art by visiting both museums. I recommend either switching it with the Nezu Shrine visit at AM10:00-11:00 or visiting after the shrine.
Hebi (Snake) Road
Hebi Road, which is also visited during a MagicalTrip tour, is a winding narrow alley true to its name ("Snake Road"), packed with hidden charms of the Yanaka area. Stylish cafes and art shops are scattered among the old townscape, creating an exquisite balance between old and new.
The narrow alley continues with gentle curves, lined with houses retaining traces of the Showa era and renovated traditional house cafes on both sides. I make new discoveries every time I walk this road, and it shows different faces depending on the season. The alley scenery illuminated by soft light at dusk is particularly perfect for photography.
I recommend allowing 30 minutes to 1 hour for exploring. There are many attractive photo spots perfect for Instagram and other social media posts, making it especially recommended for photography enthusiasts. It's also charming to glimpse local people's daily lives and enjoy the quiet atmosphere with few tourists.
Located on the way from Sendagi Station to Yanaka Cemetery, it's optimal to visit during PM2:10-PM3:00 when visiting Yanaka Cemetery.
Ueno Sakuragi Atari
Source:GoogleMap
"Ueno Sakuragi Atari," consisting of three traditional houses built in 1938 and renovated with modern sensibility. Since its opening in 2015, I've visited many times and continue to discover new charms with each visit.
The facility houses various shops including a beer hall serving Japanese craft beers, a bakery with aromatic freshly baked bread, and a specialty shop dealing in selected salts and olive oils. I find the space design particularly impressive, maintaining Showa-era architectural style while incorporating modern elements.
I suggest planning for 30 minutes to 1 hour, but if you want to relax at the café or thoroughly explore each shop, I recommend allowing more time.
Since it's located near Yanaka Cemetery, I recommend visiting between 2:10 PM - 3:00 PM when you're also visiting the cemetery.
CRAFT SAKE STAND Yanaka Junmaiya
Source:GoogleMap
"Yanaka Junmaiya" is one of my favorite spots in Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street. It's not just a sake shop but also features a bar where you can enjoy selected Japanese sake even during daytime. The bright interior displays pure rice sake collected from across the country, and you can feel the staff's deep knowledge and passion for sake.
The charm lies in being able to compare different recommended sake in small portions in a casual atmosphere. Seasonal side dishes paired with sake are also available, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious time even during the day.
While stay duration can be flexibly adjusted according to individual schedules, about 1 hour is enough to thoroughly enjoy sake and spend relaxed time. This is especially recommended for those interested in sake, those who want to spend relaxed time during the day, and those who want to experience local sake culture.
Located within the Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street area, it's optimal to visit during PM0:30-PM2:00 while enjoying Cat Town Yanaka Ginza.
For a Deep and Efficient Exploration of Yanaka, It's Best to Be Guided by a Local Guide Who Knows the Area Inside Out
Yanaka is an area with a long history, with complexly intertwined streets and many attractive spots that tourists might miss on their own.
Also, each building and place has deep historical background, and having a guide's explanation allows you to understand the area's charm more deeply. From my experience, I strongly recommend exploring with a guide who knows the area well, especially for first-time visitors.
“Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town” by MagicalTrip
This is a 3.5-hour walking tour perfect for those who want to deeply understand Yanaka's history and culture. The fee is $65.47 (approximately 9,000 yen) per person, featuring small group sizes. With English-speaking guides, international tourists can participate with peace of mind.
What I particularly recommend about this tour is that it's not just sightseeing - you can learn about the town's history of surviving World War II and major earthquakes through the actual townscape. Also, there are many photogenic spots where you can take memorable photos.
Since Yanaka Ginza isn't overly touristy, without a tour, tourists might miss spots and historical background that are hard to notice, potentially finishing their tour without experiencing the "real Yanaka Ginza."
If you're visiting Yanaka Ginza, I definitely recommend using this tour to fully enjoy the area.
For details: Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town
FAQs About the Half-Day Trip to Yanaka Ginza
Lastly, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about enjoying Yanaka Ginza in a half-day.
There are two stations near the shopping street, which one should I start from?
There is Sendagi Station on the west side and Nippori Station on the east side of the shopping street. Since Nippori Station is on the JR Yamanote Line and easily accessible from major spots, it is recommended to schedule your arrival at Nippori Station at the end. In this itinerary, the first stop is Nezu Shrine, which is on the same Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line as Sendagi Station, so aim for Nezu Station first instead of Sendagi Station when taking the metro.
What is the best time to arrive at Yanaka Ginza?
Arrive between 11 AM - 12 PM to find many shops open in the shopping street, allowing you to fully enjoy the street food, Japanese lunch, cat-themed shops, and shopping. Avoid coming before 10 AM or after 7 PM, as fewer shops will be open then.
How much budget is needed for the half-day Yanaka Ginza trip?
It is recommended to have around 10,000 yen in cash for this itinerary per person. The first stop, Nezu Shrine, is free to enter. If you just want to enjoy the street food, restaurants, and souvenirs, 5,000 yen would suffice, but if you plan to use cat cafes or painting experiences, which tend to be more expensive than regular cafes, having 10,000 yen will give you peace of mind. However, larger bills are sometimes not preferred at local shops (especially street food stalls), so be sure to have 1,000 yen bills on hand.
After Fully Enjoying Yanaka During the Day, Let's Enjoy Bar Hopping in Neighboring Ueno at Night!
After exploring the history and culture of Yanaka, why not experience Tokyo's nightlife excitement in the adjacent Ueno area? I always recommend tourists experience Tokyo's different faces during day and night.
What is Ameyoko at Ueno?
Ameyoko is one of Tokyo's most vibrant shopping streets, stretching from Ueno Station to Okachimachi Station. During the day, it's bustling with shoppers seeking fresh ingredients, clothing, and sundries, and at night, it transforms into a popular drinking district lined with numerous izakayas and bars.
Like Yanaka Ginza, Ameyoko is known as a shopping street retaining a retro atmosphere. However, while Yanaka Ginza has a quiet and calm atmosphere, Ameyoko has a unique atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. By visiting both streets, you can experience different charms of Tokyo's shopping districts.
Good accessibility is also appealing, with the location just a few minutes' walk from JR Ueno Station, making it very convenient for tourists.
"All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno" is Recommended to Enjoy Ameyoko
While I've enjoyed meals and drinking parties in the Ameyoko area many times, I recommend this MagicalTrip bar hopping tour for foreign tourists visiting for the first time.
This 3.5-hour tour visiting three izakayas costs $95.35 (approximately 14,000 yen) and includes all food and drink costs, allowing you to fully enjoy Japanese izakaya culture without worrying about additional charges.
At the first and second locations, you can enjoy 45 minutes of all-you-can-drink. You can choose from over 30 types of drinks including beer, sake, cocktails, and soft drinks. Meals include typical izakaya menu items like yakitori, kushikatsu, and fried tofu, with English-speaking guides providing detailed explanations of each dish.
The guide also takes photos, which will be sent by email later, allowing you to keep memories of the experience.
The small-group tour can be enjoyed in a casual atmosphere, like bar hopping with friends. It's easy to participate whether you're traveling alone, with friends, as a couple, or with family.
For details: All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
Yanaka Ginza is an old-fashioned shopping street packed with the charm of Tokyo's downtown area. Here, you can enjoy various street foods, restaurants, and cafes while interacting with the daily lives of local people.
In particular, it also has an aspect as a "cat town" that is irresistible for cat lovers like myself. Walking along the shopping street, you'll encounter adorable cat-themed goods and unique cafes.
I believe that by touching not only the urban aspects of Tokyo but also such local charms, you can gain a deeper understanding of Tokyo.
When sightseeing in Tokyo, why not include a half-day trip to Yanaka Ginza in your itinerary? I'm sure it will become a wonderful memory.