Yanaka and Tokyo Retro Town in February 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
Yanaka in Taito Ward, Tokyo, is a district that preserves its historical charm. Just a 5-minute walk from JR Nippori Station lies the Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, established in the 1950s. With about 60 shops including retro candy stores, stylish cafes, and affordable local eateries, it has become increasingly popular among international tourists.
At the entrance of the shopping street, there's a staircase called "Yuyake Dandan" (Sunset Steps), famous as a spot for viewing spectacular sunsets.
In February 2025, various events, including traditional Japanese festivities, will be held around Yanaka. Here's detailed information about these events to help plan your visit!
February's Highlight: Traditional Japanese "Setsubun" Festivals
Various "Setsubun" events are held in February. Setsubun is a traditional Japanese custom marking seasonal transitions, where people ward off bad luck and pray for health throughout the year. While originally marking four seasonal changes, it now primarily refers to the winter-to-spring transition in February.
During Setsubun, people traditionally perform "Mamemaki" (bean throwing) towards evil demons. Beans have long been believed to ward off misfortune and bring happiness. In some regions, people also eat "Eho-maki" (fortune direction rolls), special sushi rolls eaten while facing the year's lucky direction.
Various Setsubun events are held at shrines and temples around Yanaka.
When Visiting Yanaka in February, Join the Setsubun Festival at Suwa Shrine, the Guardian Shrine of Yanaka-Nippori!
Source:Yahoo! News
Suwa Jinja Shrine is the guardian shrine of Yanaka and Nippori areas. Locally known as "Osuwa-sama," it bustles with community members during New Year's and Shichi-Go-San (children's growth celebration) ceremonies.
The annual Setsubun Festival is one of the shrine's long-standing traditions. During the customary bean throwing, the spacious shrine grounds become packed with excited visitors.
From the Kagura-den (ritual stage), packed beans, candies, and colorful balls are thrown for people below to catch – the classic bean-throwing style.
For those wanting to catch beans and treats, secure a spot near the front. To enjoy the overall atmosphere, watching from the back or a slight distance is recommended.
Join this energetic local festival to drive away bad luck!
<Information>
Date: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line/Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line "Nishi-Nippori Station"
Website: https://suwajinja.r-cms.jp/
3 Popular Setsubun Festivals Around Yanaka, Tokyo - February 2025 Guide
Setsubun Festival & Fortune Dance (Sensoji Temple)
Source:Go Tokyo
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple and a major tourist attraction, hosts one of the city's first established Setsubun celebrations.
The festival features bean-throwing by "Toshi Otoko" (men whose ages are multiples of 12). Cultural figures, including athletes and rakugo performers connected to Asakusa, participate in the "Cultural Performers' Setsubun Ceremony."
A highlight is the "Shichi fuku jin Dance" performed by the Seven Lucky Gods in elaborate costumes, bringing good fortune and festive energy.
Event Details:
- Date: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
- Access: 5-min walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Skytree Line/Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Toei Asakusa Line)
- Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/
Ukera Ritual (Gojoten Jinja Shrine)
Source:GO TOKYO
Gojoten Jinja Shrine, dedicated to the deity of medicine, is a power spot known for blessings of health and recovery from illness.
The shrine hosts a unique Setsubun festival called "Ukera Ritual." Ukera, a medicinal herb from the chrysanthemum family, has been valued in traditional medicine. The ritual involves burning ukera to ward off evil spirits, following Heian period traditions:
1. Hishime ceremony (shooting arrows toward the demon's gate)
2. Dialogue with demons
3. Bean throwing
A highlight is the dramatic performance featuring intimidating demons and their expulsion. Visitors can receive "ukeramochi" from the shrine office - eating this brings good health throughout the year.
This Yanaka Event February 2025 is perfect for audiences seeking a unique festival experience.
<Information>
Date: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
Access: 5-min walk from Ueno Station (Keisei Line) / 10-min walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit
Website: https://www.gojoutenjinsha.com/
Setsubun Festival (Torikoe Jinja Shrine)
Source: Omatsuri Japan
Torikoe Jinja Shrine is famous for housing Tokyo's largest portable shrine, weighing 4 tons.
Over 350 men and women born in the corresponding zodiac year participate in enthusiastic bean throwing. Special fortune bags thrown from the stage contain amulets of Ebisu and Daikoku (two of the Seven Lucky Gods) and blessed golden tokens. Below, eager audience members position boxes and bags to catch these lucky items.
Children receive special candy gifts after the bean throwing, ensuring everyone leaves happy.
Bring containers to join this family-friendly event!
<Information>
Date: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
Access: 5-min walk from Kuramae Station (Toei Asakusa Line) / 8-min walk from JR Asakusabashi Station West Exit
Official X: https://x.com/torikoejinjya
Black Soybean Fortune-Throwing (Ueno Toshogu Shrine)
Source:LIVEEN TIMES
Ueno Toshogu Shrine, a National Important Cultural Property, hosts a unique Setsubun festival. While traditional Setsubun celebrations use roasted soybeans, this festival features black soybeans.
Black soybeans, historically presented to Tokugawa shoguns, are rich in protein, calcium, and dietary fiber. They've long been valued as a nutritious food. Ueno Toshogu Shrine's "Black Soybean Fortune-Throwing" aims to preserve both the health benefits of black soybeans and Japanese food culture.
The event includes entertaining activities like the "Black Soybean Chopstick Game." Visitors can also sample premium Tamba black soybeans, known for their large size and chewy texture.
<Information>
Date: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit or Tokyo Metro Ginza/Hibiya Line Ueno Station
Website: https://www.uenotoshogu.com/en/
Cultural Event at Tokyo National Museum (Walking Distance from Yanaka)
Source:Tokyo Art Beat
Exhibition: "Treasures of Daikakuji: From Imperial Villa to Buddhist Temple"
Tokyo National Museum, located in Ueno Park, hosts an exhibition from January 21 to March 16, celebrating Daikakuji Temple's 1150th anniversary.
Exhibition Highlights:
- Partition paintings by Sanraku Kano, a prominent Edo-period artist
- First complete display of the Five Wisdom Kings statues, considered masterpieces of the Heian period
- Imperial manuscripts from successive emperors
- Display of Tachi (Japanese swords) used by Heian-period warriors
The designated Important Cultural Property partition paintings are the exhibition's centerpiece, featuring over 120 spectacular pieces including sliding door and screen paintings.
The souvenir shop offers Japan-themed limited edition items, including cushions featuring partition paintings and Fudo Myoo plush toys.
<Information>
Duration: January 21 - March 16, 2025
Admission: Adults ¥2100 / University Students ¥1300 / High School Students ¥900
Website: https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/daikakuji2025/english.html
Hello Kitty Exhibition As I change, so does she.
Source:Tokyo Art Beat
Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Exhibition at Tokyo National Museum is running from November 1 to February 24, attracting crowds of fans daily from around the world.
Exhibition Highlights:
- Early Hello Kitty plush toy displays
- Exhibition-exclusive merchandise and artist collaboration videos
- Wall display featuring historical Kitty merchandise
- Unique Kitty interpretations collaborating with Tokyo National Museum collections
- Comprehensive showcase of regional Hello Kitty series from across Japan
- Illustration exhibition featuring 30 artists' interpretations of "Me and Kitty"
The 50th-anniversary limited-edition snacks, available exclusively here, make perfect souvenirs. This event guarantees complete immersion in Hello Kitty's world.
<Information>
Dates: November 1, 2024 - February 24, 2025
Admission: Check ticket website https://hellokittyexhibition.com/tickets/
Website: https://hellokittyexhibition.com/
Access to Tokyo National Museum:
- 10-min walk from JR "Ueno Station" Park Exit or "Uguisudani Station" South Exit
- 15-min walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza/Hibiya Line "Ueno Station"
- 15-min walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line "Nezu Station"
- 15-min walk from Keisei "Keisei-Ueno Station"
- "Tokyo National Museum" bus stop on Taito City Circuit Bus "Tozai Megurin"
The Gardens of the National Museum's Main Building Transform into Winter Attire
Source:Official website
North of Tokyo National Museum lies a Japanese garden featuring seasonal flowers and historical cultural properties. The garden, centered around a serene pond, includes five traditional tea houses, a five-story pagoda, and stone lanterns, exuding an authentic Japanese atmosphere. Following its 2021 complete renovation, the garden paths and benches were improved for better accessibility.
The winter garden offers a unique charm distinct from spring blossoms or autumn foliage, enveloped in crisp air and solemn ambiance. While visiting the museum, extend your trip to explore the garden.
For those interested in exploring Tokyo's retro districts, consider joining the special Yanaka walking tour in February 2025! Local guides offer comprehensive tours of this historic area, revealing hidden spots beyond guidebook recommendations. The charm of Yanaka lies in its retro atmosphere, cultural heritage, and authentic interactions with locals.
Two recommended local guide tours are available to help you fully experience Yanaka's genuine appeal beyond typical tourist spots.
2 recommendations for sightseeing while enjoying the history and traditions of the retro Yanaka neighborhood
Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town
This tour explores the historic Yanaka area with a local guide, preserving its traditional atmosphere.
Tour Highlights:
- Guided exploration of Nezu Jinja Shrine with clear explanations of history and culture
- Create your own "Maneki-neko" (lucky beckoning cat) believed to bring good fortune
- Food tasting experience at Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
- Experience local lifestyle while walking through residential areas
The Maneki-neko making workshop at a traditional house café is a tour highlight, creating a unique souvenir. Walking with the guide through local shopping streets helps discover hidden shops.
Recommended for those wanting to experience authentic Japanese lifestyle and culture.
Meeting point: Nezu station
Tour area: Nezu Jinja Shrine/Hebimichi (Snake road)/Local Gallery/Local cafe-Yanaka Ginza
Start time: 13:30
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
Perfect for experiencing Asakusa's charm in a short time, this 3-hour guided tour offers an enriching experience.
Tour Highlights:
- Guided tour of Sensoji Temple with clear explanations of religious culture and traditions
- Matcha experience in a tranquil tea house
- Enjoy Tokyo's famous Monjayaki for lunch
The tour covers popular tourist spots like Sensoji Temple, matcha experience, and Tokyo cuisine while providing deeper insights with a local guide. The guide will teach you how to properly enjoy Monjayaki, which can be challenging for first-timers.
After the 14:00 tour ends, you can continue exploring Asakusa or move to other locations.
Click here for more details
Meeting point: Kaminarimon Police box
Tour area: Nakamise shopping street/Senso-ji/Hoppy street/Local restaurant
Start time: 11:00