Explore Yanaka Ginza: One Day of History and Local Food

Yanaka Ginza Published: Jun 14, 2024
Updated: Dec 19, 2024

How about taking a one day trip to Yanaka Ginza, an area in Tokyo where you can enjoy the traditional scenery? This guide is for spending a day from 9 AM to 6 PM in Yanaka Ginza and its surrounding areas.

Yanaka Ginza is a retro shopping street area in the "Yanesen" (abbreviation for Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi) district, one of the few remaining places in Tokyo with preserved old-fashioned townscapes amidst the ongoing redevelopment.

One of the nearest stations, Nippori Station, is on the JR Yamanote Line, making it easily accessible from major hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya. Additionally, Ueno Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and panda bears, is only about 4 minutes by train from Nippori Station and can also be reached on foot in 20-30 minutes from Yanaka Ginza.

This area has many charming street foods, local restaurants, and cafés housed in traditional Japanese houses. Furthermore, there are historical shrines and temples nearby, allowing you to fully enjoy the area over the course of a day.

As a local, I find this area where time seems to flow slowly, evoking a sense of nostalgia. I want foreign tourists to experience this neighborhood, which is why I decided to write this itinerary.

For me, a Tokyo resident, Yanaka Ginza offers a relaxing escape and respite. Through this neighborhood, I hope you can savor and experience the local Tokyo way of life!

Related Article
Yanaka Ginza Guide: Experience the Local Life in Tokyo's Old Neighborhood
This related article is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the food to the tourist spots in Yanaka Ginza. By checking it along with this one-day trip itinerary, you should be able to enjoy an even more fulfilling journey through Yanaka Ginza!

Step back in time on our enchanting Yanaka Historical Walking Tour, where Tokyo's traditional soul still beats strong. Meander through the nostalgic streets of old Tokyo, discovering the majestic Nezu Shrine with its 1900-year legacy and the charming alleyways of Yanaka district. Along the way, sample local delicacies and pause for a relaxing café break. Create your own lucky cat as a unique souvenir of your journey. This intimate walking tour reveals a hidden Tokyo where ancient traditions and modern life harmoniously blend, offering an authentic glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Magical Trip's tour earned Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best' award

Recommended One Day Trip Route for Exploring Yanaka Ginza

The recommended route explained in this article starts at JR Nippori Station at 9 AM, allowing you to fully experience the charms of Yanaka Ginza's shopping street while visiting other attractions in the area, arriving at JR Ueno Station around 6 PM.

You'll tour the famous "Yanesen" (Yanaka, Sendagi, and Nezu) downtown area of Tokyo while also covering the Ueno area.

The spots you'll visit include Tennoji Temple, Yanaka Cemetery, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, Kanei-ji Temple, Ueno Park, and Ameyoko.

The route is shown on the map below.

9:00 AM Start Your One Day Trip from Nippori Station

This one day trip starts from JR Nippori Station, located on the eastern side of the Yanaka Ginza area.

By using the JR Yamanote Line, you can reach Nippori Station in 4 minutes from Ueno Station or 20-30 minutes from famous spots in Tokyo like Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Related Article
- Tasty Breakfast in Yanaka Ginza
If you're considering having breakfast around the Yanaka Ginza area, please refer to this article.

9:10 AM - 9:40 AM Tennoji Temple: A Photogenic Temple with a Giant Buddha

Yanaka Tennoji Temple
Source: Tendaishu Tokyo Kyoku

Tennoji Temple is a quiet and serene temple, just a 1-minute walk from Nippori Station.

The main attraction is the "Great Buddha," a large Buddhist statue. When I first visited here, I was immediately captivated by the majestic presence of the Great Buddha amid the tranquil temple grounds.

While the autumn foliage or cherry blossoms in spring also make for a beautiful combination, my personal favorite is the scenery of the Great Buddha surrounded by lush green trees in summer.

Be sure to capture a photograph of this photogenic Buddhist sculpture framed by the colorful trees.

<Information>
Address: 3-11-14 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3821-4474
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Instagram: http://www.tendaitokyo.jp/jiinmei/tennoji/ (Available in Japanese Only)

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM Yanaka Cemetery: A Peaceful and Lush Spot to Soak in History During the Cool Morning Hours

Yanaka Cemetery
Source: Wikipedia

After enjoying Tennoji Temple, walk along the wide path to Yanaka Cemetery.

Yanaka Cemetery, established in 1874, is a beautiful and spacious historical graveyard that is also a popular spot for local strolls.

This cemetery is famous for being the resting place of many important figures in Tokyo's culture and history, as well as for its stunning cherry blossom trees in spring. However, what most impressed me during my visit was that, being located on a hill, it offered a panoramic view of the Yanaka Ginza area.

While Ueno Park, which you'll visit later in the evening, is more famous for cherry blossom viewing, Yanaka Cemetery is less crowded than Ueno Park, making it a recommended spot to enjoy the cherry blossoms in a more relaxed atmosphere.

<Information>
Open 24 hours
Address: 7-5-24 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001

11:00 AM - 0:30 PM Enjoy Street Food and Japanese Lunch at Yanaka Shopping Street

Yanaka Ginza Entrance
Source: Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street Official Website

After enjoying the views at Yanaka Cemetery, walk for about 10 minutes to reach the highlight of this one day trip, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street.

This old shopping street is lined with many "sozaiya", which are delis used by local residents on a daily basis. "Sozai" refers to the Japanese version of a delicatessen. By visiting these “sozai” shops, tourists can experience affordable street food.

In addition to street food, Yanaka Ginza also has restaurants and cafés serving Japanese cuisine for lunch.

You can either eat plenty of street food as a substitute for lunch or try the affordable and delicious Japanese cuisine at the restaurants after having some light street food snacks. I recommend experiencing both options!

<Information>
Access: 3-13-1 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001

Top 5 Recommended Street Foods in Yanaka Ginza

Here are my favorite street foods to try in Yanaka Ginza.

Each one is reasonably priced yet surprisingly delicious! Enjoying the street food in Yanaka Ginza during this one day trip will allow you to experience the local atmosphere more deeply.

However, be mindful not to overeat as you still have more walking to do.

Niku no Satou: Affordable and Juicy Fried Snacks

Niku no Sato
Source: Tabelog by a_monary

If you want to taste authentic Japanese "sozai" in Yanaka Ginza, "Satou" is highly recommended.

Fried dishes such as menchi-katsu (minced meat cutlet), korokke (croquette), and karaage (fried chicken) are sold at affordable prices, ranging from 100-300 yen per item.

If you're unsure what to order, my top recommendation is the menchi-katsu. It's so juicy that you'll want to buy another one after taking your first bite!

As a place where you can truly enjoy the local food of Yanaka Ginza, I actively recommend "Satou" to tourists and friends visiting this area.

<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: Traditional Grilled Squid Street Food

Yanaka Yakiya
Source: Tabelog by Wakameshi

At "Yakiya," you can enjoy "ikayaki," a Japanese street food dish where squid is grilled after being coated in a fluffy batter.

Depending on the toppings, the price ranges from 260-300 yen, but personally, I think ikayaki is best when generously covered with mayonnaise.

The style of ikayaki served at this shop is typically seen in western Japan, such as Osaka, so it's quite rare to find it in Tokyo.

As a result, there's often a line, but it's worth the wait for the delicious taste!

<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: Street Food from a Popular Butcher Shop

Sendagi Koshizuka
Source: Koshizuka Official Site

"Koshizuka" is a butcher shop renowned for its street food made with high-quality Japanese meat. Their juicy skewers and plump American-style hot dogs are particularly popular, and I'm a big fan myself.

This shop is slightly more expensive than other street food in Yanaka Ginza, with prices ranging from 400-500 yen per item, but it's worth the price.

While "Koshizuka" is popular for its street food, it's also famous among locals for its corned beef, attracting visitors from all over Tokyo.

While corned beef isn't suitable for eating while walking, I often buy it at "Koshizuka" when strolling around Yanaka Ginza and enjoy it at home with a drink. Why not take some back to your hotel and savor "Koshizuka's" corned beef with a supermarket or convenience store beverage?

<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/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sendagikoshi

Yanaka Shippo-ya: Sweets from the "Cat Town"

Yanaka Shippoya
Source: Tabelog by ykh110389

With its dense housing, narrow streets, and low traffic, Yanaka Ginza is a cat-friendly town, and locals have a history of affection for the neighborhood's feline residents.

While there are cat-themed shops and cat cafés scattered around Yanaka Ginza, my favorite is "Shippo-ya."

This shop sells unique doughnuts shaped like cat tails, allowing you to enjoy both the appearance and taste. Each one costs between 100-140 yen, which is quite affordable, so you can try several varieties to find your favorite "tail."

The "tails" even have individual names, making each doughnut seem like it represents a cat's personality, which I always find delightful when choosing.

<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 Senbei Shinsendo: Handmade Traditional Rice Crackers

Shinsendo
Source: Tabelog 996GT3MK2

"Senbei" is a traditional Japanese rice cracker made from rice, characterized by a crisp texture.

"Shinsendo" is a senbei shop offering a wide variety of handmade senbei with a homemade flavor, making it a great place to buy traditional Japanese snacks in the Yanaka Ginza area.

At this shop, senbei ranging from sweet varieties coated in sugar to unique flavors like shrimp are sold for around 130 yen per piece.

Unlike mass-produced senbei from supermarkets, here you can purchase handmade senbei one piece at a time, allowing you to casually try multiple flavors, which is a point I really enjoy.

<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

Three Restaurants/Cafés for Enjoying Local Japanese Cuisine in the Shopping Street

In addition to the tempting street food mentioned earlier, Yanaka Ginza also offers the option of Japanese restaurants and cafés for lunch.

Here are three places I frequent when I want to enjoy Japanese homestyle cooking or healthy meals in Yanaka Ginza.

Each one offers high-quality cuisine at relatively reasonable prices, and I'm always amazed that I can savor such delicious food at such affordable prices whenever I visit!

Unlike street food, these restaurants and cafés in Yanaka Ginza often have long lines during lunchtime, so if you're interested in trying Japanese cuisine, be sure to visit them as soon as you arrive at the shopping street.

Soba Azegami: Traditional Japanese Noodle Cuisine

Azegami
Source: Tabelog by YR

"Soba" is a traditional Japanese noodle dish that has been loved by the common people of Tokyo for a long time. The combination of thin noodles made from buckwheat flour and a soy sauce-based broth made from bonito flakes has a simple yet profound Japanese flavor.

"Azegami" is the first place that comes to mind when I want to enjoy soba in Yanaka Ginza. Here, you can savor soba served in a bowl alongside crispy tempura toppings.

The set meal with a donburi (rice bowl) and soba ranges from 1,500 to 1,800 yen. If you've already had some street food and are looking for a lighter lunch, I recommend trying just the soba, which costs between 700 and 800 yen.

<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: Healthy Set Meals at a Retro Café

TAYORI
Source: TAYORI Official Website

TAYORI is a hidden gem café renovated from an old Japanese house, and during lunchtime, their "teishoku" set meals are highly recommended.

"Teishoku" is a traditional Japanese meal that combines a main dish of meat or fish with various side dishes of vegetables, rice, and miso soup, offering a balanced meal. At TAYORI, you can enjoy these set meals for around 1,500 yen.

TAYORI's teishoku meals are popular among health-conscious locals, and I often visit when I want to enjoy a well-balanced meal. 

While it's a popular spot that often has a line, the café's beautifully maintained garden makes waiting enjoyable and is part of the experience for me!

<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: Affordably Priced Eel Cuisine

Yamagishi
Source: Tabelog by Shinichi Nippori

Eel has been a beloved ingredient among the common people of Tokyo for a long time, and a dish called "unaju" (grilled eel on rice) where succulent eel is glazed in a sweet sauce and served over fluffy rice is particularly popular.

While eel was once a common food, in recent years it has become a premium ingredient due to overfishing and soaring prices.

However, at "Yamagishi," you can enjoy eel dishes at reasonable prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 yen. Not only is there a wide range of eel dishes and price points, but the shop is also very popular with locals for consistently serving high-quality eel cuisine at these affordable prices.

<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 more cafés and restaurants ideal for lunch in areas beyond just the Yanaka Ginza shopping street.

0:40 PM - 1:40 PM “Maneki-neko” (Lucky Cat) Painting Experience

Cafe Nekoemon
Source: Cafe Neko-e-mon Official Website

With its low traffic, narrow alleys, and cat-friendly environment, Yanaka Ginza has long been known as a "town for cats" in Tokyo, where locals have cherished the feline residents. As a result, the area has many cat-related shops and cafés.

At "Neko-e-mon," you can paint your own original "maneki-neko" (beckoning cat figurine), creating a unique souvenir. In Japan, the image of a cat washing its face is believed to bring good luck, leading to the creation of these cute beckoning cat figures.

While the painting experience itself is exciting, I'm always captivated by the cat-themed drinks and sweets offered at this café.

The maneki-neko painting experience is offered at 1,620 yen for a small size and 2,160 yen for a large size, allowing you to easily create a handmade souvenir. Drinks are an additional 400-500 yen, or you can opt for a drink and dessert set for 700-800 yen.

This café shares a space with "Yanakado," a shop owned by the same proprietor selling designer maneki-neko figurines. Feel free to stop by before your painting experience to get inspiration or find a cat-themed souvenir for friends and family back home.

<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

Related Articles
- Best Cat Cafes and Shops for Cat Lovers in Yanaka Ginza
This article introduces other cat cafés and shops in Yanaka Ginza.

- Yanaka Ginza, a town for cat lovers to visit!   
This article provides a detailed explanation of Yanaka Ginza as a "town for cats."

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Nezu Shrine: A Photogenic Spot with Thousand Torii Gates

Nezu Shrine
Source: Nezu Shrine Official Website

Nezu Shrine, established in 1705, is a historical spot located 15-20 minutes away from the Yanaka Ginza shopping street.

In April, the shrine grounds are beautifully adorned with azalea flowers, attracting many Tokyoites to take photos of the blooms.

However, the most unmissable sight for visitors is the "Thousand Torii Gates." Be sure to capture photographs of this photogenic scenery where numerous red torii gates (traditional Japanese gates) line up one after another.

A similar torii gate scene at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is more famous, but it's convenient that you can enjoy the Thousand Torii Gates right here in Tokyo without having to travel to Kyoto! Personally, I even prefer Nezu Shrine over Fushimi Inari as it's less crowded, making it easier to take photos.

<Information>
Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031
Closed: None
Hours: Open from around 6 AM to around 5 PM (Opening and closing times may vary depending on the season and events)
Website: https://nedujinja.or.jp/

3:20 PM - 4:30 PM Kanei-ji Temple: A Historic Temple Built to Protect Edo

Kaneiji
Source: Kanei-ji Temple Official Website

After enjoying the photo opportunities at the nearby Nezu Shrine, walk for about 20 minutes to Kanei-ji Temple in the Ueno area.

This temple, established in 1629 during the "Edo Period," was also a place to enshrine the ruling Tokugawa clan at that time.

I'm personally fond of Kanei-ji Temple for its sense of tranquility amidst the urban surroundings, and I especially love the seasonal gardens surrounding "Fuchiin Pond."

In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a painting when combined with the serene pond and the solemn temple grounds.

With its much larger premises compared to Tennoji Temple visited earlier in the morning, I recommend taking about an hour to leisurely enjoy this vast and peaceful temple.

<Information>
Address: 1-14-11 Uenosakuragi, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0002
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3821-4440
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Instagram: https://kaneiji.jp/

4:40 PM - 6:00 PM Stroll Through Ueno Park's Urban Oasis During the Evening Hours

Ueno Park
Source: Ueno Park Official Website

Ueno Park is an oasis-like spot in the city, housing various cultural facilities such as museums, art galleries, and a zoo, including Kanei-ji Temple, which you just visited.

The park is particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color and in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, so be sure to take your time and enjoy a leisurely stroll.

When I first visited this park, it was during the peak cherry blossom season in April. I felt like I was walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms, and there were many food stalls where I could savor street food and drinks while admiring the cherry blossoms. The experience captivated me and made me fall in love with this park's abundant nature amidst the city.

This park is also recommended for taking a refreshing evening walk during the cooler summer hours.

At the end of this one day trip, be sure to enjoy Ueno Park, where you can forget you're in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo amidst its rich natural surroundings.

6:10 PM Enjoy the Lively Atmosphere and Local Dinner at Ameyoko Street

Ameyoko
Source: Ameyoko Official Website

After enjoying the natural scenery of Ueno Park, head over to Ameyoko, a lively shopping street located about 10 minutes away, near Ueno Station.

Ameyoko is an energetic shopping street, and I'm always overwhelmed by its vibrant atmosphere whenever I visit.

The name "Ameyoko" is derived from the fact that it was once a market overflowing with American goods ("ame" means "candy" in Japanese, as the area used to have many candy stores) after World War II.

Although Ameyoko originated as a black market after the war, it has now evolved into a bustling street representing Ueno, lined with numerous food stalls, clothing stores, and sundry shops.

In recent years, it has become a popular destination for foreign tourists as well, and in my experience, multilingual signage and guidance have been improved to make it more accessible to everyone.

With its diverse dining options ranging from izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), Japanese restaurants, to ramen shops, Ameyoko is the perfect place to enjoy dinner at the end of this one day trip and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Access: 6-10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005

Nearby Spots to Visit if You Have Extra Time

If you have extra time during this one day trip, here are two additional spots near Ueno Station that are worth visiting.

Akihabara: The Epicenter of "Otaku Culture"

Akihabara
Source: Wikipedia

If you plan to visit another area after ending your day at Ameyoko, Akihabara is a recommended spot, just 3 minutes away from Ueno Station via the JR Yamanote Line.

Whenever I visit Akihabara at night, I'm always amazed by its vibrant, photogenic atmosphere created by the lively neon lights. The entire area is brimming with electronics stores, anime, game, and idol merchandise shops, making it a central hub for Japanese subculture.

With convenient access via the JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, and Sobu lines, as well as the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, it's also a convenient spot to return to your hotel after your trip.

Many tourists visiting Japan are fans of anime, and for them, Akihabara, the epicenter of "otaku culture," will feel like heaven with its abundance of anime and manga goods!

Ueno Zoo: Experience the "Night Zoo" in August

Ueno Zoo
Source: Google Map by Manatsusan

Located within Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo usually closes at 5 PM, but during the summer, it extends its hours until 8 PM for a special event called the "Night Zoo" for about a week. In 2023, it was held from August 11th to 16th.

The admission fee for the Night Zoo is a reasonable 600 yen per person. The star attraction here is the panda, and when I visited, the baby panda was particularly popular, while I was able to enjoy observing the adult pandas with fewer crowds.

In addition to pandas, you can also see various other animals like tigers and gorillas, making it a unique experience to observe their nighttime behavior while avoiding the daytime heat.

At the time of writing this itinerary, the dates for the 2024 Night Zoo have not been announced, but they are expected to be posted on the following website. If you're visiting in August, be sure to stop by Ueno Zoo after exploring Ueno Park!

Click here: Ueno Park Official Website Event Information

<Information>
Address: 9-83 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3828-5171
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00
Instagram: https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/ueno/

FAQs about a One-Day Trip to Yanaka Ginza Neighborhood

Finally, I will introduce some common questions that travelers often have about sightseeing in Yanaka Ginza, along with their answers.

What is the recommended season for a one-day trip?

If you plan to visit historical spots such as Yanaka Cemetery and Kan'ei-ji Temple, spring and autumn are recommended seasons. During these two seasons, the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are beautiful, which enhances the scenery of each spot. If you enjoy this one-day trip in summer, you need to take measures against the heat. Unlike the city center, there are many areas where you cannot immediately enter air-conditioned facilities, so be sure to carry drinks and stay hydrated.

Besides food, what else can you buy at Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street?

At Yanaka Ginza, there are shops selling handmade bamboo goods, Japanese folk crafts, and traditional toys, in addition to food items. It is a recommended area to find Japanese-style souvenirs. You can also discover unique apparel items at local clothing stores.

What is the budget for a one-day trip to Yanaka Ginza?

If you plan to visit an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) in the evening, it is advisable to have 20,000 yen in cash per person. If you don't plan to drink alcohol, 15,000 yen should be enough. All the shrines and temples mentioned are free to enter, so your main expenses will be food and souvenirs.

Street food, lunch, and souvenir shopping in Yanaka Ginza should cost around 5,000 yen. However, if you want to experience decorating a ceramic cat figurine at a cafe, you'll need a budget of around 3,000 yen. Enjoying drinks and food at an izakaya can often cost between 5,000 and 10,000 yen.

Many local shops may not accept credit cards, so it's best to have cash on hand. Especially for street food, large bills may not be preferred, so it's convenient to have 1,000-yen notes.

Are there any tours that follow an itinerary like this one?

While there are no tours that cover the entire Yanaka Ginza area for a full day, here are two recommended tours that efficiently cover this area in 3-3.5 hours:

"Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town" by Magical Trip

Yanaka Tour Magical Trip
Source: Magical Trip

This 3.5-hour tour offered by us, Magical Trip, allows you to explore the charms of Yanaka Ginza with a local guide.

The tour starts from Nezu Shrine, famous for its red gate, as mentioned in the itinerary, and covers various spots in the Yanaka Ginza shopping street.

One of the highlights is the beckoning cat figurine painting experience at Cafe Neko Emon, also included in the itinerary. Your original beckoning cat will be a lovely souvenir of your trip.

This tour does not include historical spots like Yanaka Cemetery or Tenno-ji Temple other than Nezu Shrine, so I recommend visiting those places on your own after the tour, referring to the itinerary.

Click here for more details: Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town

"Yanaka Walking Tour The Old Quarter of Tokyo" by Tokyo Localized

Yanaka Tour Tokyo Localized
Source: Tokyo Localized

This 3-hour tour offered by Tokyo Localized covers many historical spots in the area, such as Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Cemetery, and Tenno-ji Temple.

Of course, you can also enjoy the lively local atmosphere of the Yanaka Ginza shopping street. While the duration is shorter than the first tour, it is recommended for travelers who want to efficiently experience the main attractions.

The tour also includes a stop where you can try original local alcoholic beverages in the Yanaka area, making it suitable for those who want to enjoy drinks while learning about the area's history.

Click here for more details: Yanaka Walking Tour The Old Quarter of Tokyo


Yanaka Ginza and its surrounding areas are precious spots where you can enjoy the scenery of old Tokyo. With its retro shopping street, attractive street food, and old folk house cafes, I think it's the perfect place to spend a whole day exploring at a leisurely pace.

The Yanaka area is dotted with historical shrines and temples, allowing you to experience the local atmosphere firsthand. It's a place I particularly want foreign travelers who wish to have unique experiences in Tokyo to visit.

When sightseeing in Tokyo, please consider planning a day trip to Yanaka Ginza. I'm sure it will become a wonderful memory for you.

Takashi Nakadomari

Hi, I'm Takashi. I know a lot about the coolest spots in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and I love sharing their charms with you. My hobby is visiting theme parks. You can find me at one every weekend!