Yanaka District

Neighborhood

Prefecture

Tokyo

Type

Neighborhood

N/A

0 reviews

Train Access

About This Destination

A charming old-Tokyo neighborhood of temples, cats, and traditional shopping streets untouched by war.

Yanaka is one of Tokyo's best-preserved shitamachi neighborhoods, having survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II bombings. The area is home to over 70 Buddhist temples, the beloved Yanaka Ginza shopping street, and a famous population of stray cats. Walking through Yanaka feels like stepping back in time, with wooden houses, narrow lanes, and a pace of life refreshingly removed from the bustle of central Tokyo.

Location

Prefecture: Tokyo

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Nearest Station: Nippori

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Street food and small eateries along Yanaka Ginza

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Yanaka District?

From JR Yamanote Line, take Nippori Station's West Exit and walk south through Yanaka Cemetery — about 10 minutes to Yanaka Ginza shopping street. From Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Sendagi Station Exit 2 puts you 1 minute from Yanaka Ginza's far end. The pedestrian-friendly area is best explored on foot; allow 2–3 hours to wander temples, cat-spotting, and the shopping street. Free; everything is open-air. From central Tokyo: 12 minutes (¥160) on JR.

What's special about Yanaka Ginza?

A 170m old-school shopping street with about 60 small shops since the 1950s, untouched by gentrification. Sells affordable street food (¥100–500): menchi-katsu cutlets at Niku-no-Suzuki, taiyaki at Niagiri, croquettes at Tsuru-ya, and Japanese sweets at numerous wagashi shops. The 'Yuyake Dandan' (Sunset Stairs) at the eastern entrance is a famous photo spot at golden hour. Shops 11:00–18:00; closed Mondays. Take cash. Cat sightings are common — locals have nicknamed at least a dozen resident strays.

Are there famous temples to visit?

70+ temples spread across the area, most free to enter. Highlights: Tennoji (founded 1274, large bronze Buddha and beautiful cemetery), Kannoji (Edo-period grave of the famous swordsman Yanagi-no-Bansaku), Choan-ji (cherry blossoms), and Yanaka Reien Cemetery itself (Tokyo's most beautiful cemetery, with 7,000 graves including the last Tokugawa shogun's). The Asakura Museum of Sculpture (¥500, the home of sculptor Fumio Asakura, with rooftop views) is a hidden gem.

What's the best half-day route?

Start at Nippori Station West Exit. Walk south through Yanaka Cemetery (15 min) seeing major graves and resident cats. Continue to Yuyake Dandan (Sunset Stairs) for the famous Yanaka Ginza view. Browse Yanaka Ginza eating street food (60 min). Visit Tennoji temple (10 min). Walk west to Asakura Museum of Sculpture (45 min, ¥500). Optional: continue west to Nezu Shrine (15 min) with red torii tunnels, finishing at Sendagi Station. Total: 4 hours, ¥1,500 budget for food and museums.