Yanaka
Cost
free
Attractions > Tokyo > Area > Ueno
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
A street in Yanaka after a late night rain, Tokyo Japan by Maya-Anaïs Yataghene (CC BY 2.0)
About
Yanaka is a district in Tokyo where there is a surviving "Shitamachi" (downtown) atmosphere and an ambience reminiscent of Tokyo from days gone by. Although these areas can be found throughout Tokyo, Yanaka is special because 1.) its very easy to get to (close to Ueno and on the main Yamanote Line), and 2.) the area managed to survive the big Kantou Earthquake and WW2 quite well. Actually the "complete" area including the neighborhoods Yanaka, Nezu and Sengai make an area called "Yanesen" (using the first two letters of each name) but "Yanaka" is heard more often. Its well worth a visit if your in Tokyo as you can just stroll through the winding alleys, stop in at old small "mom & pop" shops and take in the "worn around the edges" feel of this town... a big contradiction to the new shiny areas of Tokyo.
From either Nippori Station or Sendagi Subway Station you can get to Yanaka Ginza by a short walk which is a "semi-famous" shopping street in the Yanesen (Yanaka) area. Little "mom & pop" shops are selling all sorts of goods, food and restaurants. Although Yanesen has become quite popular with tourists and ExPats living in Tokyo, the prices are very reasonable if not downright cheap! One of the more popular shops is a Japanese Sweets Shop called Fukumaru Manjyuu 福丸饅頭 (3-7-8 Yanaka Taito Tokyo | 東京都 台東区 谷中 3-7-8 | 03-3823-0709 | See Map). Japanese Sweets are a little different for the visiting foreigner as they use sweet rice to create all sorts of interesting sweets... personally, we love 'em! Another popular spot in Yanesen is the cemetery, Yanaka Cemetery. It used to be part of Tennoji Temple but was separated during the Meiji period. There is an actual Shogun buried in this cemetery!
You should definitely try some with green tea. If you want to learn more about the area or need help, stop in at the Yanesen Tourist Info. & Culture Centre, they have a great English website too!
Map of the Yanaka area
Access
Closest Train Station: Nippori
Yanaka Taito
Tokyo, Tokyo 110-0001 Japan
From Ueno Station / Ueno Park: If your visiting Ueno or Ueno Park for the day, you can actually walk "north" (in the Tokyo National Museum direction) and keep walking about 15 - 20 min. and you will arrive in Yanaka.
From Nippori Station: Yanaka Cemetery is a three minute walk and Yanaka Ginza a 5-10 minute walk west of the station.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Yanaka.
Hours & Fees
Hours: This is a Area, therefore each establishment has it's own hours but generally shops in Japan generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while restaurants are generally open until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.
