Walking through the past

#tokyo Go on a walking tour of Yakana. The name given to this area, Yakana (Middle of the Valley), is believed to predate the Edo period, and reflects its location in the bottom of the valley between Uno and Hongo Heights. It is said that the name was meant to draw a comparison to the neighboring area, Shitaya (Foot of the Valley). Based on the Shogunate's Edo city planning policy, many temples were gathered at Yanaka to form the focal point of the town. Yanaka has been known as "the town of temples and slopes" ever since, and was chosen as one of the "Top 100 Historical Views in Beautiful Japan" in 2007. Thankfully, many of its temples, shrines and traditional wooden houses survived until today. Well worth the 7km walk.