[2025 Tokyo Attraction] Travel Guide for Yanaka (Updated Mar)

If you're looking for a taste of old Tokyo, Yanaka Ginza is the place to be! This charming shopping street is located in the Yanaka neighborhood of Tokyo and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. What makes Yanaka Ginza so special? For starters, it's one of the few remaining areas in Tokyo that has preserved its traditional atmosphere. The street is lined with small shops and restaurants that have been around for decades, giving visitors a glimpse into Tokyo's past. One of the most popular shops on Yanaka Ginza is Yanaka Shippoya, a traditional Japanese confectionery that has been in business for over 100 years. Their signature sweet, called "kusa mochi," is made with mugwort and is a must-try for anyone visiting the area. Another highlight of Yanaka Ginza is the abundance of street food vendors. From grilled squid to sweet potato chips, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And if you're in the mood for a sit-down meal, there are plenty of cozy restaurants serving up delicious Japanese cuisine. But perhaps the biggest draw of Yanaka Ginza is the sense of community that permeates the area. Locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to take their time and soak up the atmosphere. It's a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of other parts of Tokyo. Overall, Yanaka Ginza is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the charm and character of old Tokyo. So why not take a stroll down this historic street and see what all the fuss is about?

#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.

Located in Yanaka, Craft Sake Stand was a great Sake experience with each drink costing 500 Yen! Yanaka is famously one of the most quaint and aged parts of the city. It was spared the Allied fire bombings during the WWII and survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and Fire of 1923. In the past, the area was a thriving artisan town housing some of the country’s most famous writers and visual artists. #yanaka #sake #fallingforfall #foodie #japan #tokyo

Coffee shop "Kayaba Coffee" Their specialty egg sandwich is a thick omelet with herbs mixed in, giving it a unique taste. The sandwich comes with a salad and soup set. The interior of the shop, which was renovated from an old house, is a place where you can spend a calm and peaceful time. It's a popular shop, so we recommend making a reservation before visiting. Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo (10 minutes walk from Nippori Station) Budget per person: 1,000 to 2,000 yen #Tokyo #Yanaka #YanakaGinza #Nezu #EggSandwich #Sandwich #TokyoGourmet #GourmetTrip #GourmetList

Just a short walk from Ueno Park, the charm of the area is preserved by the tendency to re-purpose older buildings rather than rebuild, creating a contrast that remains somehow reassuring. You can sample the old-fashioned treats of Japan followed up with some modern takes on their specialties, all within meters of each other. Whether you’re normally a wanderer or not, here you just can’t help it every sidestreet is promising and each corner offers myriad possibilities. I like to feel the casual atmosphere of local people, even though it has become a touristy street. The Yanaka Ginza continues onto a street, where you can feel a real local. A fantastic place to visit. For the fun, many people wear traditional clothes and shoes. It look.like a mix of old Japan and the new one. Very good place for souvenirs items. #givethanks #givethanks

The sunset dyes the stone tablets of Yanaka Cemetery red as we follow a calico cat through the 'Cat Path' between century-old houses. Ceramic beckoning cats squat under the eaves of the hardware store, and the owner laughs, 'These are the guardians of the neighborhood, changing shifts every night for patrol!' Around the corner, an empty courtyard hides a pond reflecting the night cherry blossoms, with petals falling and creating glowing ripples. *Hidden activity: On the 15th of every month, the 'Cat Spirit Festival' is held, where you can taste red bean cakes shaped like cat paws.*

Friends heading to Wangxian Valley, I highly recommend this guesthouse After comparing many guesthouses, I finally chose this one. It's newly opened this year, really new and clean, and offers great value for money. The hygiene is top-notch, and items like bath towels, toilet seat covers, and shower gel are all disposable, which is super nice for someone with slight germophobia like me. The location is very close to Wangxian Valley, and the owner will pick you up and drop you off by car. If you want to go out at night, he can even lend you an electric bike! The service is excellent; he's very patient with any questions you have, and will deliver food to you. The water, including Yibao, is free to drink. At 200 yuan a night, it's really worth it because the stay is so comfortable! I'm very picky with beds, but I slept very well~ If you're sisters looking to visit Wangxian Valley, just go for this guesthouse! The name of the guesthouse is: Guzhonglou Guesthouse

Looking up at the Tokyo Tower in the snow, it's romantic! The Tokyo Tower is even more romantic under the Christmas lights. The day and night on the streets of Japan are worth your wander, worth your careful look. Winter in Japan is colorful.

Nenneko Shrine is located in Yanaka, Taito Ward. The owner of a cat inn loved cats so much that he enshrined the cat he lived with and who died at a ripe old age at Nenneko Shrine. It is unclear what benefits the shrine may bring, but you can still visit. It is also possible to display photos of your own cat. This is a place where cats are very much cherished. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ❥❥ Ne⃝ne⃝ne⃝ko⃝shrine⃝ 🚉Nezu Station → 🚶‍♀️ 6 minute walk 🚉Nippori Station → 🚶‍♀️ 14 minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #Nennekoya #Nenneko Shrine #Yanaka #Tokyo Trip #Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo/Taito-ku Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street A trip to eat and drink♡ Takoyaki and squid shops❤️ A series of flour-based dishes✌️ The perfect match with beer🍺 Both shops had space to eat outside♡ ● Yanaka Takobo ● Standard sauce: 500 yen ◼️Address: 3-9-18 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo ◼️Opening hours: 11:00-20:00 ● Yanaka Squid Yakiya ● Cheese squid senbei: 350 yen ◼️Address: 3-11-15 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo ◼️Opening hours: Irregular holidays (check Twitter) 11:00-19:30 (around that time) Both are great for eating while walking around 🙌 It was delicious 😋 #Tokyo trip #Tokyo sightseeing #Tokyo gourmet #Tokyo gourmet #Tokyo shopping street #Bunkyo Ward gourmet #Yanaka Ginza shopping street #Yanaka Ginza #Yanaka Ginza food walk #Yanaka Ginza gourmet #Yanaka Ginza stroll #Yanaka Ginza shopping street food walk #food walk #drink walk #Yomise Street #Yomise Street Shopping Street #Yanaka Takobo #Takoyaki #Yanaka Squid Grill #Squid Grill #Cheese Squid Senbei #Floury food #With beer #traveldrunkards #Travel Drunkard #Gourmet #Couple trip #Followers welcome