Yanaka & Nezu: Local Downtown Life with a retro Vibe

Nippori Station

Often referred to as Tokyo’s downtown (shitamachi), the general vibe of this neighbourhood is friendly, retro, and charming. 

Historic sites of Yanaka Cemetery and Nezu Shrine (one of Japan’s oldest shrines) are tucked away among narrow back alleys and traditional wooden houses. 

Yanaka Ginza, the retro shopping street, has around 70 shops.

Explore Yanaka & Nezu

An artistic temple district with its own pace
Close to Ueno Park and Tokyo University of the Arts, the adjoining towns of Yanaka and Nezu were built around several major temples, which imbue the area with traditional charm. Famous artists and writers like Natsume Soseki and Banana Yoshimoto have lived here; you might find yourself inspired, too.

General Tips

• Join the line at Nezu no Taiyaki for hot, crispy waffle-like sweets filled with bean paste
• Explore the narrow backstreets to find little galleries, quiet cafes and sleeping cats
• Yanaka Cemetery is full of beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and fascinating graves, including that of Japan’s last shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa

1) A gateway between old and new
Nippori Station
A convenient stop on the Yamanote Line, Nippori is also a stop on the Skyliner express train from Narita Airport. Take the North West Exit and head left along the main street that skirts the edge of Yanaka Cemetery, heading towards the YanakaGinza shopping district.
3 mins

2 An authentic taste of old Tokyo
Yanaka Senbei Shinsendo
It's hard to miss this lovely old rice cracker shop, with its gleaming glass counters and large round jars filled with rice crackers. Try crunchy or chewy, sweet or salty, or flavors like sesame or shrimp.
3 mins

3) A golden view
Yuyake Dandan
The name of this staircase leading down to the main shopping street, means "sun setting slowly". In times past, you could have seen the sunset over Mt. Fuji, but now, you'll have to settle for the golden glow over urban Tokyo.
1 min

4) Old time shopping with a smile
YanakaGinza
This lively little shopping street is the heart of Yanaka, with the kind of neighborhood stores that are fast disappearing. You could buy a fantastic picnic lunch here, picking up fresh fruits and traditional snacks along the street. Finish off with a fresh coffee at the Yanaka Coffee roastery.
12 mins

5) A shrine of many colors
Nezu-jinja Shrine
The spacious grounds of Nezu-jinja are beautiful in all seasons, but especially in late spring, when the shrine holds its azalea festival and the hills around the shrine are ablaze in pinks and reds. Admire the ornate carving in the main temple, then follow the red lacquer torii gates to a small fox shrine.

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