Small shops line up in the streets of Downtown Tokyo, Yanaka. You see neighbors and shop owners in deep conversation. Feral cats on staircases, and the beautiful sunset coming down in a retro Japan atmosphere.
Summary
Small shops line up in the streets of Downtown Tokyo, Yanaka. It is also famous for "Yanesen," an area comprise of three neighbourhoods in Bunkyo ward, called Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi. You see neighbors and shop owners in deep conversation. Feral cats on staircases, and the beautiful sunset coming down in a retro Japan atmosphere. Eat, shop, explore, take pictures of this special area in Tokyo where pre-war temples and buildings still remain.
Down Town Yanaka: Away From The Neon Lights of Tokyo
Originally, Yanaka in downtown Tokyo, was a forest with farmlands here and there. After a major Buddhist temple called Kaneiji was built in the nearby Ueno area in 1625, many related temples were built in the Yanaka village. Some temples moved to Yanaka from a different part of Tokyo. And after a disastrous fire that burned down most of Edo (now Tokyo) in 1657, many temples were rebuilt in Yanaka, making it a temple town. In 1700, the town developed into an entertainment district after a temple called Kannouji (present: Tennoji) started a type of lottery.
Fortunately, Yanaka did not undergo major damages after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 or World War II, and for this reason, old Tokyo’s streetscape and traditional buildings remain. To this day, there are many old temples and small local shops in this area, creating an atmosphere of “good old Tokyo” that is hard to find in the newer, more developed areas of the city.
The Yanakaginza shopping street, a 557 ft (170 m) narrow street packed with about 70 local shops, each selling their line of specialty such as meat, vegetables, fish, clothes, kimono, traditional crafts and tea, developed after World War II. In 1981, this street was named “Tokyo’s model shopping street.” Shop owners place great importance in communicating frequently with both local neighbors and customers visiting temples in Yanaka. This warm downtown atmosphere is the reason many tourists like to pencil in a visit to Yanaka during their stay in Tokyo.
Fortunately, Yanaka did not undergo major damages after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 or World War II, and for this reason, old Tokyo’s streetscape and traditional buildings remain. To this day, there are many old temples and small local shops in this area, creating an atmosphere of “good old Tokyo” that is hard to find in the newer, more developed areas of the city.
The Yanakaginza shopping street, a 557 ft (170 m) narrow street packed with about 70 local shops, each selling their line of specialty such as meat, vegetables, fish, clothes, kimono, traditional crafts and tea, developed after World War II. In 1981, this street was named “Tokyo’s model shopping street.” Shop owners place great importance in communicating frequently with both local neighbors and customers visiting temples in Yanaka. This warm downtown atmosphere is the reason many tourists like to pencil in a visit to Yanaka during their stay in Tokyo.
The shopping street’s staircase is referred to as “Yuyake (sunset) dandan” and is a popular spot to view the sunset. Many feral cats live by this staircase. Although the cats are feral, shop owners and nearby neighbors take care of them, and they are like everybody’s pets.
There are also many shops that sell cat-related objects and goods, so much that in fact some people refer to the street as “cat town.”
In recent years, young creators have opened studios and cafés in the same retro atmosphere so you will also get to see how “something new” is being integrated in a traditional downtown area. From shop owners to interesting Japanese crafts, to the beautiful sunset, to feral cats- there are a lot of moments you would want to capture on your camera when walking down Yanakaginza shopping street. Take note however that some shop owners ask tourists not to take pictures of their shops so make sure the shop owners are comfortable before shooting away.
5 Great Shops To Visit In The Yanaka Area
Here is a good mixture of shops to stop by when you are in the Yanaka area. While soaking in the downtown atmosphere, don’t forget to eat, shop, and take a break.
1. Suzuki Meat shop
Line up for their ground meat cutlet and eat it as a snack. They’ll wrap your cutlet in a piece of paper so that you can eat it right away.
Address: 3-15-5 Nishi Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0013
Tel: +81-3-3821-4526
2. Matsuno Tools shop
Check out some high quality Japanese tools at this wholesaler. In front of the shop handcrafted baskets of different shapes, sizes and colors are stacked up for all to see. Find a product that you can use back home.
Address: 3-14-4 Nishi Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0013
Tel: +81-3-3823-7441
3. Kimura Mom-and-Pop Candy Store
Enter a nostalgic mom-and-pop candy store selling affordable toys and Japanese snacks stored in traditional wooden boxes.
Address: 3-40-19 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0022
1. Suzuki Meat shop
Line up for their ground meat cutlet and eat it as a snack. They’ll wrap your cutlet in a piece of paper so that you can eat it right away.
Address: 3-15-5 Nishi Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0013
Tel: +81-3-3821-4526
2. Matsuno Tools shop
Check out some high quality Japanese tools at this wholesaler. In front of the shop handcrafted baskets of different shapes, sizes and colors are stacked up for all to see. Find a product that you can use back home.
Address: 3-14-4 Nishi Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0013
Tel: +81-3-3823-7441
3. Kimura Mom-and-Pop Candy Store
Enter a nostalgic mom-and-pop candy store selling affordable toys and Japanese snacks stored in traditional wooden boxes.
Address: 3-40-19 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0022
4. Ueno Sakura Atari
Take a break at this community space with a few places to eat and drink inside. Originally a traditional home, they renovated the inside to make it a community space with some shops. There is both a bakery and a beer hall so choose between a beer and a coffee, depending on your mood or preference
Address: 2-15-6 Sakuragi Ueno Daito-ku, Tokyo 110-0002
Tel: +81-3-5834-2381 (Yanaka Beer Hall inside Ueno Sakura Atari)
5. Zakuro Lamp House
Step inside, look up and you’re in Turkey. This shop sells intricately designed Turkish lamps and some of them are hanging beautifully from the ceiling. They have daily classes on how to make Turkish lamps so you can go in to make your own original lamp.
Address: 3-15-5 Nishinippori Arakawa-ku
Tel: +81-3-3822-0610
Take a break at this community space with a few places to eat and drink inside. Originally a traditional home, they renovated the inside to make it a community space with some shops. There is both a bakery and a beer hall so choose between a beer and a coffee, depending on your mood or preference
Address: 2-15-6 Sakuragi Ueno Daito-ku, Tokyo 110-0002
Tel: +81-3-5834-2381 (Yanaka Beer Hall inside Ueno Sakura Atari)
5. Zakuro Lamp House
Step inside, look up and you’re in Turkey. This shop sells intricately designed Turkish lamps and some of them are hanging beautifully from the ceiling. They have daily classes on how to make Turkish lamps so you can go in to make your own original lamp.
Address: 3-15-5 Nishinippori Arakawa-ku
Tel: +81-3-3822-0610
Tips On How To Get Around The Yanaka Area
Walking around on your own way in your own pace is always a great way to explore a city, especially if you are alone. Yanakaginza shopping street is a easy walk from the station so you probably won’t get lost either. If you’re in a group or don’t have much time in Tokyo, an effective way of getting around is to book a tour. For example, this tour ( Take a stroll through traditional district Yanaka & Asakusa) takes you to both the iconic symbol of Tokyo, Asakusa, and the aforementioned Yanaka in just half a day. The guide will take you to some major spots in both areas and also feed you with historical information on both places. If you want to concentrate on getting to know Yanaka at a slower pace, then there is a tour that does just that too ( Peaceful Walking Tour in Yanaka - The town mixed Old and Modern style)
Combining your travel plans with both tours and alone time are a great way to explore a new city. Think about how you want to spend your time in Yanaka, and whether you want to book a tour to get to know the place better.
Experience retro Japan in this wonderful area of Tokyo, away from modern buildings and neon lights!
Combining your travel plans with both tours and alone time are a great way to explore a new city. Think about how you want to spend your time in Yanaka, and whether you want to book a tour to get to know the place better.
Experience retro Japan in this wonderful area of Tokyo, away from modern buildings and neon lights!
Related Tour
Take a stroll through traditional district Yanaka & | WOW U
Yanaka has a nice retro atmosphere and is attracting attention as a place to visit. An abundance of temples, old houses, and narrow streets makes it perfect for
Peaceful Walk in Yanaka - Guided Tokyo Walking Tour | WOW U
Walk along the streets of old-fashioned Tokyo at the Yanak area and enjoy the calming neighborhood with a guided half-day tour. With a professional Japanese guide by your side, explore the following spots with ease : Tennoji Buddhism Temple and Yanaka shopping street.
Information
A five-minute walk from JR Nippori Station.
Address
3-13-1 Yanaka, Taito, Tokyo 110-0001
Tel
+81-3-5834-2381 (Yanaka Beer Hall inside Ueno Sakura Atari)
Address
3-13-1 Yanaka, Taito, Tokyo 110-0001
Tel
+81-3-5834-2381 (Yanaka Beer Hall inside Ueno Sakura Atari)
