Yanaka
Yanaka is a hidden gem that we at Snow Monkey Resorts love! A small but cosy neighbourhood, Yanaka managed to retain much of its traditional appearance and architecture despite there being fires, earthquakes and air raids throughout Tokyo’s history. Therefore, is the perfect place to spend a few hours strolling around and feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
Yanaka is home to small but beautiful temples and shrines, a retro but lively shopping street, and museums. It has a great art scene, so you will find some galleries and shops selling beautiful ceramics and pottery. Museums and galleries include the Calligraphy Museum, Asakura Museum of Sculpture and Scai the Bathhouse. There are also some great street food options here where you can try many traditional Japanese foods such as Senbei, Yakitori, Menchi Katsu and Mochi! In Spring, Yanaka’s ’Sakura Dori’ street is lined with pretty pale pink Cherry Blossoms in full bloom and is popular with local people to stroll down and admire the beautiful blooms!
Yanaka is also known as ’Cat Town’ due to the many cat motifs, statues and goods being sold here! There is even a place where you can buy doughnuts in the shape of cat tails! So if you’re a cat lover, you will enjoy exploring here.
The atmosphere in Yanaka is completely different to that of other parts of Tokyo. It has a much more relaxed and laidback feel, and for those who want to avoid overly crowded places, it is the perfect location to explore. The low rise buildings, narrow streets and traditional shops make it feel less imposing than other parts of Tokyo, it is a real hidden gem that we highly recommend spending a few hours exploring. It is also a stone’s throw away from the areas of Nezu and Sendagi which are equally as charming and traditional as Yanaka. Get the JR line to Nippori station to start exploring!
Want to experience the hidden gem of Yanaka’s for yourself?
Why not join our ’1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka: Culture, Art and Old Tokyo’ tour or our ’Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo tour. Available throughout the year, these are the perfect tours to venture to the hidden gems of Tokyo. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Ueno Station Park Gate Exit |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 10.30 – 17:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Nippori Station WEST exit |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
