Researched guide · Checked on Nov 11, 2026
Yanaka and Nezu are part of shitamachi, Tokyo’s old downtown. They largely escaped wartime damage and disasters, so you can still walk narrow lanes of wooden houses, old shops and temples. It is one of the best places to feel an older, slower Tokyo, and it is right next to Ueno.
Quick answer
Walk from Nippori Station to Yanaka Ginza shopping street, through Yanaka Cemetery, and on to Nezu Shrine. Half a day is enough.
Come at sunset for the view from the Yuyake Dandan steps.
Plan Your Visit to Yanaka & Nezu
Search hotels and things to do in Yanaka & Nezu. You book on the partner site.
- StartNippori Station
- Walk through Yanaka Cemetery
- MorningYanaka Cemetery and temples
- Walk
- Late morningYanaka Ginza and the Yuyake Dandan steps
- Walk south
- AfternoonNezu Shrine
Overview
| Getting there | Nippori Station (JR Yamanote Line, Keisei Line); Nezu and Sendagi Stations (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) |
| From Tokyo Station | About 12 minutes to Nippori on the JR Yamanote Line |
| Time needed | Half a day |
| Good for | Old Tokyo atmosphere, street snacks, temples, slow walks |
Best Things to Do
Temples, cemetery and shrine
- Yanaka Cemetery: a large, peaceful cemetery with old trees, especially lovely in cherry blossom season. Be quiet and respectful.
- Nezu Shrine: a beautiful shrine with tunnels of red torii gates and a carp pond. Its Azalea Festival in April draws big crowds. See shrine and temple etiquette.
Art in the old streets
- Asakura Museum of Sculpture: the former home and studio of sculptor Fumio Asakura.
- SCAI the Bathhouse: a former public bath turned contemporary art gallery.
- HAGISO: an old wooden apartment building turned café and gallery.
Food & Drink
Yanaka Ginza
A lantern-lined shopping street of around 60 small shops, about 170 meters long, that feels like the Showa era. Try street food such as sweet potatoes, croquettes and grilled snacks, and look for the cat statues and cat-shaped sweets. The steps at the entrance, Yuyake Dandan, are known for their sunset view.
See also How to eat out in Tokyo and Japanese food to try in Tokyo.
Best Restaurants in Yanaka & Nezu
A classic Yanaka coffee shop in a wooden building from 1916, reopened in 2009 with its Showa-era style.
- Reservations: see details
A kushiage (fried skewers) restaurant in an old wooden building in Nezu.
- Reservations: see details
Shopping
- Yanaka Ginza, covered above, has around 60 small shops, including cat-themed sweets and souvenirs.
- Galleries and cafés such as HAGISO make the old streets good for browsing.
Where to Stay
Yanaka is next to Ueno, so hotels around Ueno are a short walk or ride away. See Best hotels in Ueno.
Search hotels in Yanaka & Nezu
Getting There
- Nippori Station: JR Yamanote Line and Keisei Line, about 12 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Yamanote Line. Yanaka Ginza is a few minutes’ walk from here.
- Nezu and Sendagi stations: Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, for Nezu Shrine and the south side of the area.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
A slow half-day walk from Nippori to Nezu:
- AfternoonNippori Station, then Yanaka Cemetery
- Walk
- Art in the old streets: SCAI the Bathhouse or the Asakura Museum of Sculpture
- Walk
- Late afternoonNezu Shrine
- Walk
- SunsetYuyake Dandan steps and Yanaka Ginza
Travel Tips
- Yanaka is next to Ueno. You can walk between them, and combine them in one day.
- Many small shops close early in the evening, and some close one day a week.
- This is a residential area. Keep your voice down and do not photograph people’s homes up close.
Comparing areas? See 23 Tokyo neighborhoods side by side in Tokyo neighborhoods compared.
FAQ
Is Yanaka worth visiting?
Yes, if you want to see an older, quieter side of Tokyo. It is easy to combine with Ueno.
How do I get to Yanaka Ginza?
From Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote Line, walk a few minutes to the Yuyake Dandan steps at the entrance of Yanaka Ginza.
What is Yanaka known for?
Old shitamachi streets, the Yanaka Ginza shopping street, cats, temples and Yanaka Cemetery.
How long do I need in Yanaka?
Half a day is enough to walk from Nippori through Yanaka Ginza to Nezu Shrine.
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Sources
This guide is based on the official information below, not on our own visit (checked November 11, 2026). Shop hours vary, so please check before you go.
