Yanaka: Tours and Guided Visits

Yanaka is a taste of old Tokyo — it's home to many historical buildings, shrines and temples that are remnants of the Edo period, providing a fascinating contrast to the ultra-modern, fast-paced pockets of the city.

Quickly becoming more popular with tourists, Yanaka is an area that blends tradition and contemporary culture in harmony. With its winding streets and cobblestone pathways, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time.

Exploring with one of the several Yanaka tours will introduce you to some of Japan's best-kept secrets — take a stroll through Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, where locals gather for fresh produce and delicious meals.

Visit the Nezu Shrine, a tranquil spot overflowing with vibrant colors from gorgeous azaleas and lush greenery, or experience the rich history of Tokyo at the Yanaka Cemetery.

Whatever your interests are, Yanaka has something to guarantee an unforgettable journey into Japan's past.

Here's all you need to know about Yanaka, one of the most exhilarating options for sightseeing tours in Tokyo.

Where is Yanaka located?

Yanaka is a neighborhood located in the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan, in the north of the city. It sits next to the popular Ueno Park and is easily accessible by the several train lines.

Getting to Yanaka is easy, a short walk from either Nippori Station or Sendagi Subway Station will take you to Yanaka Ginza, a shopping street that best represents the shitamachi flavor of the Yanaka District.

From there you can walk to the other parts of the district.

What will see and do in Yanaka ?

Yanaka is famous for its variety of attractions — from historical buildings, to shrines, temples and interesting museums.

Whether you're looking for a quiet stroll or an exciting day of exploration, Yanaka has something for everyone. The most popular attractions are listed in detail below.

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

This popular shopping street is filled with local stores, restaurants, and food stalls featuring traditional Japanese items, fresh produce and delicious meals.

Some of the quintessential names include Chon-mage Imo Tamaru (for sweet potato snacks), Niku no Suzuki (for the minced meat croquette) and Yuzuriha (for all kinds of sweets).

Nezu Shrine

Located at the base of a hill in Yanaka, this shrine is known for its vibrant azaleas and lush greenery that make it an idyllic spot to explore.

Dating back to 1705, the shrine is famous not only for its history and symbolism but also for its small red torii gate tunnel.

Ueno Park

One of Tokyo's largest green spaces at close to 534,000 square meters, Ueno Park includes a variety of attractions to while away an afternoon.

From museums and art galleries to beautiful gardens and ponds where visitors can enjoy peaceful walks or picnics on warm days, it provides a tranquil escape from fast-paced Tokyo.

Taito Rikyu Onsen Monogatari

A large public bathhouse featuring hot springs baths, this traditional onsen  is a great place to unwind after exploring Yanaka.

Immersing yourself in the hot water surrounded by nature — particularly the cherry blossoms in springtime as well as autumn foliage in autumn — is a sight to behold.

What are the most popular tours to visit Yanaka?

There are several Yanaka tours available, ranging in price, duration and topics. This means that you can choose a tour that best fits your needs and interests.

All of the tours come with English-speaking guides — knowledgeable locals who will provide insights into local culture and history and be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the area.

Some of the most popular Yanaka tours are listed below.

Retro Food Tour

A food tour best suited to foodies, this option dives into the charming Yanaka market district.

Led by a food-savvy local, you'll get to enjoy a multi-course lunch that consists of tastings from six or more vendors across the area – from cafes to street food vendors and restaurants.

The tour lasts for around two and a half hours and starts just before lunch. Expect to sample staple dishes like minced meat croquettes,  yakitori, tempura, soba noodles and some sake or soju to wash it all down.

Yanaka Calligraphy Experience

A fantastic choice for creative and artistic travelers, this tour gives you the chance to step into the calligraphy classroom and explore a unique part of Japanese culture — one that, sadly, has been almost lost.

Learn about a longstanding tradition as you become immersed in this ancient technique where brushes are used to create beautiful pieces of artwork.

At the end of your tour, you'll get to take home a unique calligraphy souvenir as a reminder of your experience in Yanaka.

Yanaka Home Cooking Experience

This is a great chance to experience the hospitality of Japanese culture. Be welcomed into a Yanaka house for a cooking experience, where you are taught how to fillet a fist, make a bento box and much more, under the guidance of a homely, experienced cook.

To top it all off, you can finish your meal with tea in the tea room for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Yanaka Walking Tour

Offering a highlight reel of the area, this type of tour delves into the hidden gems of Tokyo's Yanaka Ginza area with an informative, local guide.

Expect to taste authentic Japanese street food, learn about cultural customs, and discover all that this traditional old-town part of Tokyo has to offer on a small-group walking tour.

The best part about a guided walking tour is that you'll uncover sites unseen by many visitors – such as the Yanaka Cemetery, Nezu Shrine, sweet stores and hidden temples – while also learning more about the area straight from a local's perspective.

What are the prices of Yanaka tours?

There is a variety of prices for Yanaka tours, and this depends on the cost of the activity, the length of the tour, and the group size.

Generally, Yanaka walking tours start at around US$55, making it a very budget-friendly way to explore the area with the help of a guide.

The calligraphy class costs around US$60 for an hour-long class and is conducted in a large group, while a food tour will cost upward of US$75 per person.

Sometimes these are only for a maximum of 2 people, making them rather intimate experiences.

Finally, the Yanaka home cooking experience hovers around US$80 per person, but includes all the food.

Where do sightseeing tours in Yanaka start?

The calligraphy and home cooking tours start at the venue that you'll be provided with your booking, and the other activities such as walking tours will begin at a meeting point.

These are usually out the front of a central Yanaka location such as Nippori Station, the Doutor Coffee Shop, or the Tourist Information & Culture Center

When is the best time to visit Yanaka?

Most travelers believe the best season to visit Yanaka, and Tokyo in general, is in spring or autumn. This is when the weather is comfortable and the sights are beautiful, with trees either blooming or turning a vibrant red.

As for the best time of day, consider booking a tour for the morning or afternoon. This way, you can take advantage of the natural light and get better photos, whilst still not being caught in the heat of the middle of the day.

Consider visiting at the start of your stay to get an idea of Tokyo's history before heading into the more modern parts.

Travel tips

• Ensure that you reserve your tour in advance and online to ensure availability and prevent missing out.
• Don't forget to bring plenty of water as well as comfortable footwear so you'll remain hydrated, energized and able to traverse the whole walking expedition.
• You won’t need a driver's license or vehicle since all tours are public transport accessible.
• For the best bang for your buck, consider a combination tour that also visits nearby Asakusa.
• Make sure there is sufficient room in your luggage for all of the new beautiful souvenirs you’ll be collecting from Yanaka!