Yanesen is a huge part of Tokyo’s old downtown. In this travel guide, we will walk you through Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, including how to get there, what to do, and what to see.
In downtown Tokyo, there’s this so-called “shitamachi,” a group of neighborhoods that avoided the World War II bombings as well as dozens of natural disasters, retaining their old atmosphere. One of the famous neighborhoods is called Yanesen composed of Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi.
If you want to experience what Tokyo was like 50 years ago, this charming neighborhood is a must-visit. From historical landmarks such as shrines and temples to narrow alleyways filled with small shops, bars, and restaurants, Yanesa is the perfect place to bring you back to the rich cultural past of Japan.
How to Get to Yanesen
Yanesen is located in Taito, near Ueno. These neighborhoods are served by metro subway lines and Japan Railways along with Hongo, which is also part of old Tokyo. To get to Yanesen, take the Metro Chiyoda Line to Nezu or Sendagi stations. Alternatively, you can take the JR Yamanote Line to Sendagi.
We highly recommend exploring Yanaka first where the famous Yanaka Cemetery and Yanaka Ginza (“ginza” means shopping in Japanese) can be found.
Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Yanesen
Yanesen is mostly composed of historical landmarks
Yanaka
Yanaka Cemetery
Yanaka Ginza Street
Tennōji Temple
Yanaka Museum
SCAI The Bathhouse
Asakura Museum of Sculpture
Yanaka Beer Hall
Zenshoan Temple
Gallery Nekomachi
Zuirinji Temple
Nezu Shrine
Nezu Shrine
Nezu Shrine Azalea Garden
Senbontorii
Snake Street (Hebimichi)
Sendagi
Sudo Park
Fabre Insect Museum
Former Kusuo Yasuda Residence Garden
The Shimazono House
Fukunoyu Bathhouse
Yōgenji Temple
Mori Ōgai Memorial Museum
What to Do in Yanesen
Shopping around Yanaka Ginza
Celebrate Azalea Spring Festival in April
Buy Japanese retro goods
Hunt cat-related goods
Learn about Japanese culture at The Scholar’s Shrine Yushima Tenjin
Also Read: 10 Best Wisteria Gardens in Japan
What and Where to Eat in Yanesen
Like most neighborhoods in Tokyo, you can find so many streets lined with food stalls, restaurants, cafés, and bars, serving all types of Japanese food. Here are some recommendations you shouldn’t miss while in Yanesen:
Menchi katsu (ground meat cutlet) at Niku no Suzuki
Mame-daifuku (mochi rice rake) at Yanaka Okanoeisen
Omelets and sandwiches at Kayaba Coffee
Shaved ice desserts at Himitsudō
Cafe Nekoemon
Candies at Amezaiku Yoshihara
Taiyaki at Nezu no Taiyaki
Kushiage at Hantei
Yanesen remains under the radar of many tourists as they prefer the more crowded Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Harajuku, among others. Ultimately, Yanesen is perfect for people who want to discover Tokyo’s old charm and experience what it’s like to be in Japan 50 years ago or so.
Looking to explore Yanaka with a local? Join our Yanaka Walking Tour to discover one of Tokyo’s surviving old neighborhoods.
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