If you’re looking for an authentic Tokyo experience, then a visit to Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is a must. This street is a blast from the past, retaining much of the old-fashioned Shitamachi atmosphere. Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street offers a unique and enjoyable shopping experience with a mix of traditional Japanese stores and modern shops. There’s something for everyone, from souvenirs and snacks to clothes and accessories. Read on to find out all the best this amazing shopping street offers.
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Location:
Yanaka Ginza is located in Taito Ward, Tokyo, a few minutes walk from Sendagi Station. Besides, Ueno Zoo and Nezu Shrine both are only a few minutes on foot.
Yanaka Ginza area starts as soon as you get off the train at Nippori Station. However, the main Yanaka Shopping Street begins from Yuyake dandan steps.
‘Yuyake dandan’ means ‘sunset stairs’ in English.
Yanaka Ginza is usually known for its traditional Showa-period town, an inexpensive but delicious food zone located in Shitamachi (lowland) historic area.
Tip: Visit Yanesen Tourist Information Center and culture center. Besides, you can take an English brochure of the Yanaka area, including local food stores.
Brief history of Yanaka:
Yanaka is an area of Taito, Tokyo, Japan, located north of Ueno. It is most famous for being one of the few neighborhoods in Tokyo that still maintains its old Shitamachi atmosphere.
In the Edo period, it served as a main temple town, with the renowned Gyokurin-ji Temple located in the center. In addition, the Yanaka Cemetery, which still stands today, was established here and serves as a popular tourist attraction. The area is also renowned for its cherry blossoms which bloom in spring and add to its serene beauty.
The Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street has been around since 1892 and continues to provide shoppers with traditional Japanese goods, clothing, snacks, souvenirs, and more. In addition, there are plenty of places to grab a bite, such as the Yanaka Cat Café and the Yanaka Coffee Shop. Visitors can also enjoy the traditional street food found on Yanaka Ginza Street, offering an authentic cultural experience.
In recent years, the iconic ‘Yanaka Cat’ statue has become a symbol of the neighborhood, standing in front of the shopping district and adding to its charm.
Yanaka Ginza is also famous as ‘Cat Town’ to tourists. Many tourists love taking photos with Menaki Neko’s ‘Pair Cat Statues.’ The Yanaka Cat is a common sight in the area, and there are plenty of stories about how it became the guardian of Yanaka.
The name ‘Yanaka’ itself is derived from ‘ya’ meaning ‘valley’ and ‘naka’ meaning ‘middle,’ making for a beautiful meaning together, ‘a place in the middle of a valley.’
As soon as visitors arrived, ‘Yuyake dandan’ stairs understand the meaningful name of Yanaka.
Yanaka’s atmosphere:
The atmosphere in Yanaka is truly unique, from the winding streets and traditional shops to the peaceful Yanaka Cemetery. As you walk along the narrow alleys of the Yanaka district, it feels like you’ve been transported back in time. The area is also known for its cherry blossoms and its Yanaka Cat, which has become a symbol of the district. Yanaka is also known for its Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, where you can find all sorts of traditional Japanese goods.
The Yanaka district has a special meaning to the locals, as it symbolizes a way of life that has been around for centuries. For visitors, it’s an excellent opportunity to gain insight into Japan’s culture and history while enjoying the sights and smells of the area. The best way to take in the atmosphere of the district is to explore its streets and enjoy a cup of Yanaka coffee at one of the many cafes. With its relaxed atmosphere and abundance of unique shops and eateries, Yanaka is sure to provide an unforgettable cultural experience.
Yanaka’s best Shopping:
If you want a shopping experience that offers a unique cultural experience and the chance to explore traditional Japanese goods, then Yanaka is the place for you. The famous Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, located in the heart of the neighborhood, has been a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike since the Meiji period. Countless stores offer all kinds of items, from souvenirs to clothing and handicrafts.
Take a stroll along the street as you admire the traditional architecture and cherry blossoms in springtime. As you wander through the shops, take some time to explore the nearby Yanaka Cemetery and its ancient monuments, which have been standing since the Edo period. The Yanaka Cat is also popular, so look out for it!
Of course, no shopping trip to Yanaka would be complete without tasting the delicious food on offer at Yanaka Ginza Street Food. Plenty of stands and restaurants serve some of Japan’s most famous dishes, such as ramen, sushi, takoyaki, and more. You can even find a few coffee shops scattered around the area for a perfect pick-me-up after your shopping spree!
Traditional goods:
If you’re looking for unique and authentic items from Japan, Yanaka is the place to go. The area is a perfect mix of old and new. On Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, you’ll find plenty of traditional Japanese goods – from souvenirs and crafts to books and antiques. Whether it’s food, clothing, furniture, or artwork, you’ll be sure to find something special.
The area is especially well-known for its traditional cherry blossom decorations and its Yanaka Cat – an iconic statue of a cat at the entrance of a local shop. Take your time to browse through the shops and experience the laid-back atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Yanaka Ginza Street Food:
When it comes to food, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is a great place to explore. The street is lined with traditional Japanese restaurants that serve the freshest seafood, rice dishes, and even specialty desserts like mochi. You can also find all kinds of snack stands, offering a variety of snacks from Takoyaki to Yakitori.
You will also find plenty of tea houses along the street and cafes that offer Yanaka coffee, where you can take a break and relax in the cozy atmosphere. For a truly unique cultural experience, try some street food offerings like Senbei (rice crackers), Tempura, and Soba noodles.
Have you ever heard about Japanese Onigiri? Onigiri is a kind of ‘cute rice ball’ wrapped with black seaweed. When you open the black seaweed, you’ll find black white sesame seeds over the rice balls (grilled onigiri).
Onigiri is one of the famous traditional Japanese food popular with locals. You can try it at Yanaka Ginza.
There’re several traditional Japanese sweets stores, which are absolutely delicious.
Yanaka Restaurants:
When it comes to food, Yanaka has a wide range of restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for traditional Japanese cuisine, some international favorites, or something unique, there’s something for everyone. For a unique cultural experience, several restaurants serve local delicacies such as the Yanaka Cat – a steamed fish served in a sweet broth, and Yanaka Coffee – a blend of two different coffee beans.
If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, check out one of the outdoor seating options along Yanaka Cemetery and Ginza Shopping Street. Here you can enjoy a variety of dishes while taking in the beauty of the sakura trees in full bloom. Of course, you can also find plenty of street food along Yanaka Ginza Street, which is one of the best ways to sample a variety of Japanese dishes.
No matter what your tastes are, Yanaka offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Be sure to take advantage of the many restaurants in this area to get a true sense of the area’s culture and history – not to mention great food!
If you’re looking for a unique cafe, you should look no further than Yanaka Cafe Nekoemon. The cat cafe is little but cut and cozy. This traditional cafe is run by locals who love cats, offering a fantastic array of sweet and savory treats.
Surroundings:
Surrounding Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street are several attractions that make it an incredibly unique cultural experience. However, the most significant attraction is Yanaka Cemetery, located at the northernmost edge of the shopping street. Not only is the cemetery an important part of Tokyo’s history, but it’s also a great place to see cherry blossoms in full bloom.
At the same time, the Asakura Museum of Sculpture is next to the Dandan Stairs, which is one of the famous museums in Tokyo.
Besides, Nezu Shrine, considered Tokyo’s most beautiful shrine is only a short walk, located in the southeast of Yanaka. The shrine is also famous for its spring Azalea Festival.
Best time to visit:
No matter which season of the year you visit, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is always bustling with activity and alive with traditional Japan’s sights, sounds, and smells.
During cherry blossom season, the street is lined with beautiful cherry blossoms and people enjoying the view from the adjacent Yanaka Cemetery. So whether you’re looking to explore traditional Japanese cuisine or want to take in the area’s unique atmosphere, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street is the perfect place to do it.
Of course, no one can give a concrete answer regarding the best time to visit Yanaka. While spring is the perfect time to admire cherry blossoms in full bloom, summer months bring a much-needed break from the heat. However, the peaceful atmosphere of Yanaka Cemetery is worth a visit during any season, as is Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, with its eclectic mix of traditional and modern stores.
Additional information:
Yanaka is uniqe from Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street, Ueno Ameyo Yokocho, Shinjuku Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, Takeshita Street and Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho. It’s not Yokocho but an old-fashioned local shopping street.
Opening hours:
9:30-20:00
However, Yanaka Ginza opening hours vary on individual shop owners. Usually, locals come for shopping in the morning. So, almost every shop opens from 9:30-12:00 and from 16:00-20:00.
But all the big shops and restaurants remain open the whole day.
Admission: Free
Access:
Nearest Station: Sendagi Station
(Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
Follow signs for Dokan-yama District Gate
Exit via 2
Walk 4 min (400 m)
Nippori Station
JR Keikin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamaanote Line / JR Keisei Line
Follow signs for North Gate
Exit via West Exit
Walk 7 min (600 m )
From Ueno Park:
You can access Yanaka by train from Ueno Station. However, it’s only a 15 minute walk from Ueno Park or Ueno Zoo (Tokyo National Museum) to Yanaka Cemetery.
Address:
3 Chome-13-1 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan
Official website: