Yanaka Ginza: A Taste of Old Tokyo
Step back in time on Yanaka Ginza, a nostalgic Tokyo shopping street with traditional crafts, tasty street food, and a charming local vibe.
Yanaka Ginza is a charming shopping street in Tokyo's Yanaka district, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city's past with its traditional shops, street food, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a refreshing escape from the modern metropolis.
A brief summary to Yanaka Ginza
- 3 Chome-13-1 Yanaka, Taito City, 3 Chome Yanaka, Tokyo, 110-0001, JP
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-12 am
- Tuesday 9:30 am-12 am
- Wednesday 9:30 am-12 am
- Thursday 9:30 am-12 am
- Friday 9:30 am-12 am
- Saturday 9:30 am-12 am
- Sunday 9:30 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in the late afternoon to catch the sunset from the Yuyake Dandan (Sunset Stairs) for a beautiful view.
- Try local street food like *menchi katsu* (fried meat patty) from Niku no Suzuki or cat-shaped doughnuts from Yanaka Shippoya.
- Explore the side streets and discover hidden temples, traditional houses, and cozy cafes.
- Look out for cat-themed goods and souvenirs, as Yanaka Ginza is known as "Cat Town".
- Visit during the summer festival in early August to experience the street's lively community spirit.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Nippori Station (JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Keisei Line), take the west exit and walk for 5-10 minutes. Follow the signs for Yanaka Ginza. Alternatively, from Sendagi Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line), it's a 5-minute walk. Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway single-ride tickets typically cost between ¥150-¥300 depending on the distance. A Tokyo Subway Ticket (24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour) offers unlimited travel on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. A 24-hour ticket costs ¥800.
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Walking
From Ueno Park, it's approximately a 25-minute walk to Yanaka Ginza. Head north from the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, walk 15 minutes to Yanaka Cemetery, then another 10 minutes to Yanaka Ginza. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Tokyo. From Tokyo Station, a taxi to Yanaka Ginza will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The flag-down fare in Tokyo is typically between ¥500-¥750 for the first 1.052 kilometers, with an additional ¥90 for every 255 meters. A 5-kilometer taxi ride in Tokyo (excluding the initial flag-down fare) would cost roughly ¥1600. Be aware that traffic jams can increase the fare.
