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, located in the Yanaka district of Tokyo, is a vibrant shopping street that embodies the city's old-town atmosphere, known as *shitamachi*. This 170-meter street is home to around 60 family-owned shops, many of which have been in business for generations. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and traditional snacks to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Yanaka Ginza is more than just a shopping street; it's a cultural experience. The area is known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of locals. Many shops sell inexpensive snacks and finger foods, allowing visitors to sample the flavors of old Tokyo. The street is also famous for its many cats, both real and in the form of signs and statues, earning it the nickname "Cat Town". At the end of the street, you'll find the Yuyake Dandan, or Sunset Stairs, a popular spot for viewing the sunset. From the top of the stairs, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the neighborhood bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Yanaka Ginza is easily accessible from Nippori Station and Sendagi Station, making it a convenient destination for tourists seeking a taste of traditional Tokyo.
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.
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
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.
