Yanaka Walking Tour: Historic and Traditional District of Tokyo
Taito City, JP
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Experience the daily life in historic Japan
- Admire charming temples and cherry blossom trees
- Learn about Japanese history and local culture
- Visit Yanaka Cemetery and its impressive graves
- Explore the nostalgic side of Tokyo through Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
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Duration 3.5 hours
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Professional guide included
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Small group tour (max 10)
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Available in English, French, Italian
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Public transport nearby
Immerse yourself in the rich history and charm of old Tokyo with the Yanaka Walking Tour. This 3.5-hour adventure takes you away from the bustling city center and into the quieter streets of Yanaka, a temple town established during the Edo period. Feel the nostalgia as you stroll through picturesque cherry blossom trees and visit traditional temples. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into Japanese history and culture, making this experience both educational and immersive. Highlights include exploring the historic Yanaka Cemetery, trying a Japanese tea ceremony, and browsing the local shops along Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street. Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and discover the hidden treasures of Old Tokyo.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours 30 minutes
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Japanese, English, , Italian, French
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the historic Yanaka district of Tokyo on a captivating walking tour, showcasing temples, cherry blossoms, and local culture.
Included
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OtherAll fees and taxes -
OtherEnglish Speaking Guide
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OtherPhotos of Tour Participants
Excluded
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OtherHotel pickup and drop-off (available for an additional fee) -
OtherFood and drinks
Meeting Point
The meeting point is Nippori station, north ticket gate located on the 2nd floor of the station building. You can access the meeting point by JR Line and Keisei Line. Please be ready 10 minutes prior to the meeting time. Your guide will be waiting for you there with a sign board.
2 Chome Nishinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo , Japan
End Point
The meeting point is Nippori station, north ticket gate located on the 2nd floor of the station building. You can access the meeting point by JR Line and Keisei Line. Please be ready 10 minutes prior to the meeting time. Your guide will be waiting for you there with a sign board.
2 Chome Nishinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo , Japan
What to expect
Discover the different side of the sprawling Japanese capital that dates back to its Edo period of the 17th through 19th centuries, admiring the area’s charming mix of temples, springtime cherry blossoms and timeless ‘reien’ (cemetery). A included guide will accompany you on your visit, providing additional details about Japanese history and local culture.
10 minutes
This Buddhist Temple sits on the edge of the Yanaka Cemetery and dates back to 1274. It is located in a pleasant garden behind an old wooden gate. In its grounds, there is a bronze Buddhist statue that dates back to 1690 and was beloved by locals as "Tennoji no Daibutsu". Well worth to stop by.
20 minutes
Yanaka Cemetery
This is an impressive cemetery and worth a look even though that is not a common route for the tour for tourists. It covers 100,000 square meters and has over 7,000 graves. It also has history more than 100 years after the Meji Restoration, the era that the government wanted to separate Buddhism and Shinto graves. However, most of the graves in this cemetery were owned by Buddhist so they established a public burial ground in Yanaka in 1871.
40 minutes
Gallery Okubo
【Optional】 There's a place to experience Japanese Tea ceremony on Tatami mats! It's on 2nd floor of the building of Gallery Okubo. The price of the tea (￥1,000) is not included into our tour cost, but you can actually try the authentic Japanese tea with the help of professional.
30 minutes
Admission Not Included
【Afternoon tour only】 SCAI The Bathhouse is a contemporary art gallery located in Yanaka, with a town ambiance reminiscent of Old Tokyo.The gallery is housed in a venerable public bath imbued with a 200-year history.
15 minutes
【Optional】 Shitamachi museum was established to teach future generations about the culture of the Shitamachi or "Down Town". Most of the objects on display are things that were actually used at one time, and you can see the houses with furniture and goods which are placed in the location where they would have been used and you can even touch some of the displays. Display items are changed in accordance with the season, so that repeat visitors also get to enjoy how life in the Shitamachi varied over the year.
20 minutes
【Afternoon tour only】 In the middle of traditional old town Tokyo surrounded by Buddhist temples, you can find this studio of Alan West which was once an auto body garage and is now the only operating traditional Japanese painting studio open to the public. He was born in US but ever since he graduated from Carnegie-Melon University, he moved to Tokyo and continued his study and got a bachelor degree in department of Japanese painting at Tokyo University of the Arts, and even took master degree there.
10 minutes
One of Japan’s oldest shrine and perhaps most striking, set amidst huge trees and flowering azalea or つつじ shrubs with ponds, pathways and iconic colored charming wooden structures reflecting Japanese traditional culture and beauty including succession of small Torii gates colored in vermillon beautifully.
One of best local shopping streets in Tokyo, with the well-remained old town “Shitamachi” atmosphere. Explore the nostalgic side of Tokyo through Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street and don't forget to eat some local snacks!
30 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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A maximum of 8 people per booking -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Tour duration can be extended at a rate of 6,000 yen per group, per hour. During the peak months of March, April, and October, the rate is 8,000 yen per hour. Please be aware that the tour extension depends on the guide's availability and may not always be possible. Any additional charges for extended time will be invoiced online after the tour based on the actual duration of the extension.
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What our experts say
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Try snacks at Yanaka Ginza street. -
Visit Tennoji Temple for history.
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Bring cash for optional tea ceremony.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Arrive 10 mins early at Nippori Station.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour takes you on a captivating journey through the historic Yanaka district, providing a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Japan. As you leave behind the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage that thrives in Yanaka. This carefully curated 3.5-hour walking tour invites you to explore charming temples, stroll beneath cherry blossom trees, and discover the hidden gems of this enchanting neighborhood.What to expect?
Embark on this remarkable adventure, and expect to be transported back in time. Traverse the winding streets as your knowledgeable guide regales you with stories of the Edo period, offering insights into Japanese history and local culture. Get lost in the beauty of ancient temples, witness the bloom of cherry blossoms in spring, and wander through the serene Yanaka Cemetery, where history whispers through the gravestones. Optional activities such as experiencing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and visiting art galleries further enrich your journey. This tour guarantees a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.Who is this for?
This tour is tailor-made for curious souls seeking an authentic connection with Japan's past. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone with a thirst for unique experiences, this tour welcomes you with open arms. Both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers will find joy in unraveling the secrets of Yanaka. The tour accommodates small groups, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for travelers of all ages and backgrounds. Don't miss the opportunity to discover a side of Tokyo that effortlessly blends old-world charm with the vibrant energy of the present.Why book this?
Immerse yourself in the essence of old Tokyo as you embark on this one-of-a-kind tour. Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour offers a rare opportunity to step back in time, exploring a neighborhood steeped in tradition and history. Discovering Yanaka's charming temples, walking amidst the breathtaking cherry blossoms, and uncovering the stories lingering in the Yanaka Cemetery are all experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your memories. This tour is a testament to the beauty and significance of preserving the past, offering a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and foreign.Good to know
As you delve into the labyrinthine streets of Yanaka, it's important to come prepared with comfortable walking shoes and a sense of adventure. The tour departs from Nippori Station's north ticket gate, easily accessible by various train lines. Guides will be waiting with Yanaka Walking Tour signs, ready to embark on this transformative journey alongside you. The tour also provides optional activities such as Japanese tea ceremonies and visits to art galleries, allowing you to customize your experience to your interests. Immerse yourself fully in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Yanaka, and let the magic of old Tokyo unfold before your eyes.Reviews
Travelers who have embarked on this walking tour have been captivated by the rich cultural tapestry of Yanaka. They praise the knowledgeable guides who have expertly woven stories of the Edo period into the fabric of the tour, providing a deeper understanding of Japanese history. The temples and their surrounding gardens have mesmerized visitors, transporting them to a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling city. The chance to witness the blooming cherry blossoms adds an extra layer of enchantment to the journey. Travelers also appreciate the optional activities that enhance the overall experience, such as partaking in a Japanese tea ceremony or exploring art galleries. Those who have ventured through Yanaka unanimously agree that this walking tour is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with Tokyo's past and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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