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Tourist Information Center
We are willing to help you with a big smile!
Friendly Support by Locals
Do you want to enjoy what locals do in the neighborhood? We can tell you!
Take it Easy at our Cozy Cafe
Talk over coffee, and make friends with Yanaka locals!
What's
YANAKA ?
District with a pleasant atmosphere of old Tokyo!
Yanaka (谷中) is one of Tokyo's districts where the shitamachi atmosphere, an old town ambience reminiscent of Tokyo from past decades, still survives. Throughout the district, there is an air of nostalgia and a rustic charm. It is within walking distance of Ueno Park, and offers a sightseeing opportunity different from the metropolitan city feel of other parts of Tokyo.
A short walk from either Nippori Station or Sendagi Subway Station will take you to Yanaka Ginza, a shopping street which best represents the shitamachi flavor of the Yanaka District. Here, there are shops selling goods and produce, ranging from groceries and necessities to clothes and toys.
YA-NE-SEN = Yanaka + Nezu+Sendagi area
Just around the corner and along the Yomise-dori Street is the Yanesen Tourist Information Center!
Drop by to find out more about Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi areas or about the cultural activities offered to tourists. We organize classes on Washoku, Japanese cooking, calligraphy, flower arrangement, and neighborhood tours (advance reservations required).
We are famous for freshly-brewed coffee and homemade drinks, sweets and sandwiches!
Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka remains a residential district where many locals live, and through Yanaka Ginza visitors can observe the ongoing daily activities and trades carried out in the district market. Indeed, the unique Shitamachi character that the area exudes attracts many domestic tourists as well. Stray cats used to live here is now the Yanaka's iconic motif.
Yuyake-Dandan
To the north of the Yanaka Ginza Street, the Yuyake Dandan (literally, ‘sunset staircase’ in Japanese) is a famous spot of the area. If you stand at the top of the steps, you will view a magnificent sunset. You’ll get a glimpse of an older, slower-paced Tokyo through the illuminated arch announcing the entrance to Yanaka Ginza, with the scattering of shops full of locals, aglow in the light from the setting sun. Head over an hour or so before sunset to explore the area and make the most of the casual street eats.
Nezu Shrine
& Temples
Nezu Shrine in Tokyo's Bunkyo ward near Ueno Park is one of Japan's oldest shrines, and certainly one of its most attractive. Nezu Shrine is set in lush greenery, with ponds of carp, pathways that are tunnels of small shrine arches, and elegant, beautifully colored, wooden structures that reflect Japanese culture in all its age and beauty, especially at the peak of its spring beauty when the Shrine's thousands of famous azalea bushes bloom pink and white on its spacious hillside garden in April.
In Yanaka, you will also find many temples open to public worshipers.
Local Foods
And of course, Yanaka Ginza boasts some of the best restaurants and street food in the city.
Get a chance to mingle with other tourists as you bask in the warmth of the sun, learn from locals, and taste local street snacks.
Visit local shops and explore the long-established wagashi shops, new cafes, ice cream shops, sushi, yakitori and food stands and more!
Cheap-eats
Cat's tail doughnuts and meat croquets are one of the famous must-eat snacks in Yanaka. From long-established shops to newcomers, there are always something Oishii to make you smile here in Yanaka!
We'll guide you to amazing experiences & places
Spend your day with and like Yanakla locals do? We offer workshops and tours you can be one of Yanaka locals, mingle with them and be a part of the friendly neighborhood!
Eat, shop, and enjoy yourself like locals!
We look forward to having you here!
IKEBANA
Japanese-style flower arrangement
Ikebana is the common term used for Japanese flower arrangement. The art is also referred to as kado ("the way of flowers"). Ikebana is more than just putting flowers in a container, and it is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing, where nature and humanity are brought together. Why don't you try your aesthetic sense through this art form? You will shop at a local flower shop for the lesson, and it is also a fun part!
Washoku Cooking Lesson
Washoku, as Japanese food or cuisine is known in its homeland, is globally more popular than ever! Not only the nutritional benefits of many traditional Japanese dishes, but Washoku is OISHII!
Our Washoku Lesson with many menu choices covers traditional homely dishes as well as YOSHOKU, westernized dishes like Curry rice, Karaage chickens, and more!
Our locally born Yukiko-sensei teach you how to make Japanese dishes easy and Oishii!
Join us for your special lunch or dinner here at YANAKA kitchen!
SHODO-Traditional Calligraphy
Shodo, Japanese calligraphy, where an ink-dipped brush is used artistically to write kanji and kana characters remains a traditional part of Japan's culture. It is one of the oldest and most profound traditional art forms in Japan, developed and appreciated since the 5th century.
SHODO is not only a highly regarded art form in Japan, it is both a skill and an aesthetic. The depth of beauty in SHODO is the result of diverse techniques being accompanied with a flow of brush and ink, essentially with an inner silence/stillness and spiritual concentration. Would you like to immerse yourself in the world of Shodo with our Sensei/Master?
IAIDO
Samurai Sword Technique
In traditional Japanese martial arts,
IAIDO is the practice of being fully aware of your surroundings while also being able to quickly draw your sword in response to an impending attack. By encouraging and practicing Iaido, samurai warriors improved their state of awareness while improving their ability to defend and counter against attacks. Iaido is typically practiced solo, without a human opponent. The practitioner may engage one or more imaginary opponents, however, when practicing Iaido. Because of this, Iaido is classified as a non-fighting form of martial arts. By using an authentic swords, you can challenge yourself for how you can control yourself, of course with a cautious guidance by Masters!
Meet YANAKA Locals!
Visit YANAKA and enjoy being a part of the down-to-earth, low-key neighborhood! Our dear neighbor flower shop owner, meat, vegetable, deli shop staffs are waiting for you here in YANAKA. Please explore this charming area and people, and love them! You can alway find kindness here in YANAKA.
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