The Old Quarter of Tokyo - Yanaka Walking Tour
Description
Discover Tokyo's hidden gem, Yanaka, and experience its old-world charm. This quaint district boasts traditional wooden houses that survived WWII, now transformed into cozy cafes and bars. Visit the stunning Nezu Shrine with its iconic red torii gates, intricate golden sculptures, and serene Japanese garden, where azaleas bloom vibrantly in spring. Stroll through the residential backstreets, explore a vast cemetery, and enjoy local flavors at Yanaka Ginza shopping street, packed with traditional Japanese snacks and sweets. Yanaka offers a unique blend of history, tranquility, and traditional Tokyo life, making it a perfect escape from the bustling city and a chance to see the quieter, more picturesque side of Japanese culture.
Tour Options
Itinerary
You will see "Yanaka Budda", which is created in 1690 and listen to the history of the temple. The history tells you interesting aspects of Japanese religion.
You will walk into the cemetery and will learn what a Japanese cemetery is like and some customs that locals follow.
Have a break at Ueno Sakuragi Atari. About 80-year-old wooden houses were renovated into a cafe, a bakery, and a beer hall and became a community space for locals. You will see the site where the traditional lifestyle has adapted to the modern lifestyle.
It is a 100-year-old cyder tree and the symbol in Yanaka.
Not a typical Buddhist god but a god of strong legs is enshrined in this temple. Wishes of people with a foot problem are written on a lot of wooden boards.
You can see a lot of red Torii gates like Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto and can take a lot of photos at this most beautiful Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Also, you will learn some etiquettes in a shrine.
"Hebimichi" is a back street in the residential area. You will see Japanese daily life up close.
The local guide will explain about the shopping street and shops to see the normal Japan lifestyle. You can try some local foods and sweets (Food fee is not included in the price)
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(678)
Our guide Wankanda was exceptional. She was able to talk about all aspects of the walking tour and much more around the general culture of Japan.
Great tour! Was our first exposure to shrines and temples. Yanaka was knowledgeable and a great tour guide. Would definitely recommend the experience.
It was a great experience! The walk was manageable and enjoyable, even with a yound child. Wakana was very knowledgeable! Would recommend 10/10.
Miyu San was very personable, and she showed interest with those in attendance. Her knowledge in the regions charms and history was also beruyly informative and helpful.
Great tour that let us explore a beautiful neighborhood in Tokyo which we would otherwise have missed. Wakana, our guide, was amazing in guiding us through both the history and the current way of life in Yanaka. She also gave precious tips about food and other activities.
Great tour with Wanaca. She is super enthusiastic and full of energy. Super attentive to her group. She knows a whole bunch of things about everything! Very interesting I recommend
A very interesting, engaging tour. Our guide was great. (I can’t remember her name, but she is fluent in English, French, and Japanese.)
Great! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, polite, and was willing to help us with taking pictures
Gray was a great guide - good job!
Very good too hot for mid summer
