EAT IN ASIA / Lifestyle / Travel guides
Discovering gems and cultural sights of Yanaka during a nice stroll
Yanaka is a part of Taito Ward, Tokyo, Japan. The name Yanaka appeared for the first time during the Edo period to describe the area that was situated between hills of Ueno and the valley of Hongodai, known also as Shitaya. The concentration of Buddhist temples in this area is a consequence of the urban architecture design from the Edo period. Starting from that moment, Yanaka became the area known as the “city of temples and colins”.
Asakura Museum of Sculpture
The residence and studio of the artist Asakura Fumio who is the author of many sculptures of the 20th century. The residence was opened to the public as a museum decorated with Asakura’s sculptures. Interiors present bronze statues of human beings and animals. The residence was constructed in the traditional Japanese style.
The museum attires many tourists throughout the whole year round that come to the museum not only for exhibitions but also to admire the beauty of the internal garden that changes diametrically during the year.
Location
Access: 5 minutes’ walk from the Keisei Nippori Station
7 Chome-18-10 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan
Opening hours
Tuesday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Thursday: Closed (or the next day in case of a national holiday)
Friday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Sunday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Monday: Closed
Contact
+81 3-3821-4549
Taitō City Calligraphy Museum
This museum presents a huge collection of objects related to “Shodo” meaning calligraphy. Presented artifacts were collected by Fusetsu Nakamura, a famous calligrapher of the 19th century. One of the most valuable objects that are in the museum includes a collection of works dating from over 1300 years ago. The beauty of Kanji (Chinese letters) makes a huge impression on visitors, even these, that are not very familiar with the art of calligraphy.
Location
Access: 5 minutes’ walk from the Uguisudani Station
2 Chome-10-4 Negishi, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0003, Japan
Opening hours
Tuesday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Friday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Sunday: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Monday: Closed
Contact
+81 3-3872-2645
Tennoji Temple
Arriving to the Nippori Station and taking the southern exit will easily lead you to the Tennoji Temple. This temple played a significant role in the Era period when it was attracting many people wishing to get rich by winning on the lottery. Even today there is a big statue of Buddha that is an imitation of the sculpture that is located in Kamakura and highly venerated.
Location
Access: minutes’ walk from the Nippori Station
7 Chome-14-8 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan
Opening hours
Tuesday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Monday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Contact
+81 3-8212-4474
Yanaka Ginza Street
Yanaka Ginza Street is a small street known for over 70 local shops that create a colorful and unique atmosphere of a very popular district – Shitomachi. Strolling on the street from side to side you can feel that you are welcomed and invited to every single place. You will eagerly visit beautiful little shops without feeling any pressure on buying anything. Here, you will also enjoy a delicious traditional Japanese green tea or have a cup of coffee.
Location
Access: 3 minutes’ walk from the Nippori Station
Jomyoin Temple
Jomyoin temple is famous for the number of stone jizosons. The idea of erecting Jizo Statues appeared during the 12th year of the Meiji era. In that time, the 38th generation Myoun Yamato Hisashi asked for erecting 84 000 Jizo Statues. The goal was to save people from the Five Turbil Evil World and at the same time to gratify Buddha’s favor. Starting from that moment on, the number of Jizo Statues is increasing and still being erected to reach the desired number of jizosons.
Location
Access: 5 minutes’ walk from the public bus stop Tozai-Megurin
2 Chome-6-4 Uenosakuragi, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0002, Japan
Opening hours
Tuesday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Monday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Contact
+81 3-5832-9511
However not only walking and taking JR trains is a good way of visiting the area of Yanaka. Why not to take a bus? The public Tozai bus “Megurin” links main tourist spots in Taito. Stops include Asakusa and Ueno Station. The frequency of the shuttle bus is every 15 minutes and there are four directions – Northern Line, Southern Line, West-East Line and North-South Line.
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Date: 2025-05-07
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
