[Walking/Date] If you’re new to walking around Yanesen, this is the perfect route! [A comprehensive review of Yanesen]”

Are you thinking of visiting Yanesen in Tokyo but unsure of the best way to explore it?

If you visit without doing some research, you might end up just seeing Yanaka Ginza and calling it a day.

That would be a missed opportunity. In fact, there are many other places in and around Yanesen that are worth visiting.

As someone who frequently travels both domestically and internationally, and explores Tokyo whenever I have the time, I’ll explain how to enjoy a walk around Yanesen and its surroundings.

After reading this article, you’ll know which places to visit in the Yanesen area.

Walking route

This walking course starts from Nezu Station, passes through the area around Sendagi Station, and heads toward the Nippori area, where Yanaka Ginza is located.

After that, it goes through the area around Yanaka Cemetery and finishes at Ueno Station.

Around Nezu Station

As shown on the map, take the back street behind Shinobazu Avenue and head towards Sendagi.

Around this back street, you’ll find popular spots like ‘Nezu no Pan’ bakery, ‘SENTO Building,’ a renovated bathhouse, the stylish tawashi brush shop ‘Kamenoko Tawashi Yanaka,’ the cozy café ‘Kitchen Haco,’ and the flower shop ‘Hanakiya,’ whose building is covered in greenery.

When you reach the Japanese sweets shop ‘Imojin,’ turn left, cross Shinobazu Avenue, and continue straight ahead.

Nezu Shrine

Straight ahead, you’ll find Nezu Shrine, one of the Ten Shrines of Tokyo.

This historic shrine has buildings such as the main hall, the two-storied gate, and the Chinese-style gate, which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

In addition to the shrine itself, there is also a famous azalea garden, and the Azalea Festival is very well-known.

Hebimichi path, Yomise Street

Head back the way you came, cross Shinobazu Avenue, and after walking about 100 meters, you will come across Hebimichi path.

Just before reaching Hebimichi path, you’ll find ‘LE COUSSINET,’ a French pastry shop covered in greenery.

Turn left and continue along Hebimichi path.

It’s a fascinating, winding back alley.

This road was once the Aizomegawa River, which is why it curves this way.

To be precise, it’s a ‘ankyo’ (a river buried underground), and the river still flows beneath.

Walking along Hebimichi path with that in mind gives it a mysterious feeling, doesn’t it?

Along this street, you’ll find scattered shops like ‘pásele,’ a café serving churros and hot chocolate, ‘Le bage,’ a bagel shop, and ‘gururi,’ a shop selling miscellaneous goods and books.”

Continue along the Hebimichi path, it will lead to Yomise Street.

Let’s walk along Yomise Street.

Around Yomise Street, there are several shops, including the eel restaurant ‘Kiri Yanaka Sohonten,’ the cafe ‘CIBI TOKYO,’ the cafe ‘Yanesen az cafe,’ the burger shop ‘MUSECA TIMES,’ and ‘SHOP & CAFE Kyushu-do,’ which sells and serves Kyushu food products.

Yanaka-ginza

This famous shopping street, about 170 meters long, is home to around 60 stores.

When people think of Yanesen, many may picture Yanaka Ginza.

Visitors enjoy the area in various ways, such as standing bars or eating while walking.

As you proceed down the street, there is a staircase toward the Nippori side.

Climbing the stairs and looking back, you’ll find ‘Yuyake Dandan,’ a well-known spot for its beautiful sunsets.

It’s a place full of nostalgic charm, reminiscent of the Showa era.

Around Kannonji Temple, Youdenji Temple

Go down the stairs you just climbed and turn left.

As you walk for a while, you’ll see a stylish cafe called ‘HAGISO,’ which is a renovated old apartment building, on your right.

On your left, there’s the ‘Okakura Tenshin Memorial Garden.’

Pass this park and turn left.

When you reach the end of the road, you’ll find a slope called Hotaruzaka. Turn right and continue.

If you keep following the road, you’ll come to a place where Kannonji Temple is on the left and Youdenji Temple is on the right.

The Tsuiji wall of Kannonji and the wall of Yōdenji across the street create a very picturesque atmosphere.

Yanaka Cemetery

Continue down the street and turn right at the end.

As you walk along the road lined with temples and the old-style cafe ‘Sanpota Cafe Nonbiriya,’ you will reach a large street. Turn left, and you will arrive near Yanaka Cemetery.

This is a large cemetery with many notable graves, including those of the Tokugawa family, Yokoyama Taikan, Hatoyama Ichirō, and Shibusawa Eiichi.

There is also the site of the Tennoji Five-Story Pagoda, which served as the model for Rohan Kōda’s novel The Pagoda.

There are also restrooms in this area.

Ueno sakuragi atari

Return to the original path, and right after passing Yanaka Cemetery, turn left to find ‘Ueno Sakuragi Atari.‘

It’s a lively complex of renovated traditional houses, with shops such as a beer hall, bakery, and a variety of goods stores.

Around Tokyo University of the Arts

Return to the original path and continue straight ahead.

Along the way, you’ll come across the famous retro cafe ‘Kayaba Coffee.’

After walking straight for a while, you’ll reach the area around Tokyo University of the Arts.

The greenery and brick buildings create an atmosphere that feels as if you’re somewhere abroad.

Around Ueno Park

Continue ahead, and you’ll reach the Ueno Park area, home to art museums and museums around Ueno Station.

You can relax in the park, or it might be interesting to visit some of the many museums and galleries, such as the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and The Ueno Royal Museum.

After exploring the park and museums, Ueno Station will be right in front of you.

Summary

The Yanesen area is full of highlights, from its retro streets and hidden alleys with unique shops to historical shrines and temples, as well as parks where you can feel both nature and culture.

If you’re going for a stroll, you wouldn’t want to end it with just Yanaka Ginza, right?

Use this article as a guide and enjoy your walk around Yanesen and Ueno.

Have a great outing!