Yanaka, Traditional district in Taitō-ku, Japan
Yanaka is a residential neighborhood in Taitō-ku defined by narrow lanes, small-scale shops, and more than sixty temples scattered throughout. Along the main shopping street called Yanaka Ginza, visitors find local merchants selling handcrafted items, antiques, and traditional Japanese snacks side by side.
The neighborhood took shape during the Edo period and kept its original street layout and building style for centuries afterward. The Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923 and World War II bombing raids caused minimal damage here, which allowed its historic character to survive to the present day.
The name Yanaka comes from its location in a valley between hills, and this geography shaped how the community developed. People gather regularly at the numerous temples for daily practices and neighborhood events that have continued for generations.
Visitors can reach the neighborhood through Nippori Station or Sendagi Station, both of which offer convenient access to the main areas. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since exploring the narrow lanes on foot is the best way to experience what the place has to offer.
A ten-hectare cemetery in the neighborhood holds the graves of many notable figures from Japanese history. In spring, hundreds of cherry trees on the grounds create an unexpected visual experience that often surprises first-time visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
