YANAKA: IMMERSION IN JAPAN FROM THE 20TH CENTURY
Yanaka; immersion in Japan from the 20th century
Yanaka (in Japanese: 谷中), a neighborhood located in the northern part of Tokyo, is just a short walk from Ueno Park. This historic district, which survived the bombings of the war, features many traditional houses. A significant portion of the area is covered by a public cemetery. You’ll also find numerous small temples and the “Yanaka Ginza”; alley renowned for its charming small shops. If you’re looking for a peaceful area to immerse yourself in traditional Japan, Yanaka is the perfect neighborhood.
A quite district
Yanaka is located far from the bustling districts of Asakusa and Shinjuku, benefits from a less significant influx of mass tourism. Thanks to its tranquil atmosphere, it’s very enjoyable to stroll through the small alleys of the neighborhood. You’ll find numerous small shops, children’s parks, and quaint temples there.
Yanaka Ginza: discovering small shops
Yanaka Ginza (in Japanese: 谷中ぎんざ) is a small shopping street consisting of about 70 shops selling traditional Japanese handcrafted products. Spared from wartime bombings, its numerous wooden houses will transport you back to the Showa era (1926–1989). From small snack stalls to artisanal craft shops, you’ll find a wide variety of authentic goods here. Bustling in the late afternoon, you can also enjoy a stunning sunset illuminating the Yanaka neighborhood from the staircase known as Yuyake Dandan (in Japanese: ゆやけだんだん).
Walking in the cemetery
Yanaka Cemetery, with its vast grounds open to the public, holds significant historical importance as it houses the tomb of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of the Tokugawa family during the Edo era (1603–1868). During the hanami season, the Sakura-dori street (in Japanese: さくら通り), which runs through the cemetery, becomes a picturesque scene as cherry blossom petals gently fall onto the gravestones. Far less crowded than Ueno Park, the quieter atmosphere allowed me to fully appreciate this serene and unique experience.
The importance of religion
When visiting this neighborhood, you’ll quickly realize the importance of religion here. In addition to its cemetery, there are many temples. At the end of Sakura-dori street, you’ll find one of the most important temples in the area, Tennoji Temple, which, due to its history, contributes to the neighborhood’s fame. Yanaka is mostly made up of Buddhist temples such as Kannonji, Zenshoan, Kaneiji, Daienji, and others, although you can also find a few Shinto shrines like the Suwa Shrine. Personally, I spent a lot of time exploring this neighborhood, often getting lost, which allowed me to stumble upon charming little temples by chance.
