In recent years, Tokyo has been undergoing redevelopment on a scale said to occur only once every 100 years, with new buildings continuously being constructed in areas such as Shinjuku and Shibuya. As a result, there are fewer places where you can enjoy the nostalgic scenery of the past.
However, in Yanaka Ginza, while old buildings have been renovated and transformed into new structures, they have managed to preserve the vestiges of their former era.
Additionally, the Yanaka Cemetery, famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, and Nezu Shrine, known for its azaleas and thousand torii gates, are popular tourist destinations where you can immerse yourself in nature while experiencing Japan's history and traditions.
Yanaka Ginza, with its many shrines and temples, is also famous as a town of cats. It's enjoyable to stroll around looking for cute cats. This time, I'll introduce places in Yanaka Ginza where you can fully experience the old Tokyo.
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
The Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street was born in 1945. It's a short 170-meter street lined with around 60 shops, mainly privately owned stores from the old days. Just by walking along the Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, you can enjoy a variety of different types of stores.
A shopping street is a place where local residents buy daily necessities like food ingredients. While the Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street serves locals, it's also a popular tourist destination visited by people from far away and overseas tourists.
The ability to have close communication is one of the charms of such a small shopping street. And while adapting to the changing times, you can feel that this place cherishes the Japanese culture of "shopping streets" that has existed since long ago.
Stores Selling Traditional Japanese Crafts
Edo Mingei Amehiko
Source: Yanaka Ginza Official Website
This store sells traditional folk crafts, toys, lucky beckoning cats, and other items made by skilled Japanese artisans. The store's decorations change with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy the feel of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
I particularly recommend the kokeshi dolls. Kokeshi are traditional Japanese wooden dolls, each with a different facial expression, and they're so adorable. Just looking at them is enjoyable, and you can sense the artisan's love put into each one. Be sure to find your favorite kokeshi doll.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-11-14 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3828-1729
- Hours: 10:00 - 18:00
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nippori Station
- Website: https://x.gd/Nt0zT
* Credit cards not accepted
Bamboo Crafts Midoriya
Source: Official Website
Midoriya is a bamboo crafts specialty store that has been in business since 1908, spanning three generations since the Meiji era. All products made at Suiya are handmade, one-of-a-kind items. Since the second generation, their techniques have been highly valued in Arakawa Ward.
At Midoriya, you can sense the wonder of Japanese culture, traditions, and craftsmanship. To promote bamboo crafts, they also sell works by other bamboo artisans, allowing you to experience a wide range of bamboo crafts.
While all their products are lovely, I'm particularly fond of their tableware and small accessories like bookmarks. Using items you handle daily makes it easier to appreciate the wonderful qualities of bamboo.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-13-3 Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3828-7522
- Hours: 11:00 - 18:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nippori Station
- Website: https://busekisuikou.com/midori-ya/
* Credit cards are not accepted
Isetatsu
Source: Official Website
Isetatsu was established in 1864, at the end of the Edo period. They mainly produce Edo chiyogami, a type of Japanese paper with beautiful, vivid colors that was traditionally used for origami. However, the paper is so beautiful that I feel it's almost a shame to fold it.
Chiyogami is made through the same process as ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and while some parts of the traditional production methods can no longer be replicated, they strive to preserve as much of the original techniques as possible.
Although now rare, the beauty of Edo chiyogami has been recognized, and it's popular overseas as well.
In addition to chiyogami, they also produce other items, and I particularly love their furoshiki (wrapping cloths) with stylish Edo designs. They perfectly capture the beauty of traditional Japan and make great souvenirs.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-18-9 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3823-1453
- Hours: 10:00 - 18:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Access: 5-minute walk from Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station, Dangozaka Exit
- Website: https://www.isetatsu.com/
Old Residences Renovated into Cafes and Restaurants
Kayaba Coffee
Source: Tabelog
Kayaba Coffee is housed in a renovated Japanese residence built in 1915. The exterior and signboard evoke a nostalgic feeling of old Japan. The second floor is a tatami room, allowing you to experience sitting on Japanese tatami mats without shoes.
Their signature menu items, the Lucien (coffee and cocoa) and egg sandwich are hugely popular! Time seems to flow slowly at Kayaba Coffee, making it a place where you can create special memories.
<Store Information>
- Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-5832-9896
- Hours: 8:00 - 18:00
- Closed: Mondays (open on Monday holidays, closed the following Tuesday)
- Access: 10-minute walk from Chiyoda Line Nezu Station Exit 1, 10-minute walk from JR Nippori Station
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayabacoffee/
* No parking, web reservations accepted
HAGI CAFE
Source: Official Website
HAGI CAFE is located on the first floor of HAGISO, a facility created by renovating a 68-year-old wooden apartment building called "Hagiso."
While some areas were significantly altered during the renovation, the second-floor one-room apartments remain largely unchanged, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese apartment.
They serve handcrafted pour-over coffee and seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The HAG
Here's the continued translation:
They serve handcrafted pour-over coffee and seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The HAGISO Aure and their homemade cakes and parfaits are also popular menu items.
The ambiance at HAGI CAFE changes with the weather and time of day. It attracts customers across a wide age range. The seating arrangement is designed for a relaxing atmosphere, creating a unique space found only at HAGI CAFE.
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-10-25 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-5832-9808
- Hours: 8:00-10:30 weekdays, 12:00-17:00 weekdays, 12:00-20:00 weekends/holidays
- Closed: Irregular holidays (check Instagram for details)
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Nippori Station North Exit
- Website: https://hagiso.com/hagiso/
Hantei
Source: Tabelog
Hantei utilizes a three-story wooden building constructed during the Meiji era. As an extremely rare remaining example of traditional Japanese architecture, this valuable building has been designated by the government.
In the early 21st century, part of the building's facade was removed during a road expansion project. The removed section was then enclosed with iron to connect the history to the present day.
At Hantei, various skewered and deep-fried dishes are served. There's a unique flavor that comes from enjoying the food in this space. Be sure to slowly savor the distinctive taste of Hantei.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-12-15 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3828-1440
- Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:00 (Last order 14:15),
Dinner 17:00-22:00 (Last order 21:00)
- Closed: Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday)
- Access: 1-minute walk from Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fushinoke exit
- Website: https://www.hantei.co.jp/
*Please note they may close early on Sundays if they run out of ingredients.
Recommended Tours to Explore the Old Town
Authentic Kimono Culture Experience Dress, Walk, and Capture
Source: Viator
On this tour, you can stroll through Yanaka wearing colorful yukata (casual kimono) or formal kimono. You can choose from about 50 different yukata and kimono styles, with all accessories like obi sashes and parasols provided.
During the walk, the guide will share various insights about proper kimono etiquette and Japanese culture. You can have photos taken with an iPhone, allowing you to capture many memorable moments. For an additional fee, you can also have a professional photographer take photos, creating even more special memories.
Even for Japanese people, there are few opportunities to walk around town wearing a kimono, so this is a truly unique experience. Instead of just observing, immerse yourself in the old Tokyo by directly experiencing it.
Tour Details >> https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Photo-Shooting-with-Kimono/d334-363506P1
Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town
On this tour, you'll learn about Japanese culture at various locations while walking through Yanaka. At the historic Nezu Shrine, you can take photos at the famous thousand torii gates and learn proper shrine etiquette. You'll also visit local shops to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle, taste popular local dishes, and have the guide explain real aspects of Japanese life.
There's also an opportunity to paint a beckoning cat figurine. Since cats roam freely in Yanaka, you may even encounter some if you're lucky – a treat for cat lovers!
This tour allows you to fully experience the charms of the Yanaka district that you can't find elsewhere. Be sure to discover all the unique attractions Yanaka has to offer.
Tour Details >> https://www.magical-trip.com/product/460ceb6f-0099-47a6-a447-2de274da7e9f
In this article, we introduced several places and shops in Yanaka Ginza where you can experience the old Tokyo (retro vibe). Whether touching on Japan's history and traditions, peeking into various shops to explore the retro Tokyo, or relaxing at a cafe or restaurant...Yanaka Ginza has so many charms that we couldn't fully cover.
Be sure to discover the allures of old Tokyo when you visit Japan by exploring Yanaka Ginza.