The Old Quarter of Tokyo - Yanaka Walking Tour
Description
Discover Tokyo's hidden gem, Yanaka, and experience its old-world charm. This quaint district boasts traditional wooden houses that survived WWII, now transformed into cozy cafes and bars. Visit the stunning Nezu Shrine with its iconic red torii gates, intricate golden sculptures, and serene Japanese garden, where azaleas bloom vibrantly in spring. Stroll through the residential backstreets, explore a vast cemetery, and enjoy local flavors at Yanaka Ginza shopping street, packed with traditional Japanese snacks and sweets. Yanaka offers a unique blend of history, tranquility, and traditional Tokyo life, making it a perfect escape from the bustling city and a chance to see the quieter, more picturesque side of Japanese culture.
Tour Options
Itinerary
You will see "Yanaka Budda", which is created in 1690 and listen to the history of the temple. The history tells you interesting aspects of Japanese religion.
You will walk into the cemetery and will learn what a Japanese cemetery is like and some customs that locals follow.
Have a break at Ueno Sakuragi Atari. About 80-year-old wooden houses were renovated into a cafe, a bakery, and a beer hall and became a community space for locals. You will see the site where the traditional lifestyle has adapted to the modern lifestyle.
It is a 100-year-old cyder tree and the symbol in Yanaka.
Not a typical Buddhist god but a god of strong legs is enshrined in this temple. Wishes of people with a foot problem are written on a lot of wooden boards.
You can see a lot of red Torii gates like Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto and can take a lot of photos at this most beautiful Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Also, you will learn some etiquettes in a shrine.
"Hebimichi" is a back street in the residential area. You will see Japanese daily life up close.
The local guide will explain about the shopping street and shops to see the normal Japan lifestyle. You can try some local foods and sweets (Food fee is not included in the price)
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(669)
Very good too hot for mid summer
Really great tour and so worth the money! It makes a big difference having a knowledgeable guide, I felt like I could really learn about the history and context of the sites we were visiting. I did have a hard time finding the meet up spot, so I would recommend planning to arrive early in order to make sure you can find your guide.
Excellently paced tour despite the heat! Mami was informative and friendly, and also helped us with some nice photos! Thank you
Mami was very personable and knowledgeable. She took great care of us as she showed us her local neighbourhood. If you’re looking for a relaxed walking tour with beautiful architecture, culture and history, this is the one.
Mami was so lovely and knowledgeable. Thank you for the adventure!
Very lovely guide! Yoshie was very nice and learned us a lot of new things of Japan as tourists! Would definitely recommend. We had a great time!
It was very detailed and learnt a lot during this tour. Many thanks to Mei-san who guided us and was very knowledgeable! The price was reasonable too. There were lots of walking and we stopped at few place to have a bit of rest. Best for people who are fit and has energy.
Junko was a fantastic tour guide! This was a fantastic walking tour with lots of variety. A great way to start our day in Tokyo
Our tour guide Mamie was amazing and so knowledgeable. We had a beautiful day exploring the local temples and shrines. This was definitely the highlight of my time in Tokyo
Junko was amazing. She’s a local to the area and shared so much history about the city. The cemetery area, was beautiful and a must see.
