Japan · Walking Tours

The Old Quarter of Tokyo Yanaka Walking Tour

3 Hours Round trip from Arakawa City Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the old-world charm of Tokyo’s Yanaka district
  • 02 Learn about Japanese religion, temple history, and local customs
  • 03 Visit a cemetery and gain insight into Japanese burial traditions
  • 04 See the striking red torii gates of one of Tokyo’s most beautiful shrines
  • 05 Walk through Hebimichi and experience everyday life in a residential area
  • 06 Stop at Ueno Sakuragi Atari, a renovated community space in historic wooden houses
  • 07 Discover Yanaka Ginza and sample local foods and sweets at your own expense
  • 08 Enjoy a guided walking tour with an English-speaking local expert

Step into a quieter side of Tokyo on this walking tour through Yanaka, one of the city’s most atmospheric old neighborhoods. Explore streets lined with traditional character, visit temples and shrines, and discover how everyday life, local customs, and history continue to shape this charming district.

Along the way, learn about Japanese religion and cemetery traditions, admire striking red torii gates, wander residential backstreets, and stop by a renovated community space set inside historic wooden houses. You’ll also have time to explore the local shopping street, where you can try traditional snacks and sweets at your own expense.

Step into a quieter side of Tokyo on this walking tour through Yanaka, one of the city’s most atmospheric old neighborhoods.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kyoto, Tokyo
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

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)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arakawa City 2 cities · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guided walking tour with an English-speaking local expert.
Photo Opportunities throughout

What's Not Included

Food, drinks, and personal expenses
Gratuities (optional)

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • ANIMALS OR PETS ALLOWED
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Meeting point is;
    JR Nippori station North Ticket Gate
    (Outside the ticket gate next to “NewDays” convenience store)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arakawa City, JP
Tour start
Arakawa City, JP
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Arakawa City.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

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