Yanaka Ginza

Honestly this was a great spot for walking and exploring the area. A much more serene area compared to the rest to tokyo, very refreshing indeed. Was there during the new year celebrations and there was a free mochi making experience for guests. One of my favourite streets for sure!

Spent our time here at Yanaka shopping street. Walking the streets to watch the beautiful people, the sights with many stalls and shop, the sound of sorting for businesses and smell of steamed sweet potatoes, buns and cooked food. The place was crowded with tourists and locals. The cat were a symbol here.

It used to be rundown and “shutter alley” with most of the shops closing and barely surviving. But somehow, tourists started discovering “old school cool” and it’s had a recent revival. Many cool cafes and shops lined the Main Street, but even better cooler places on the side streets. Bonus points: spot all the alley “cats” on the roofs of the shops.

When I strolling around, place was not crowded.. I thoughts that I may got wrong direction, but after saw the sign I am sure I am on correct direction. A lot cute merchandise and food stall here. Not much I can do around only taking picture or if you wish try some food stall or bought some cute merchandise. Taking picture is a must to complete your “old japanese downtown vibes”

Chill touristy area. Lots of good food and stores. Sometimes there are local story tellers in the area. Had some great matcha and snacks here while waiting for my stamp. You can explore the whole area in an hour

A famous shopping street that is known for its showa era vibe giving us a glimpse of the old Tokyo. The stairs leading to the shopping street is also a famous spot for watching the sunset which is called Yuyake Dandan. The street is lined with food stalls, cafes and souvenir shops. You will also see few cat themed decors. A great place to drop by when in the area.

This was a beautiful little area. We had fun shopping and walking here. People were friendly. Some of the restaurants had signs posted saying “must speak Japanese or there is a fee”… weird but ok we just went somewhere else. I get it.

It is a small shopping district. They have nice shops and food stalls. There's a food store, that says no photos. So be alarm! For buying souvenirs, it is a little cheaper than other places. Around the area, there's some shops and cafe's you can look around.

Yanaka survives from Ekimae Kaihatsu which means urban redevelopment.Actually, Tokyo is changing. Luckily, people can still enjoy the Shawa-era atmosphere in Yanaka. Yanaka is a reminiscence around the Showa 30s to 40s(1950s to 60s). At that time, people went shopping on shopping streets. Nowadays, people go to shopping malls or supermarkets. It took 10 minutes walk from Nippori. Nippori is a gateway to Tokyo if you use the Keisei skyline train. I think most of the shops are for tourists. You can try super-authentic Japanese food. Due to the cheaper yen, I saw a lot of non-Japanese in Yanaka. You might be sick and tired of modern Japan such as Tokyo Sky tree, Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc. Please visit Yanaka and feel like you are in the post-war era.

Yanaka Ginza (Yanaka shopping street) was highlighted in a few of the videos I watched on Youtube as a place that wasn't as tourist heavy in Tokyo, had a bit of a slower pace, and some delicious eats to book. This place was totally my speed. The neighborhood that surrounds Yanaka Ginza is Yanaka, and it's quite charming to walk through. In the videos I watched people talk about it was reminiscent of old Tokyo, and I can see why. If you're venturing to Yanaka Ginza, definitely don't hesitate to walk around Yanaka, and even through Yanaka cemetery. Ueno park is also right in between Yanaka and Asakusa which is a prime tourist destination. On the street is various little shop stalls. One of the most famous places on this street is for menchi katsu; a minced meat patty that is mixed with onions and spices and coated in breadcrumbs before it's deep fried. There was a line when I went, and I'm assuming that's the norm. But it moves quick. One of the best bites I had in Japan was from a stall in Yanaka Ginza. It was part menchi katsu, part mushroom cap. It was superbly delicious. I can't even begin to tell you. There is an adorable little modern styled boba shop. And ANOTHER best bite from my trip to Japan was down one of the side streets in Yanaka Ginza where there is a Takoyaki stand which a few benches lining the street to sit. MOST definitely some of the best Takoyaki I had in Japan and believe me... I had a handful. At the top of the hill before you even come through the gate the is suppose to signify the start of Yanaka Ginza is this adorable little housewares shop. The woman taught me about what tenugui were, and I bought a couple while I was there. Also, technically on the street, I found a little tea/shop slash gift shop that was super adorable and very friendly. I picked up a NUMBER of chopsticks there as souvenirs for friends. On the ends of the chopsticks they have different sushi on them with the Japanese name written on one stick and a picture of the sushi on the other. Pro Tip: Avoid the fried food stall with the orange awnings, the guy is known to yell mean things especially at tourists.

Cats! So many cats. :3 You can buy anything with cats here. Luggage, umbrellas, jewelry, cookies with cat prints. And I saw a bunch of street cats lazing about, eating and obviously in heaven. It was very humid so I didn't spend the whole afternoon but we strolled as far down as we could. Bought an icy drink and turned back.

Highlight: Hidden treasure for those who want a more laid back and down to earth shopping district that is more catered to locals rather than the more glitzy and night life vibe that other parts of Ueno have, like Ameyayokocho. You'll find more traditional and authentic snacks, local arts and crafts on the weekends, and cool stalls that sell blown glass, live music, and hand crafts. It does not have the night bustle and cheap goods that draw crowds, but at least it's open in the day and has a more charming and relaxing feel. And also, if you're a cat person, there's supposedly lots of charming cats sleeping and posing in front of the building here! What is it: It's a neighborhood alley featuring peoples homes, small eats, small treats, little trinkets, It's free to go to and is about 15 mins walk from Ueno Park. A lot of back packers go through here and it does not feel touristy. What to eat: Stop by the small snacks and try out oyster pancakes (NOT squidballs that Ameyayoko and elsewhere has). Try all kinds of delicious tempura. Try out funky bean and ice desserts. What to see: Lots of local crafts and goods to see and purchase! Some are local residents that sell small beaded items, clay items, and knits. Very charming and will put people in a good mood no matter what. On weekends, there will be live performances and small cars that drive in and even sell coffee.

Not very interesting, at least when we visited at 11 AM on a Tuesday. There were a variety of galleries, stores selling crafts, and some cafes, but the street itself isn't particularly pretty.

Beautiful part of Tokyo... lots of little shops... plenty of cafes to stop for coffee or lunch... Also lots of cats to stroke too :-) One of our favorite places we visited - absolutely loved it here :-)

Nice place to stroll around. A long street with a lot of japanese souvenirs shops, traditional snacks shops and other interesting places. Not far from Nippori station.

Cute little shopping street. There are a couple tea shops, a couple china shops, and some food stalls. Definitely grab a couple snacks from the stall which always has a line and tons of fried snacks. I guess this is considered a view into older Tokyo.