Explore Yanaka in Tokyo:

Yanaka is one of Tokyo's best-kept secrets, a quiet, old-fashioned neighborhood that miraculously survived both the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the World War II air raids, leaving its traditional wooden townhouses and narrow alleyways largely intact. Walking through Yanaka feels like stepping into a version of Tokyo that most of the city has long since left behind. The neighborhood centers around Yanaka Ginza, a cheerful retro shopping street with butcher shops, tofu sellers, small eateries, and souvenir stalls that exude a friendly, local charm. The area is also home to Yanaka Cemetery, which might sound like an unusual attraction, but is actually a beautifully atmospheric place to wander, especially during cherry blossom season when the grave-lined paths become canopied with pink blossoms. Dozens of small temples and shrines are scattered throughout the neighborhood, giving it a spiritual calm. The streets are a delight for photographers, filled with potted plants spilling from wooden doorways, cats lounging on stone walls, and the occasional artisan at work.