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Walking Tours of Yanaka - Tour 2

Yanaka, an old town in Tokyo

The Yanaka area 谷中 is a historical part of Tokyo, developed as a temple town in the Edo period (1603-1867). Prominent temples like the Tenouji and the Kaneiji were founded and still exist in the area. In the past people living all over the Edo(the former name of Tokyo) used to visit Yanaka for worship and for sightseeing. 

Yanaka Walking Tour 2 | Estimated time for the tour: 2 hours

Nippori Station 日暮里駅

Start from the JR Nippori Station and use the NorthWest exit

Asakura Sculpture Hall 朝倉彫塑館

To tour around this hall, you need about 30 minutes or so.

The Tsukijibei fence of the Kannonji Temple 築地塀・感応寺

Walk straight along the road in front of the Asakura Sculpture Hall and then turn right at a small road. You will see a traditional Japanese fence that similar to a wall seen in Ninja movies.

Daienji and Zenshouan 大円寺・全生庵

If you keep walking down the narrow road you will see the Sansaki-zaka(slope). Turn right and go down the Sansaki-zaka. Along the Sansaki-zaka, you will see several beautiful temples. Zenshouan and Daienji are especially well known among of these temples. You will see Zenshouan and Daienji on the right side of Sansaki-zaka.

An area with many temples. 寺町エリア

If you continue to walk along the Sansaki-zaka until you see a traffic light, you will see a primary school located on the left side. Go tor the right and then, take a road on the left side of the school.

This is mainly a residential area, an area with many temples. Keep walking following the map. This area is so quiet and peaceful. Remember the road leading to the Kototoi Dori(Ave) on the map is really quite narrow and try not overlook this road. The landmark is a huge tree at the fork of the road.

Izakaya Area (small Japanese pubs) 居酒屋エリア

When you reach Kototoi Dori (Ave), start walking down this hilly street toward the Nezu Subway Station.

Walking down Kototoi Dori(Ave), you will see a large intersection, this is where the Nezu Station is located, right across the way from you, but, turn down a small alley just before the intersection, looking down the vista you will see many tiny Izakayas and old style homes.

Nezu Shrine 根津神社

If you keep walking along the small alley you will reach a medium sized road. Turn left and keep walking. When you walk past an intersection with traffic lights and you will see Nezu Shrine on the right.

Hebi Michi (Snake Road) ヘビ道

After visiting Nezu Shrine, walk along the same road you used to reach the shrine until you reach a small intersection. At this intersection, turn left and keep going. You will notice the road is becoming very narrow and winding. You are now walking along the Hebi Michi (Snake Road).

Yanaka Ginza (Street Shopping) 谷中銀座

At the end of Snake road, you will see an intersection with traffic lights. Walk through the traffic light for about 5 minutes or so, you will see Yanaka Ginza on your right.

If you go through the Yanaka Ginza area, you will see stairs. Walk up the stairs and keep going straight, you will arrive at the North (West) Exit of the JR Nippori Station.

End of Tour 2

Ueno Map

Yanaka Contents

Yanaka - Top Page 
How to get to the Yanaka Neighbourhood
Yanaka - Cultural Attractions
Other sightseeing areas close to Yanaka

Walking Tours of Yanaka
Yanaka Tour 1 | Yanaka Tour 2 | Yanaka Tour 3 | Yanaka Tour 4(Shichifukujin)

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