Experience Old local Tokyo & traditional food in Yanaka Ginza

Tokyo , Japan

Experience Old local Tokyo & traditional food in Yanaka Ginza

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(21 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Try local food and explore the nostalgic streets of Yanesen.

Yanesen stretches out over two wards; Bunkyoku and Taitoku, and is the generic name of the three old shopping streets; Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi, of this area.
In this tour, we will taste the usual Japanese meals such as croquettes, which are very popular among the locals. You will also be able to enjoy Japanese food culture in one area.
Other than the cuisine, you will also be introduced to traditional shops that sells Japanese accessories, a hand puppet show with elaborate and expressive puppets, and a shrine with a tunnel of vibrant red torii gates. Live like the locals for a day in Yanesen!

Available options

Basic

What's included

Private tour

Tour Guide

The necessary expenses for the guide during the tour

Detailed itinerary

Yuuyake Dandan:
It is the stairs between Gotenzaka and Yanaka Ginza. In the evening, you can see a beautiful sunset in the direction of Yanaka Ginza from this staircase.

Evil Stamp Shop Shinimonogurui:
This is a shop where you can make name stamps with cute illustrations, featuring a large cat sign. Why not make an original stamp to commemorate your visit to Yanaka, the city of cats?

Stop 3

Yanaka Shippoya: Try a donut stick, resembling the shape and pattern of a cat's tail. Our favourites are the creamy ones!

Stop 4

Kanekichien: You can shop for equipment used in Japanese tea ceremonies in this lovely shop.

Stop 5

Niku no Suzuki: Their freshly fried menchi-katsu is beyond delicious!

Stop 6

Waguriya: It is the only store in Japan that specializes in Japanese chestnuts and owns its own farm, and is popular for its sweets that make the most of the natural flavor and taste of Japanese chestnuts.

Stop 7

Echigoya Saketen: Taste Japanese beer and sake, and enjoy drinking the Japanese way; kadouchi.

Hand Puppets Shokichi: Enjoy this fantastically expressive puppet show by professional puppeteers!

Stop 9

Snake Road:
Behind Yanaka Ginza, there is an alley that curves like a snake. Take a walk along the alleys that used to be small rivers.

Nezu Shrine: Visit this shrine, also known as a "power spot", right in the center of Nezu, and walk through its magnificent tower gate and tunnel of red torii gates.

Shitamachi Museum Annex (Old Yoshidaya Sakayaten):
Old Yoshidaya Sakayaten, an exhibition hall attached to the Shitamachi Folk Museum, was built in 1910 (Meiji 43) and was an actual liquor shop that operated until 1986 (1986). Visitors can feel as if they have stepped back in time to the Meiji era.

Yanaka Cemetery：
Numerous famous people are laid to rest in these graves. There are graves of generals who once ruled Japan, literary giants and others, as well as the graves of ordinary people. Visitors will get a glimpse of Japanese culture.

What's not included

Estimated Costs of the Tour: 5050 JPY per Person

Breakdown: Transportation: 0 JPY, Admission Fees: 700 JPY, Meal costs: 0 JPY per Person

Optional Experience Costs: 4350 JPY per Person

Estimated Costs of the Tour, Yuyake Dandan

Hand Puppets Shokichi

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.

Please understand that tour spots might be changed to alternative spots in case of temporary closure.

Please wear comfortable clothing as you will be walking a lot

Some of the spots we will visit on the day do not accept credit cards. Please remember to bring cash.

This includes spots where alcoholic beverages are served. Children are allowed to enter, but must be at least 20 years old to drink alcohol.

On Thursdays and Fridays, "Evil Stamp Shop Shinimonogurui" is closed, so we will show you an alternative spot.

Meeting point

JR Nippori Station, North ticket gate

Important notes

・Please contact us using the messaging feature or WhatsApp message : +81 80-7475-5829.
・Please note that we do not answer calls. In case of any difficulties meeting up, kindly call your tour guide directly.
・All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
・If you do not arrive at the specified starting place after 60 minutes from the agreed meeting time, the tour will be considered canceled.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.