A Stroll Through Yanesen: Discover the Local Side of Tokyo
Hello from HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU!
Wondering where to take friends from overseas when they’re visiting Tokyo? Looking for somewhere special to show them?
We recommend exploring Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi—an area often called “Yanesen.” With its charming old shopping streets, quiet back alleys, and one-of-a-kind cafes and galleries, it offers a nostalgic, peaceful vibe right in the middle of Tokyo.
Today, we’re sharing a relaxed half-day walking course through Yanesen you can enjoy starting in the afternoon. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Tokyo local, you’re bound to discover something new along the way.
Yanaka Ginza
We recommend starting your Yanesen walk at “Yanaka Ginza.”
This shopping street, which strongly retains the atmosphere of the Showa era, is lined with traditional delicatessens, Japanese sweet shops, casual cafes, and variety stores.
One of its charms is that as you walk down the bustling, somewhat nostalgic street, you can experience a slice of everyday Japanese life. For guests from overseas, it’s a spot where they can get in touch with the “local” side of Tokyo, making it a must-visit place.
The temperature on this day was around 20°C, making it a perfect day for eating while walking and exploring. The street was overflowing with many people, creating a lively atmosphere.
A quiet lunch time at the hidden gem “HAGISO.”
After strolling through Yanaka Ginza, head to “HAGISO,” which stands quietly in a back alley.
This renovated wooden apartment building, over 60 years old, is a complex that combines a cafe, gallery, and lodging facilities.
Wrapped in the calm warmth of wood, it’s the perfect place to take a break during your travels.
Along with the art exhibits, it’s sure to be a lunch time that satisfies your senses as well.
The spicy roux and the runny soft-boiled egg melt together for a deliciousness that will make you sigh.
Chicken curry, which can often be heavy, is surprisingly light thanks to the power of lemon and cardamom. It’s easy to eat even for those not used to spiced dishes, yet it’s a plate that still feels distinctly “special.”
While it has a robust flavor, the freshness of the herbs gives it a clean aftertaste. The appetite-whetting aroma is also irresistible.
<Shop Information>
Shop Name: HAGISO
Address: 3-10-25 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Tues, Wed, Thurs 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Fri, Sat, Sun 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Closed: Mondays, second Tuesday of the month (Check Instagram for closing day details!)
*Morning hours are open every day.
Instagram: @hagiso_2013
the ETHNORTH GALLERY
After filling up with lunch, it’s time to visit some variety stores where you can encounter the unique sensibility of Yanesen. Our staff recommends “the ETHNORTH GALLERY,” a shop like a small treasure chest, filled with handcrafted goods from around the world.
Inside the store, you’ll find an array of items that will stir your traveler’s soul, such as folk crafts from various countries and tableware from Southeast Asia. The goods, each seeming to have its own story, are fun just to look at and are perfect for a souvenir for yourself.
It’s a variety store where you can spend a somewhat nostalgic and warm time. Feel free to stop by during your walk.
<Shop Information>
Shop Name: the ETHNORTH GALLERY
Address: 3-13-6 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Closed: Thursdays
Instagram: @ethnorthgallery
Yanakanaka Cafe Stand
Finally, a visit to “Yanakanaka Cafe Stand” will leave your heart and stomach completely satisfied
At Yanakanaka Cafe Stand, you can enjoy “Guru Guru Gelato,” made lavishly with ingredients from Hokkaido. Each flavor is rich and full-bodied, a luxurious taste where you can truly feel the flavor of the ingredients.
From the left, the flavors are “Milk,” “Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea),” “Pistachio (+¥50),” and “Haskap.” In the coming season, gelato is an essential treat for a walk…!
This is a gluten-free crêpe. It’s made using “Yumepirika” rice from Hokkaido, and its chewy texture is addictively delicious. We can confidently recommend this to those who are avoiding gluten or are particular about what they eat.
<Shop Information>
Shop Name: Yanakanaka Cafe Stand
Address: Inside Yanakanaka, 3-13-3 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: None
Instagram: @yanakanaka_cafe_stand
What did you think?
A walk through the Yanesen area can be fully enjoyed in just half a day. This town, where nostalgia and warmth coexist, is dotted with unique shops that will make you want to stop by.
Please use this as a reference for a course that’s perfect for a stroll with friends from overseas.
You might just find a special moment during your journey.
◯Related articles
・Top Sweet Shops in Yanaka Ginza
・History of Nezu, Tokyo’s Pre-War District
・Museum Tour of Yanesen and Ueno
HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU
Facility Name: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU
Address: 4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0008
Access: 3-minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line).
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