Yanesen in Summer: An Afternoon Walk Toward a Beautiful Sunset | Hotel Staff’s Recommended Route
Summer afternoons in Tokyo can get intensely hot, so we recommend exploring Yanesen in the late afternoon, when the air cools down and the streets grow quiet.
Yanesen — the neighborhoods of Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi — is known for its nostalgic atmosphere, gentle backstreets, and local charm. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed evening walk.
In this article, we’ll share a recommended walking route to help you enjoy the very best of Yanesen before sunset.
▼ Walking Route
① Nezu Shrine
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② asatte Gelato
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③ Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
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④ Zakuro Lamp-ya
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⑤ Sunset Stairway “Yuyake Dandan”
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⑥ Yoshibo Rin
①Nezu Shrine
Start your walk at Nezu Shrine, located about a 15-minute walk from HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU.
With a history said to date back approximately 1,900 years, Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo’s historic shrines and one of the “Tokyo Ten Shrines.” The main hall and the gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the shrine grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy city. At Otome Inari Shrine, you can find a beautiful pathway lined with rows of vibrant red torii gates. Walking through the torii gates as they glow in the evening sunlight is one of the special experiences of a summer evening in Yanesen.
＜Spot Infrormation＞
Name: Nezu Shrine
Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: From 6:00 AM (closing time varies depending on the season. Please check the official website for details.)
Closed: Open daily
Official Website
②asatte Gelato
After Nezu Shrine, head to asatte Gelato, a popular gelato shop located in a quiet alley of Yanaka Ginza.
This hidden gem occupies a beautifully renovated 50-year-old Japanese house, giving it a cozy atmosphere where the old and the new sit comfortably side by side.
The gelato is made with carefully selected ingredients sourced from all over Japan. We went for the double size (¥650) and chose “Strawberry & Blueberry / Roasted Green Tea Rice” and “Fresh Milk / Kiwi Banana.” Every flavor lets the natural taste of the ingredients shine, and the roasted green tea stood out in particular for its deep, toasty aroma.
We also ordered an iced coffee (¥500) and the seasonal Blood Orange Squash (¥650). Its bright citrus tang paired perfectly with the sweetness of the gelato — an ideal treat for a warm summer afternoon.
There’s also a small garden at the back of the shop, a lovely spot to unwind in the calm of the old house.
They often hold special events and promotions, so it’s worth checking their Instagram before you go.
＜Shop Information ＞
Name: asatte Gelato
Address: 3-10-14 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Thu & Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM / Sat & Sun 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Closed: Monday–Wednesday
Official Instagram: @asatte_no_gelato
③ Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
Next, explore Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, home to around 60 local shops.
From street food and tiny cafés to one-of-a-kind boutiques, the street has a nostalgic, old-Tokyo feel that invites you to slow down and wander.
Yanaka Ginza is also known as a “cat town,” with cat-themed decorations and items found throughout the street. Keep an eye out for the wooden “Seven Lucky Cats,” inspired by the traditional Seven Lucky Gods and popular photo spots among visitors.
＜Spot Information＞
Name: Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
Address: 3-13-1 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Around 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (varies by shop)
Closed: Varies by shop
Official Website
④ Zakuro Lamp-ya
After wandering through Yanaka Ginza, you’ll find Zakuro Lamp-ya just past the end of the shopping street. Its exotic exterior sets the mood, and the moment you step inside, it feels like you’ve been whisked away on a trip overseas.
Colorful Turkish mosaic lamps line the shelves, alongside all sorts of unusual and eye-catching goods. Nearby is its sister restaurant, Restaurant Zakuro, where you can savor Turkish and Iranian dishes while soaking up an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere.
Chatting with the cheerful staff from the Middle East is another charm you’ll only find here. It’s a chance to connect with a different culture and enjoy an atmosphere that feels a world away from the everyday.
＜Shop Information＞
Name: Zakuro Lamp-ya
Address: Studio Yanaka 1F, 3-13-2 Nishinippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0013
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM–7:00 PM / Weekends & Holidays 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Closed: Wednesday
Official Instagram: @zakuro_lampya | @zakuro_tokyo
⑤ Sunset Stairway “Yuyake Dandan”
Next, make your way to “Yuyake Dandan,” located right in front of Zakuro.
This famous 36-step staircase links JR Nippori Station with Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, and it’s one of Yanesen’s most popular spots to watch the sunset.
From the top of the steps, you can take in the nostalgic downtown skyline. In summer, arriving around 6:30–7:00 PM is the perfect time to catch the glow of the setting sun.
＜Spot Information＞
Name: Yuyake Dandan
Address: Around 3-13 Nishinippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
⑥ Yoshibo Rin
After Yuyake Dandan, walk about 15 minutes to wrap up your stroll at Yoshibo Rin, a traditional soba restaurant.
The route takes you along “Hebimichi,” a charming, winding lane named for its snake-like curves, where the nostalgic streetscape of Yanesen is on full display.
Inside, the restaurant welcomes you with a quiet, comfortable Japanese-style setting.
We tried the summer specials: “Tenseiro” (¥2,450) and “Isoten Oroshi Soba” (¥1,800). The “Kitawase” soba, made with buckwheat from Fukayama in Akagi Village, Gunma Prefecture, has a lovely fragrance and a smooth texture — refreshing even on the hottest summer days.
The origin and variety of the soba change with the seasons, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch the chefs hand-making noodles through the glass window.
As a side, we ordered the dashi-rolled omelet (¥1,000). The gentle savoriness of the broth paired beautifully with the crisp, refreshing grated daikon.
With full stomachs and happy memories, we brought our Yanesen walk to a close, soaking up the peaceful evening air one last time.
＜Shop Information＞
Name: Yoshibo Rin
Address: 2-36-1 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM / 5:30 PM–8:30 PM (Sunday until 2:30 PM)
Closed: Tuesday
Reservations are recommended for dinner.
So, how does this summer walking route through Yanesen sound?
Set out in the late afternoon and watch the neighborhood turn golden in the evening sun.
We hope you’ll come and discover the charm of Yanesen at sunset this summer!
Follow our Instagram Reel for the full walking route ! ▼
◎Related article
・A Stroll Through Yanesen: Discover the Local Side of Tokyo
・Best Gelato Shops in Yanesen
・Staff Recommendations: Top 3 traditional cafes you should visit in Yanesen
■HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU
＜Hotel Overview＞
Name: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU
Address: 4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0008
Access: 3-minute walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
Web | Instagram
<Cafe Information>
Name: GRAPHY NEZU CAFE & LOUNGE
Address: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU 1F, 4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0008
Hours:
・Breakfast: 7:30–11:00 (L.O. 10:30)
・Lunch: 11:00–14:00
・Dinner: 17:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
・Closed: Irregular (Generally open daily during the above hours)