Exploring Old Tokyo: Between Yanaka, Nezu, and Shibamata
- Published on : 16/10/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Old Tokyo (Yanaka)
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Tokyo is more than just the skyscrapers of Shinjuku and the shopping streets of Ginza. Away from the main thoroughfares, some neighborhoods have preserved their old houses and small shops. Discover old Tokyo with Japan Experience’s walking tours.
Yanaka: A Place to Stroll Through Old Tokyo
Yanaka is one of the best-known neighborhoods in old Tokyo. Located near Ueno Park, visitors come here for its narrow streets lined with small shops, its centuries-old temples, and its atmosphere that seems frozen in time. It’s worth noting that the neighborhood was relatively spared from the destruction of World War II.
Start your visit at Yanaka-Ginza, a shopping street lined with restaurants and shops selling local specialties. Whether it’s freshly made croquettes, senbei (toasted rice crackers), or sweets to go, treat yourself to a snack before continuing on to the adjacent streets, where the wooden storefronts still house artisan workshops.
Yanaka Ginza
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As you walk away from the shopping street, head toward Yanaka Cemetery. While the site is particularly popular in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, it’s also known for being the resting place of several notable figures, including the former shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu. Nearby, Tennoji Temple is worth a stop for its large bronze Buddha.
Our tip?Take the time to wander through the residential streets. That’s often where Yanaka best reveals its character: a cat lounging in front of a house, a family-run shop, or a shrine tucked between two buildings.
Yanaka is also known for its cats
@wombatarama on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Nezu: For Its Traditional Everyday Life
Just a few minutes’ walk from Yanaka, Nezu extends the stroll into a more residential atmosphere. The neighborhood is part of Yanesen, a name derived from Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, three neighboring areas in northeastern Tokyo known for their historic streets.
There, the Nezu-jinja Shrine stands out as one of Tokyo’s historic shrines. It occupies a grounds where traditional buildings and gardens coexist. Its row of torii gates even resembles, on a smaller scale, the famous gates of the Fushimi Inari in Kyoto. In the spring, the garden is renowned for its azaleas, and a festival is held during their blooming season.
Nezu Shrine (Tokyo)
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Next, leave the area around the shrine and explore the streets of Nezu. There you’ll find historic houses, cafés housed in renovated buildings, and small shops. Take the time to wander off the beaten path: the neighborhood’s charm lies mainly in its quaint, picturesque streets.
Nezu (Tokyo)
@nappa on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Our recommendation: If the weather permits, head next to the Sendagi neighborhood, known for its many cafés. One of our favorites is CIBI, located in a renovated historic building. Inspired by Australian culture, the café offers a variety of coffees, as well as sandwiches, toast, and pastries. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack!
Nezu Neighborhood (Tokyo)
@m-louis on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.
Shibamata: Discovering Down-to-Earth Tokyo
Further east, in the Katsushika Ward, Shibamata offers a different side of old Tokyo. The neighborhood is famous for its down-to-earth atmosphere and for the film series *Otoko wa Tsurai yo*, whose hero, Tora-san, has become an iconic figure in Japanese cinema. The walking tour centers around a historic shopping street and a temple that’s always bustling with visitors.
As you exit Shibamata Station, stop to see the statue of Tora-san before continuing down Taishakuten Sando Street. This street leads to the temple Shibamata Taishakuten Temple and is lined with several traditional shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to try kusadango, glutinous rice dumplings flavored with mugwort, often served with red bean paste.
Shibamata Neighborhood (Tokyo)
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At the end of the street, discover Shibamata Taishakuten (also known as Daikyo-ji). Take some time to admire the intricate details of the carved panels, which are one of its distinctive features.
Just a few minutes’ walk away, Yamamoto-tei is also worth a visit.This former merchant’s residence combines traditional architecture with Western influences. Its rooms open onto a Japanese garden where you can stop for a cup of tea.
If you’d like to extend your stroll, head to the banks of the Edogawa River. The paths along the water offer a contrast to the shopping streets and allow you to end your visit with a walk along the riverbank.
Monzen-Nakacho: The Secret of the Editorial Office
To round out this exploration of old Tokyo, head to Monzen-Nakacho, located east of the capital. Less popular than the other destinations on our list, the neighborhood retains a down-to-earth charm with its shrines and small shopping streets.
Start with Fukagawa Fudo-do. The temple is known for its fire ceremonies, during which offerings are burned to bring good luck.
Just a few minutes away is Tomioka Hachimangu, a Shinto shrine founded in the 17th century and linked to the history of sumo.
Monzen-Nagacho District (Tokyo)
@eerkmans on Flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0
Finish off with a stroll through the streets around the train station. The izakaya, those small, traditional bars where people share dishes over a drink, line the streets alongside neighborhood shops. It’s a great place to stop for dinner and experience a more laid-back atmosphere in the capital.
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