Historic Neighbourhoods of Tokyo | Yanaka
Yanaka - Cultural Attractions
Asakura Sculpture HallAsakura Sculpture Hall is the former house and studio of the sculptor Fumio Asakura. This building is a traditional Japanese house and with the interiors embellished by the unique style and tastes of Asakura-san. In the building, there is many works of Asakura exhibited and the house itself is an exhibit and of special interest, especially to people interested in Japanese architecture.
Yanaka GinzaYanaka Ginza is a small street market that retains the warm atmosphere of Shitamachi, the traditional section in Tokyo, with origins from the EDO period. You will see many interesting and unique Japanese foods sold at the food markets there, which Tokyo people have eaten in daily life for quite a while.
Yanaka Reien (Yanaka Cemetery Park)A old cemeteryand park where many notable and famous artists and actors are buried. A very spacious cemetery, surrounded by a multitude of trees and is known for its cherry blossoms(Sakura) in the spring time.
DaienjiHarunobu Suzuki, the Ukiyoe (Japanese woodblock print) pioneer, created many Nishikie (woodblock in color) of a beautiful women named Osen, while working in a cafe in Yanaka. Through his works, Osen became very famous and was considered in the top 3 most beautiful women in all of Edo. It has been said the cafe that Osen was working was located in the place as the building called Daienji is located. Currently, there is monuments of Harunobu Suzuki and Osen at Daienji.
Hebi Michi (Snake road)It is just a narrow road in the residential area built after World World II. Formerly, the road was a beautiful brook in the EDO period, which dried and was then converted into a 'snaky' and winding road. The brook was called Aizome and lead to the Machiya area in Tokyo. If you go, please watch out for cars driving through, yes, cars are allowed on the road.
JomyoinAn old temple founded in 1666. It has been said there are 84,000 Jizo (small stone statues) in this temple. The real number of statues is about 20,000, though, there is to many to count!
Nezu ShrineIt has been said that the Nezu shrine was established by the legendary priest Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. In 1705, the 5th Shogunate, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, built the structure and it still retains the historic appearance to this day. Nezu Shrine is famous for Tustsuji and Azaleas. From the middle of April to the beginning of May, the Azalea Festival is held and is crowded with may people enjoying the azaleas (Japanese flower)
Map of the Yanaka Neighbourhood
YANAKA > How to get to Yanaka > Yanaka Attractions > Close to Yanaka
YANAKA Content
Walking Tours of Yanaka Tour1 | Tour 2 | Tour 3 | Tour 4
See here for photos of the Yanaka neighbourhood Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Related Travel to Japan Articles - read our article about Tokyo Heritage Weeks (Tokyo Bunkazai Week) and events in the Yanaka area.
Essentail Links - Related sources of information about: Historic Neighbourhoods in Tokyo
