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Yanaka & Nezu Shrine Walking Tour

Discover the temples, traditions, and timeless charm of Tokyo’s old quarter.

Perfect for visitors wanting to escape the hustle and experience a slower, more local side of the city, where old Japan and modern daily life come together.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: ¥7,300 JPY

Language: English

Location: Nippori Station

Highlights

Stone pathways, family-run shops, centuries-old temples, and the vermilion torii tunnel of Nezu Shrine. Yanaka offers a rare glimpse into everyday life in old Tokyo.

I’ll share the history behind the shrines and temples, explain local customs, and help you understand how tradition and modern life blend seamlessly here.

You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Tokyo’s quieter soul and plenty of local recommendations to explore at your own pace.

Check Our Schedule

SCHEDULE

Details

Meeting point

We’ll meet outside the North Ticket Gate in Nippori Station

Finishing Point

We’ll finish at Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Duration

2 hours (roughly 4 km of easy walking on mostly flat terrain at a relaxed pace. No speed-walking, I promise.)

Tour Itinerary

1. Shimogoindenhashi Bridge
We’ll begin at Shimogoindenhashi Bridge, a quiet spot with views over the many rail lines converging into Nippori Station. It’s the perfect place to talk about how trains shape everyday life in Tokyo, even in its most traditional neighbourhoods.

2. Tennoji Temple
Next, we’ll visit Tennoji Temple, a historic Buddhist site known for its bronze Great Buddha statue. It’s also part of the Yanaka Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage, linking local faith with centuries of tradition.

3. Yanaka Cemetery
We’ll walk through Yanaka Cemetery, one of Tokyo’s most peaceful and historic spaces, where the past feels close beneath the cherry trees. The graves and memorials here offer a quiet glimpse into Japanese life, memory, and impermanence.

4. Yoshidaya Liquor Store Museum
Step inside Yoshidaya, a beautifully preserved machiya-style shop that shows what neighbourhood life looked like in old Tokyo. It’s a rare chance to see how locals once lived, worked, and shopped in the Edo and Meiji eras.

5. Ueno Sakuragi Atari
We’ll stop at Ueno Sakuragi Atari, where traditional wooden homes have been reimagined into cafés and community spaces. It’s a great example of how old Tokyo architecture continues to blend into modern daily life.

6. Enju-ji Temple
Enju-ji is a small but unique temple known for prayers for strong legs and feet, making it one of Yanaka’s most personal spiritual spots. The ema plaques here show how Japanese tradition remains deeply tied to everyday life.

7. Nezu Shrine
One of the highlights of the tour is Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo’s oldest Shinto shrines, surrounded by calm grounds and Edo-period architecture. We’ll explore its legends, seasonal festivals, and its lasting role in the local community.

8. Hebimichi (Snake Path)
We’ll wander down Hebimichi, a narrow winding alley that has connected homes, temples, and shops for generations. Its quiet curves and local folklore capture the slower rhythm of Yanaka life.

9. Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
We’ll finish in Yanaka Ginza, a lively old-fashioned shopping street filled with family-run stores, local snacks, and neighbourhood charm. It’s the perfect place to experience the everyday side of Tokyo away from the big-city rush.

Meet Your Guide

I’m half Australian and half Japanese, and I’ve found my way back to Tokyo through my heritage, a MASSIVE love for food, and a passion for connecting with people.

After spending ten years working as a sparky in Australia, and running my own Japanese street food business on the side, I eventually left it all behind to move to Japan and build something more meaningful.

Now, I share Tokyo’s history, traditions, and everyday food culture with visitors from all around the world, helping you feel comfortable exploring the city with someone who speaks the language and understands the local way of life.