Tokyo Yanaka Walking Tour: Temples, Cemetery & Old Town Streets

Summary

Yanaka’s temples, cherry trees and quiet lanes on foot

You’ll join a small group for a walking tour through Yanaka’s historic streets—temples scented with incense, peaceful cemetery paths under tall trees, and local snacks along bustling Ginza Street. With an English-speaking guide sharing stories as you go, you’ll see another side of Tokyo that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed in Yanaka was how the air felt different—almost softer, like the city noise got caught in the leaves overhead. We’d just left Ueno’s busy station behind, but here it was all narrow streets and wooden houses with laundry flapping out front. Our guide, Junko, waved us over to a tiny shrine tucked between two homes. She explained how people have been coming here since the Edo period—she pointed out a stone marker from the 1800s that I would’ve missed completely. I tried to repeat the shrine’s name; Junko smiled politely at my pronunciation (I don’t blame her).

We wandered past Tennoji Temple, where incense drifted out through an old wooden gate. The bronze Buddha statue stood watch in the garden—it’s been there since 1690 apparently, which made me pause for a second. There was this faint smell of earth and something sweet—maybe plum blossoms? Or maybe that was just my imagination. The Yanaka Cemetery was next, wide paths under huge trees and these neat rows of gravestones stretching way back. It didn’t feel spooky at all—more like peaceful, even with crows calling overhead. Junko told us about how Buddhist and Shinto graves used to be separated after the Meiji Restoration; honestly, Japanese history is more complicated than I thought.

I didn’t expect to get hungry on a cemetery walk but by the time we hit Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, my stomach was definitely louder than I wanted it to be. The street is full of snack stalls—one old man handed me a warm menchi katsu (fried minced meat) wrapped in paper and grinned when I tried to say thank you in Japanese (probably butchered that too). There were kids running around after school, shopkeepers chatting with regulars—it felt like real daily life instead of some tourist show. We had time for tea on tatami mats upstairs at Gallery Okubo if we wanted (not included), but honestly I just sat for a minute watching light slant across the street outside.

By the end of our Yanaka walking tour I’d stopped checking my phone for train times or emails; it felt good to just wander and listen to stories about Tokyo before all the neon and skyscrapers took over. Even now when I think about Tokyo, it’s not Shibuya crossing or giant towers—it’s that quiet lane lined with cherry trees near dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore historic Yanaka district

• Admire temples and cherry blossoms
• Visit Buddhist temple with bronze statue
• Walk through Yanaka Cemetery
• Explore Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
• Optional: Experience Japanese tea ceremony
• Optional: Visit Shitamachi museum
• Optional: See Alan West painting studio
• Pass by historic shrine with Torii gates
• Optional afternoon: Visit SCAI The Bathhouse gallery

Top questions

How long does the Yanaka walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

Is there an English-speaking guide included?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads the tour.

Are entry fees included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 10 people per booking.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

Is food included on Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street?

No snacks or food are included; purchases are optional and at your own expense.

Can infants or children join this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is there an option to extend the duration of the tour?

You can extend your tour for an additional fee per hour paid in cash on-site.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes plus an English-speaking guide who shares stories along every stop. You’ll also receive photos taken during your walk through temples and old town streets—just bring some yen if you want to try local snacks or join an optional tea ceremony along the way.