Add dates

Things to do in Yanaka District

Our most recommended things to do in Yanaka District

Tokyo: Off the Beaten Path Private Guided Tour

1. Tokyo: Off the Beaten Path Private Guided Tour

Explore Tokyo in your own way with a private licensed guide. Let the guide know what special requests you have for the day and they will tailor your itinerary accordingly. All guides hold the nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification. It is issued by the Japanese government and requires a good understanding of Japanese culture and history. If you want to experience authentic local life, the backstreets of Yanaka, Shibamata, Fukagawa, and Asakusa are recommended. This tour feature a morning pickup at your hotel in Tokyo, then a visit to any number of possible sites. You can customize your itinerary according to the specific places you want to visit. See a suggested itinerary below.  First stop is the Shibamata neighborhood, where many historical shops can be found. Some have even been there for over a hundred years. It’s a great place to sample some classic Japanese snacks and street food, such as senbei, soy sauce crackers, and chewy rice balls. Next, head to the Yanaka Ginza neighborhood. Even among locals, it’s a lesser-known area that retains its old-Japan charm. Edo-era shops and restaurants line a small shopping street. Though the shops include modern 100-yen stores, there are many handicrafts, ceramics, and street food stores too. If you’ve become a fan of Japanese food during your travels, Kappabashi Street is a place to bring home something to cook or serve your own Japanese food with. Kappabashi is a long street lined with kitchen shops, plus the occasional kitchen clothing or fake food store. Other popular places you could visit on this tour include the Nezu and Sendagi areas, the Fukagawa Edo Museum, and the Asakusa district.

Tokyo: Private Sightseeing Tour [Customizable]

2. Tokyo: Private Sightseeing Tour [Customizable]

Delve into the heart of Tokyo on a sightseeing tour, and get the most out of the city with a private guide. Customize your experience to cater to your tastes and preferences. Choose from different tour durations to suit your schedule. Visit one area or point of interest with the 2-hour tour, or select the 4-hour tour to discover 2 monuments or neighborhoods. With the full-day experience you'll enjoy the company of a private guide for a whole day of sightseeing.   On the full-day tour, following pickup from your hotel you'll head to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Stroll around the stalls at the world's biggest seafood market, which can be difficult to understand without a guide. Continue to the Asakusa area to visit the Senso-ji temple, the largest temple in Tokyo. Next, walk along Nakamise shopping street before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, head to the Meiji shrine to marvel at the biggest shrine in Tokyo. Continue to the renowned Takeshita Street to explore local pop culture, before finishing your tour at approximately 4 PM.

Old Town Tokyo Food Tour

3. Old Town Tokyo Food Tour

Your tour will take you through the charming area of Yanaka – one of the few remaining districts in Tokyo with the shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere, a feeling of Tokyo from past decades that still survives. A feeling of nostalgia and a rustic charm. Your tour will offer you a sightseeing opportunity different from the “big city” feel of other parts of Tokyo. Yanaka was one of the few areas in that survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and Fire of 1923 and was spared fire bombings. The area has a history as an artisan town where many famous writers and visual artists lived and worked. Today it retains a similar spirit and an afternoon stroll down the tiny side streets that dissect the area south of Nippori Station will highlight the diversity of craft still being produced in the area: textiles, ink prints, wood carvings, traditional cuisines, stationery, pottery, jewelry and much more. You will have the chance to try local street snacks, stop by shops that are over 100 years old, see local shrines and temples and have a delicious teishoku (lunch set) before you end the tour with a traditional tea ceremony. 

3 activities found
Sort by:

Frequently asked questions about Yanaka District

Other Sightseeing Options in Yanaka District

Want to discover all there is to do in Yanaka District? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Yanaka District

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 79 reviews

Had a wonderful 6-hour tour with Kei. He is knowledgeable, friendly, eager to showcase Tokyo, and prepared to customize the tour to your heart's desire. For me, it was an excellent way to get a bigger picture view of Tokyo, while also exploring some of the off-the-beat-path neighborhoods. Great to do this at the beginning of your visit, as there isn't a better way to learn the Tokyo subway system than with a local. Highly recommend.

Our guide Yeonmi was just a godsend, booked online at the last minute. She helped us navigate Tokyo with great insights into the culture and ways of the Japanese people. She was funny, considerate and helpful to the utmost. Her advice on how best to utilise our short time in Tokyo was invaluable in making the most of our trip. We cannot recommend her enough.

Our guide Naoko was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and accommodated our requests for specific things and areas to see. She navigated the metro for us and moved fast so we saw a lot. She is very passionate about her job and it shows. She even looked after our two boys ages 10 & 7 when crossing a street and in crowded areas. We have a friend for life!

Sachimi was a wonderful guide. She took us around the popular spots and gave us a great flavor for Tokyo. She also took us to a veggie ramen place which we all enjoyed. Overall would do this again with Japan wonder.

My guide was outstanding. She took me to very unique places. She really cared about customizing my time.