A walk around the shitamachi-atmosphere-packed Yanaka Shopping Street with a menchi-katsu (fried meat cake) in one hand!

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Hey, everyone! Today I’m going to be introducing the shitamachi-atmosphere-packed Yanaka Shopping Street, a must-see sightseeing spot in Tokyo!

Yanakaginza Shopping Street is a popular tourist spot that’s been used as the location for TV dramas, and featured in magazines and other media numerous times. It’s a wonderful place, packed with Showa-era atmosphere—and with 70 or so stores jostling together inside the 170 meter-long shopping arcade, there’s definitely plenty to see!

I’m going to head to Yanaka Shopping Street from Sendagi Station on the Tokyo Metro, and then walk to JR Nippori Station! Time to get going!

When I enter the shopping arcade, one of the local people tells me to look up, and when I do...I see this cute cat!

Apparently there are seven of these carved wooden cats in total, and they’re called the Seven Lucky Cats. After walking a little further, I spot Kanekichien, a tea dealer that’s been in business for over 50 years.

Inside the store is filled with an array of tea leaves, which give off a beautiful aroma. The tasteful Japanese arts and crafts on sale make great souvenirs, too!

Next up is something no walk around Yanaka would be complete without—some shitamachi gourmet! Yanaka Shopping Street has lots of places that are perfect for picking up something to eat as you walk around, so I grab a menchi-katsu from Niku no Suzuki, which has been featured on TV numerous times!

It’s piping hot, with a delicious, warm flavor that fills the mouth! 

With my scrumptious snack in one hand, I take a leisurely stroll along the retro streets. Along the way I stop at stores that take my fancy, snap photos, and look for nice souvenirs—Yanaka is full of fun and things to do!

At a flight of stairs known as Yuyake Dandan, I turn back for an unbroken view of Yanaka Shopping Street, before continuing on to Nippori Station. On the way, I come across a wonderful sembei store!

(Miyako Sembei on Hatsune Komichi.)

Yanaka is a rich place with lots to see, and I haven’t even gotten close to introducing all the sights. Why not take a stroll around and see what you find?

Information

- Yanakaginza Shopping Street

http://www.yanakaginza.com/

- Kanekichien

http://www.yanakaginza.com/shop/kanekichien/

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)

- Niku no Suzuki

http://www.yanakaginza.com/shop/suzuki/

Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm (Closed on Mondays and some Tuesdays)

- Miyako Sembei

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 6:30 pm (Closed on Mondays)