Yanaka and Nezu Guide
Walk from Nippori through Yanaka Ginza, Asakura Museum, Yanaka Cemetery, Ueno Sakuragi, and Nezu Shrine.
What Yanaka & Nezu is like
Yanaka and Nezu are best explored through lanes linking a shopping street, temples, a cemetery, and surviving wooden buildings rather than major complexes. A one-way route descends from Nippori's west side through Yanaka toward Sendagi and Nezu.
This is also a residential and cemetery district. Walk quietly and avoid treating homes or graves as unrestricted photo subjects. Museums close earlier than the shopping street, so schedule timed interiors first.
Stations and access
Start at JR Nippori West Exit and descend toward Yanaka Ginza, then continue south to Sendagi or Nezu on the Chiyoda Line. Slopes and narrow lanes are common.
Major places to visit
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
A compact street of independent shops and prepared-food stores beyond Yuyake Dandan. Eat only where permitted and keep the narrow center lane moving.
Official information →Asakura Museum of Sculpture
The former home and studio of sculptor Fumio Asakura. Check conservation rules, including footwear requirements, and the closing calendar.
Official information →Yanaka Cemetery
A metropolitan cemetery with cherry trees and historic graves. Treat it foremost as a place of mourning: do not enter plots or photograph visitors.
Official information →Ueno Sakuragi Atari
A small cluster of renovated older houses containing independent businesses. Each tenant keeps different hours, so check what is open before visiting.
Official information →Nezu Shrine
A historic shrine known for its buildings and azalea garden. Festival periods are very busy and may introduce paid areas or one-way routes.
Official information →A practical route
- Morning: visit Asakura Museum and Yanaka Cemetery from Nippori
- Midday: walk through Yanaka Ginza toward Sendagi and take a shopping-street break
- Afternoon: continue via Ueno Sakuragi to Nezu Shrine and leave from Nezu Station
Before you go
- Walk quietly in cemetery and residential areas
- Check small-museum closing days first
- Expect slopes and steps around Yuyake Dandan
Opening hours, prices, tickets, and temporary closures can change. Check each official website before visiting.