Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town

Feel the ordinary day of locals in the Tokyo's old town

Highlights

  • Close to Shinjuku, explore Yanaka, an accessible town that will give you the old-town-experience, neglected by most tours

  • Visit Nezu Shrine through the vibrant red torii gates and learn from a local about traditional Japanese views on religion

  • Enjoy painting Japanese beckoning cats called "Maneki neko" in an old-house cafe

  • Explore a vast locals-only market that dates back to the 40's and sample the most popular Japanese snacks and dishes, chosen by the locals

  • Duration

    3.5 hours

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • Food samplings

  • Lucky cat craft experience

  • 1 drink at a cafe

  • Tour photos

  • 3.5 hours with a local guide

  • Dessert

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

Outside Exit 1 of the Tokyo Metro Nezu Station

You’ll find your guide at the top of the stairs, just after exiting to street level from Exit 1.

Start time

13:30:00

End point

Finish at Nippori station

What To Expect

Step back in time on the Yanaka Historical Walking Tour, an unforgettable cultural experience through one of Tokyo’s most charming old-town neighborhoods. Located just minutes from bustling Shinjuku, Yanaka offers a rare glimpse into traditional Japan with quiet streets, preserved architecture, and authentic local life often missed by typical Tokyo tours. Walk through the stunning red torii gates of Nezu Shrine while learning about Japanese spirituality and cultural traditions from a knowledgeable local guide. Enjoy a hands-on cultural activity by painting your own Maneki Neko (Japanese lucky cat) inside a nostalgic old-house café, then explore a lively local shopping street and historic market dating back to the 1940s where you’ll taste beloved Japanese street foods, traditional snacks, and hidden local favorites. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic Tokyo experiences, Japanese history, and local food culture, this Yanaka walking tour combines history, culture, and cuisine in one immersive adventure.

Feel the Shinto vibe as you cross a vibrant red arch in Nezu Shrine, a portal into another world

After meeting at Nezu station, we'll head for Nezu shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo. You may recognize it, as it's a place famous for its tunnel of vermilion torii gates, also seen at Kyoto's Fushimi Inari shrine. While your guide shares cultural and historical tidbits about Japan, we'll take great photos in and around the tunnel. You can learn how one can pray at shrines and how to behave at them.

Craft a lucky cat for your travel memory in a cafe of an old folk house

After a nice long walk, we will rest in a cafe with a drink and sweets. This is the first cafe in Japan that provides workshops to craft lucky cat statues that bring luck and happiness. Paint a cat statue with your favorite color and patterns, and make your cat keep your memories from Japan for good.

Sample a variety of local foods as you stroll around Yanaka Ginza and find yourself in a cozy house that serves Soba lunch, a food engrained in Japanese culture

We'll stroll through a residential area where you can get a sense of real, local lifestyles. You can pop into small places such as antique stores and sweets shops that line the streets. A great meal awaits you at a local restaurant that serves authentic Japanese food. Soak up the authentic lifestyle that contributes to the nostalgic atmosphere!























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    • While you'll enjoy some tasty food samples on this tour, a full lunch or dinner isn't included. We suggest having a meal beforehand to make the most of your experience.

    • Note: Dietary requests made on the day of the tour cannot be accommodated. Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies to mention.

    • Any age is accepted. The tour is free for children under 3.

    • Please note that there may be other participants.

    • You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drink.

    • Out of respect for other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.

    • You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.

    • This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues, if you have walking problems we recommend booking a private tour.

    • Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.

    • The tour operates every day except Mondays. It is also unavailable on 8 and 9 August 2026, 8 September 2026, 3 October 2026, 31 December 2026, and 1 January 2027.

    • Magical Trip