About Yanaka
Yanaka came through the wars and disasters that redrew the rest of Tokyo without major damage, and you can tell from the scale of things: low houses, narrow lanes, small temples in a row. Start at Yanaka Cemetery, large and tree-lined, with quiet paths among graves and temples, a good place to slow down after a museum morning.
From the cemetery, head to Yanaka Ginza, a street of about 60 shops in 170 meters, with a Showa-era feel and traditional snacks. Before heading down, stop at the top of Yuyake Dandan, the sunset staircase: when the weather cooperates, the whole street turns orange. Look out also for the statues of the Seven Lucky Cats scattered along the way.
