Yanaka Ginza, Tokyo
Yanaka Ginza is a retro neighborhood in Tokyo, with a “shitamachi” old downtown vibe
It’s known for its shopping streets lined with Japanese foods and snacks
The area is easily accessible from both the main Yamanote Line and the Tokyo Metro subway
There’s the modern side of Tokyo with the crowds, tall buildings and vibrant lights, and then there’s the retro sides of Tokyo. Wooden houses, small cafes, street vendors - Yanaka Ginza is the latter.
HOW TO GET THERE
Tokyo’s main loop line, the Yamanote Line, stops at two stations where it’s just a short walk to Yanaka Ginza: Nippori and Nishi-Nippori. Another option is the Chiyoda Line on the Tokyo Metro, which stops nearby at Sendagi Station.
About Yanaka Ginza
The main street and general area has a retro vibe to it, mainly a feeling that brings you back to Japan’s Showa Era. Eras are related to the reigning Emperor at the time, and Showa generally references the mid-1900s.
Yanaka Ginza is said to have taken its current shape after World Ward II, and while it’s become popular with tourists, it’s still an area that locals will go to do their shopping.
The “Ginza” in its name comes from the actual Ginza in Tokyo as some shopping streets would adopt the name in an attempt to increase its perceived image.
The streets are lined with markets, shops and food - many of which you can grab and go such as croquets. Despite receiving more foreign tourists, there isn’t a lot of foreign language support here - even the area’s website [J] is Japanese-only - because after all, it’s an area for locals to do their shopping.
I’ve been to the Yanaka Ginza area twice, and I find the best part about it to be just to stroll around.
You’ll come across tiny alleys, buildings with architecture that spans decades if not centuries, small temples, and locals going about their daily business they have been since long ago.
There are even places that have taken over some of these old buildings and made them into something completely new.
Yanaka Beer Hall
Yanaka Beer Hall is a Japanese craft brewery that occupies a space in Ueno Sakuragi Atari. This multi-purpose space uses a wooden Japanese home that was built in 1938 and maintains a Showa Era feel.
A few different original craft beers are served here, and there’s also a window where you can take out a bottle, sit down and hang out.
I went to this area with a friend who just moved to Japan and made a YouTube video about it. Check it out if you’d like to see more of Yanaka Ginza.
Otherwise, here are some good food options that I’ve been to.
Himitsudo
Probably the most popular eatery in the Yanaka Ginza area, Himitsudo specializes in Japanese shaved ice.
Each bowl of shaved ice is handmade using hand-cranked machines that produce some really fluffy ice. The flavors are made of real fruit and natural ingredients, so a lot of the syrups are more like a puree.
Because it’s an incredibly popular spot, you will almost certainly have to wait in line outside, usually at least 30 minutes. In the summer months, the wait can be very long but that’s when a cool treat like this tastes best.
Nito
Kissaten, or traditional Japanese coffee shops, are places for people to dive into a book and kick back over some good coffee and simple homemade foods.
Nito is a small kissaten run by a couple with about 6 tables that serves coffee, sandwiches and baked dessert items. The atmosphere is quiet, offering a nice getaway from the crowds of Yanaka Ginza right outside.
Their “pudding”, or flan, is a popular item that many will get, and it’ll compliment your coffee nicely.
Shioman
Some great curry udon at a small, bar-counter style eatery.
Shioman is located right above Sendagi Station, the closest Tokyo Metro subway station to Yanaka Ginza, and they’re most known for their curry udon and tempura.
A nice option if you’re in the area and looking for something tasty to eat.