9+ Things to Do in Yanaka, Tokyo's Underrated 'Cat Town'

With its preserved Edo-era streets, characteristic architecture, peaceful temples, and prolific “cat theme,” Yanaka—Tokyo’s ‘Cat Town’ or ‘Little Kyoto’—offers many unique things to do and is a hidden gem among Tokyo’s lesser-known neighborhoods.

Yanaka is surprisingly overlooked on tourists’ radars, but it shouldn’t be!

Yanaka is where I chose to stay for my first solo trip to Tokyo. Now, every time I go back to the city, I visit Yanaka over again to soak up its old atmosphere (plus, there’s always something new to discover!).

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The Yanesen area in Tokyo, which includes the neighborhoods of Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, is easily discoverable on foot and is renowned for having one of the densest temple districts in not just Tokyo but all of Japan!

A morning or afternoon in Yanaka and greater Yanasen will be well spent as you explore serene temples (which survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and WWII bombings), admire cat-themed cafes, and relax in historic Sentos (public bathhouses).

Just another beautiful and cute day exploring Yanaka in Tokyo 🙂

To experience Tokyo’s traditional Edo-era history, carve out a day (or afternoon) in your itinerary to visit Yanaka beyond the more popular Yanaka Ginza shopping street.

My lovely little room with tatami at hanare hotel in Yanaka

Read more below to learn what to do in Yanaka, a hidden gem in Tokyo!

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1. Start with a Stroll in Yanaka Ginza

“Yanaka Ginza” is the heart of Yanaka’s old-town charm.

Most tourists who make it to Yanaka start here—for good reason.

In addition to a picture-perfect staircase (Yunake Danden) entrance/end, this busy shopping street offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s past.

Think traditional shops, local eateries, and a village-like ambiance; you won’t find any neon-lit signs or skyscrapers here!

Traditional handicrafts, such as woven baskets, leather bags, handmade chopsticks, and other trinkets, seem to pour out of the shops and onto the streets, making the narrow alleyway, well, even narrower.

I remember passing Yanaka Matsunoya, a shop specializing in Japanese “folk handicrafts,” and being in awe of their handiwork and craftsmanship—and just the sheer number of baskets and bags available!

Take your time to visit this historic street lined with over 60 shops. Below are a few recommended stop-ins!

Gallery Nekomachi: Where local artists showcase their cat-inspired goods. 🐱
Neco Yanagi: A store filled with adorable cat-themed souvenirs!
Himitsudo: A popular shaved ice shop (kakigōri, かき氷) with seasonal flavors. My hotel was located right down this street, and there was always an enormous, around-the-block queue to get in (so go early!).
Tamaya: Stop by for their delicious korokke (croquettes).
Kohi Kojo: My go-to cafe for mid-morning waffles. 🧇 🍓
Cafe Nekoemon: Housed in a 90-year-old Japanese home, Nekoemon is a true cat-lovers café. Sip on tea, browse goods, or even paint your own maneki-neko (lucky cat).

Find this beautiful shop near the top of the stairs in Yanaka Ginza

Even though Yanaka is still off the beaten path in Tokyo, Yanaka Ginza is a popular weekend destination for locals.

Try visiting during the weekday or late afternoon/early evening for a quieter experience and to catch the golden hour and see locals unwinding after work; sunset from the staircase viewpoint is perfect for photographers!

2. Visit the Historic Tennō-ji Temple

Tennoji Temple stands out among Yanasen’s many temples thanks to two characteristics:

Buddhist statue inside Tennoji Temple near Yanaka Reien, Tokyo. — Tennō-ji — a Tendai Buddhist Temple near Yanaka Cemetery

It’s age! Tennoji was founded in 1274 by Nichigen, a disciple of Nichiren, making it Yanaka’s oldest temple.
The bronze Buddha statue that graces the grounds is a symbol of Yanaka’s heritage.

Tennoji, Nezu Shrine (below), and Kannon-ji are must-sees.

Although lesser known, I also strolled by to visit Sorin-ji Temple and Konrei-ji Temple.

With approximately 117 temples in the Yanasen area, 75 of which are in Yanaka, there is an opportunity to discover lesser-known temples off the beaten path.

Tip: While the Yanasen area (Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi) is easily walkable on your own, your visit will be much richer and informed with a guided walking tour.

3. Explore Yanaka Cemetery

You might be surprised that Yanaka Cemetery is a premier yet underrated cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. 🌸

This large cemetery (over 10 hectares!) seeps with history and cultural significance.

Many famous people are buried here, including the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of Japan.

But there are many cultural hidden gems in Yanaka Cemetery that you can discover. In spring, the cherry blossoms, with the cemetery as a backdrop, create a beautiful yet nostalgic scene.

The cemetery is lined with walking paths and is beautiful even outside of sakura season.

In Japan, you often see stone statues wearing red bibs and caps, which is a symbol of protection for deceased children in the afterlife

4. Experience ‘Little Kyoto’ at Nezu Shrine & Other Temples

Yanasen’s claim to fame just might be Nezu Shrine, thanks to its rows of vibrant torii gates similar to what you’d find in Kyoto at Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Unlike Yanaka’s Buddhist temples, Nezu is a Shinto Shrine. A Shinto Shrine can be easily recognized by the torii gates marking its entrance.

When you visit Nezu, you’ll feel transported outside of Tokyo, yet it’s so characteristic of Tokyo’s Edo-era past.

Perhaps the most striking thing about this shrine, beside the crimson torii gates, is its azaleas.

During the Tsutsuji Matsuri festival in April, it’s said up to three thousand azaleas, of all varieties, adorn the shrine’s gardens and hills.

Like most temples and shrines in the Yanasen area, admission is free. However, there is a ¥200-500 fee to enter the hillside during the azalea festival.

Like I said, there’s a 100+ temples in this area, so you’d be remiss to visit Yanaka and the greater Yanasen area and miss out on stopping by a few!

5. Soak in Yanaka’s Retro Sentos (Bathhouses)

If you wish to experience a real sento (public bathhouse) while in Tokyo, you’ll have options in Yanaka (tattoo-friendly options, as well!).

Unlike an onsen, a sento is a public bathhouse where locals go to wash. In Yanaka, there are several, some of which have been renovated while maintaining the original architecture, tilling, and art.

The one I went to is called Fuku-no-yu, admission for which was included in my stay at hanare hotel—Yanaka’s “village hotel.”

Another retro bathhouse in the area is Asahi-Yu. Let me know in the comments if you try it!

My late-night routine was joining locals at Fuku-no-yu *sento* in Sendagi (Yanaka area)

6. Visit the SCAI Bathhouse-Turned Art Gallery

A visit to SCAI The Bathhouse is a fun and immersive thing to do in Yanaka.

This 200-year-old bathhouse was turned into an art gallery and now houses contemporary works by local artists.

Before you visit, check their website and hours, as sometimes they have temporary closures.

7. Try Wagashi, Japanese Curry Udon, & a Matcha Latte

Yanaka is a haven for sweet lovers, offering a variety of traditional Japanese confections (wagashi), coffee shops, baked goods, and more.

One of my favorite stops for matcha lattes in a gorgeous setting is Miyano-Yu, a 70-year-old bathhouse turned hip café. (Yanaka is getting trendy!)

Inside this space lies hidden a beautiful mosaic wall, typical of Yanaka’s retro bathhouses.

Look how cute this retro bathhouse, now a trendy café, is!

But Yanaka has more hidden gems for non-sweet tooth foodies: curry udon!

During my 3-night stay in Yanaka, my host recommended I stop by Shioman, specializing in curry udon.

And let me tell you, it lived up to its expectations. They don’t accept reservations, so that’s another reason to linger in Yanaka overnight if they’re closed or full.

Here are a few more food recommendations to sign off your morning/afternoon in Yanaka:

Hachidaime Denzaemon Meshiya: Delicious teikshoku (lunch set) in a historic building (and where I had my last meal in Yanaka before I left!)
Nezu Takajo: Soba noodles and tempura
Yanaka Beer Hall: Local craft beer with vegetarian food
Kayaba Coffee: Famous retro café serving anmitsu (azuki bean paste and jelly) and fluffy egg sandwiches.
Cannelé de papin: The cutest hole in the wall for trying scrumptious cannelé (sorry, Frenchies; the Japanese made it better!).

Sweet and sour chicken lunch set at Denzaemon, Yanaka

8. Join a Traditional Calligraphy or Tea Ceremony Workshop

One of the best ways to experience Yanaka other than going on a walking tour is to immerse in a workshop through the Yanesen Tourist Information Center or another locally-led tour.

Yanaka has several artisanal shops offering hands-on experiences:

Calligraphy classes (book here)
Tea ceremony and matcha-making at Gallery Okubo
Homecooking experience
Maneki-neko painting at Cafe Nekoemon

As you’ll see, cats, and cat-themed goods, food/drinks, and art, are all over Yanaka.

As you walk down Yanaka Ginza, try to spot all the hidden kitties!

9. Get Lost in Yanaka’s Nostalgic Streets

Ultimately, the best thing to do here is have a flexible schedule to explore.

Yanaka’s streets are a time capsule, lined with wooden houses, small shrines, and local shops.

If you want to experience old-town Yanaka, simply wander away from the busy shops and crowds of Yanaka Ginza Street to find serenity in its quieter corners.

With over 100+ temples in the area, there is an opportunity to discover lesser-known streets and spot hidden gems like the small Inari shrines tucked into alleyways.

Like time spent with cats, a day exploring Yanaka will never be wasted.

I hope you enjoy these things to do in Yanaka! Don’t forget to come back and let me know if you try out the retro bathhouses.