Are you ready to step back in time and discover a truly unique side of Tokyo? If yes, be prepared to be amazed as you’ll explore Yanesan, a neighborhood filled with old traditional Shitamachi houses. 

When I first moved to Tokyo, my first apartment was in the Yanesan area and no jokes, I had no idea what this charming little neighborhood was like until I first stepped foot here,  I fell in love with this neighborhood almost immediately. 

Here's the thing: Yanesen isn't your typical Tokyo experience. It's a temple district filled with traditional wooden houses, a stark contrast to the city's neon skyline. Think temple bells chiming instead of honking taxis!

Starting your experience off with a visit to the Jyomyoin Temple, be prepared to be amazed with the amount of Jizo Statues here! Each being known to be the guardian of travelers, young children and the weak. With this in mind, you could say I felt pretty protected here. Pay attention to their intricate details.

Onto a rather unusual stop in an experience, the Yanaka Cemetery. Now wait, I know exactly what you’re thinking…”Why would anyone want to visit a random cemetery?”. While I understand the obscurity of this stop, it is important to note that this Cemetery is home to the resting place of many famous figures in Tokyo, like Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last emperor of Japan.

I love this spot for its tranquility and while it may seem off to you to sightsee at a cemetery (trust me it did to me too!), you will soon notice that Japanese culture embraces death differently, and you might even find a sense of peace here. Your host will be able to tell you all about those laid to rest here, from the great to the mighty.

Remember how I mentioned this experience is like stepping back in time? Well, be prepared to feel like you’ve been transported back in time as we visit Ueno Sakuragi Atari which is filled with traditional Shitamachi houses, now turned cafes and shops for artists. My favorite spot? Oshi Olive, which as the name suggests, specializes in olive oil products! And yes, Japan actually has Olive trees growing in the South! Have a browse, let me know what you love. It’s all the traditional wooden houses that really give this area its charm. It will be hard not to stop and take a photo every 5 seconds! 

After climbing the Yuyuake Dandan, the famous staircase, you’ll enter Yanaka Ginza, a lively Showa era shopping street bustling with traditional food stalls, unique souvenirs, and even 2nd hand Kimonos (I even managed to buy one for less than $10)! See if you can grab a traditional bargain.  

You’ll delve into the ‘Showa era magic’ of Yanaka Ginza's hidden gem – sōzai ICHIFUJI store which is one of my favorite stores in Japan.  

What I love about this store is the no fussing around policy, the store owner wants things to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, which can sometimes be misinterpreted as being rude but don’t let that stop you from experiencing this little hidden gem!

Finally, we save the best for last, you’ll head to the beautiful Nezu Shrine, one of the most beautiful Shrines in Tokyo, the perfect opportunity to participate in Omikuji drawing and get an Omamori Charm! An Omikuji is a fortune drawn at shrines in Japan. I was lucky enough to get a good fortune from Nezu Shrine and I am sure you will too! Whilst this last stop will be action packed, leave time for photos and to learn about the rich history of this location with your host. It’s a strong finish to a great experience.

The perfect way to end your amazing Yanesen Experience. It’s more than just sightseeing – it's about experiencing the heart of Yanesen with a local, just like me.