Yanaka Walking Tour: Historic and Traditional District of Tokyo
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tokyo, Japan
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Step back in time to ancient Tokyo during this exploration of the city’s historic Yanaka district. Discover a different side of the sprawling Japanese capital that dates back to its Edo period of the 16th through 19th centuries, admiring the area’s charming mix of temples, springtime cherry blossoms, and timeless ‘reien’ (cemetery). A guide accompanies you on your visit, providing additional details about Japanese history and local culture.
- Discover the historic side of Tokyo's Edo Period during a walking tour in Yanaka
- Wander the charming streets of this well-preserved historic district
- Escape the skyscrapers for a taste of daily life in historic Japan
- Great way to take a 'mini-retreat' during a visit to Tokyo
What's Included
- English Speaking Guide
- All fees and taxes
- Photos of Tour Participants
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (available for an additional fee)
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Nippori Station2 Chome-19 Nishinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0013, Japan
The meeting point is Nippori station, north ticket gate located on the 2nd floor of the station building. You can access the meeting point by JR Line and Keisei Line. Please be ready 10 minutes prior to the meeting time. Your guide will be waiting for you there with a sign board.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Yanaka District
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Tennoji Temple
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Yanaka Cemetery
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Gallery Okubo
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
SCAI The Bathhouse
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Shitamachi Museum Annex "Old Yoshidaya Sakayaten,"
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Edokoro Alan West
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Nezu Shrine (Pass By)
8
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- A maximum of 8 people per booking
- Tour duration can be extended at a rate of 6,000 yen per group, per hour. During the peak months of March, April, and October, the rate is 8,000 yen per hour. Please be aware that the tour extension depends on the guide's availability and may not always be possible. Any additional charges for extended time will be invoiced online after the tour based on the actual duration of the extension.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 545 reviews
Edward_G, Apr 2026
Great tour ... really got to see the part of Japan that wasn't skyscrapers and more everyday and tradition ... perfect for understanding the Japan everyday ....
Jana_S, Mar 2026
This was a wonderful experience. Our guide was kind, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to, which made the morning feel relaxed and personal. We walked through quieter lanes lined with cherry blossoms, away from the busy tourist areas, and got to see a different side of Tokyo. It felt calm, authentic, and unhurried. I really appreciated the slower pace and the chance to just take it all in.
ionel_r, Mar 2026
Its the best walking tour i had. Emiko is a great lady with a very good knolwedge in history. I never felt when the time just flew up and already 3,5 hours was gone. I strongly recomand it.
Andrea_R, Mar 2026
my mom loved it! she was solo traveling at 65+ and transport was so easy and 10/10. i asked every tour in advance to contact her via whatsapp and most did
Jacqueline_B, Dec 2025
Had a great morning walk with Keita, who was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. It was a good way to get to see and hear stories as we walked around the neighbourhood.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear Jacqueline,
Thank you so much for your review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your morning walk with Keita. Yanaka is full of hidden stories and charm, and we're so glad you got to experience it with us.
We hope to welcome you back for another adventure someday!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Jeri_G, Oct 2025
Great introduction to Old Tokyo. Our guide was wonderful! Taught us some customs and courtesies as we toured. Even in the rain it was a memorable experience!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Jeri,
Thank you for your review! It's wonderful that you could still appreciate the Tokyo's rich history and culture, although it was raining.
We sincerely appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you back for more tours in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Earl_H, Oct 2025
All and all a good tour. A little long on the front end with time spent in the cemetery. But the rest of the tour was a great introduction to the city and the culture on our first day in country. Charlotte, our guide was great. She looked out for our safety, answered all questions, and provided a nice historical background to what we were seeing.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Earl,
Thank you for your positive feedback! We are glad to know that you were satisfied with our tour, and enjoyed exploring Yanaka with Charlotte.
We are very much looking forward to your next visit!
Beest regards,
Kyoko
Greg_B, Oct 2025
Relaxing and interesting tour………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Greg,
Thank you for posting this review! Yanaka is such a special part of Tokyo, and we’re glad the temples, shrines, and history made a lasting impression.
Thanks for joining us our tour, and we are very much looking forward to your next visit!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Steven_G, Oct 2025
Tour operator would not allow us to change dates. We showed up at the right date and time, but the weather was pre-hurricane like with high winds and rain. Made difficulties to walk or see anything. They would not allow us to change to another date.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Ms.Marlene Grueber,
Thank you for your feedback regarding your tour on October 11. We regret that the weather was challenging, but we must clarify our decision regarding your request for a date change.
Our operational decision was based on objective facts and strict adherence to our policy:
Safety and Consistency:
On October 11, the local authorities issued no severe weather warnings that would necessitate cancellation. We successfully operated other tours in Tokyo on the same day, and received no weather-related complaints from other participants.
Contractual Policy:
Viator Terms and Conditions clearly state that tours operate rain or shine. Date changes requested after the free-change period are subject to standard cancellation fees.
As the weather did not meet the contractual threshold for a force majeure cancellation, we cannot offer a free date change or refund outside of our established policy. We stand by our professional and objective decision to operate the tour.
Sincerely,
Takeshi Sakamoto, CEO at Trip Designer Inc.
Glenn_B, Oct 2025
Kiyo was utterly fabulous. So much interesting information about old Japan. Incredible shrines and temples
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Glenn,
Thank you for your positive feedback! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed exploring old Japan with Kiyo.
Hope to see you again on another adventure!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Shelly_G, Sep 2025
A delightful way to spend a morning in Tokyo. Our guide, Mutsuko, was so delightful and engaging. We wandered the streets of this old part of the city and learned some things we did not know.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Shelly,
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your morning in Yanaka with Mutsuko. Her warm and engaging style makes exploring this historic area even more special.
We truly appreciate your high rating and hope to welcome you back to Japan again someday!
Best regards,
Kyoko
jessica_c, Jun 2025
Fascinating, incredibly rewarding three hour plus tour. Really cool history of the Edo and Meiji. Including architecture, politics, religion, culture. Loved Machi she was so fun and smart!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Jessica,
Thank you for your positive feedback! So nice to hear that you enjoyed exploring Yanaka with Machi. Having a tour with an experienced guide like her will enrich your experience for sure.
Thank you for recommending the tour and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Janet_S, May 2025
Kaori was a marvelous guide, her tour was well planned out, she was very knowledgeable about the area and history. She was flexible about stopping to visit a few shops, stopping for refreshments, and resting when needed. She was truly a pleasure to chat with and ask all our questions about Tokyo.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Janet,
Thank you for an another 5-star review! It's wonderful to know that Kaori made the tour enriching and enjoyable for you.
We greatly appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of guiding you on more adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
LynnD, May 2025
Fabulous tour. Great to visit the older and quieter part of Tokyo, the Yanaka district. Miho was an excellent host and was able to answer all our questions! The abundance of shrines and temples was really interesting and we learned so much about the Shinto and Buddhist religions and their influence in Tokyo. The Nezo Shrine was beautiful as the azaleas were still in bloom. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to get out of the big city and learn a bit about the history of Japan. We had some laughs too!
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear valued guest,
Thank you for discovering another side of Tokyo with us! We're glad to hear that you had a fabulous tour with Miho who is indeed an amazing guide. Yanaka is truly a place full of great finds that even some Tokyo locals don't know about.
We sincerely appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you back for more tours in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Barbara_W, Apr 2025
This was our first day in Japan and Charlotte was very very informative and knowledgeable of history and local ways but fabulous English as we have had other guides less understandable. It was very interesting. Highly recommend
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Barbara,
Thank you for your time to write this review! So wonderful to hear that you had a great start in Japan with Charlotte.
We sincerely appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you back for more tours in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Adam_P, Apr 2025
Loved walking around the area with our guide providing lots of interesting facts. It was a great introduction to Tokyo.
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Adam,
Thank you for your review! We are glad to hear that you were satisfied with our Yanaka tour. Yanaka is truly a place full of great finds that even some Tokyo locals don't know about. We sincerely appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you back for more tours in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Diana_W, Apr 2025
You really get to see and hear about the culture in-depth.This information sticks with you and you will encounter it again either on the trip or as your life speeds on!!
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Diana,
Thank you for you review! Glad to hear that you enjoyed our Yanaka tour.
We are very much looking forward to your next visit!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Isaac_R, Apr 2025
This was our first day in Tokyo. It was fascinating. We were tired from our flight but our tour guide Michiko was wonderful!! She knew the area like the palm of her hand. She kept us engaged. We had taste of the culture and some of the typical sweets. We strongly recommend this experience.
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Isaac,
Thank you for booking our Yanaka tour and leaving this positive feedback! It must have been tired after your flight, but so glad that you had a wonderful time with Michiko.
Thank you for recommending the tour and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Ted_G, Apr 2025
Charlotte was very friendly and welcoming. It was a beautiful day for a walking tour. This was our last full day in Tokyo, so I am glad we had already had many temple/shrine experiences that were more in depth as far as specific rituals and some of the "rules" around shrines and temples. The walk was interesting and we got to see a lot of home architecture and cemeteries in a neighborhood we probably would not have visited. So we enjoyed it.
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Ted,
Thank you for your time to write this review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a relaxing tour with Charlotte for the last day in Tokyo.
We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
David_G, Mar 2025
Excellent and enjoyable. Ken was very knowledgeable and adjusted the pace of the tour to our needs. We learnt a lot about the Japanese way of life and history
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear David,
Thank you for your positive feedback! It's wonderful that you learned about Tokyo's rich history, and Ken's stories added to your experience.
We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Gregory_F, Mar 2025
Excellent and very personal. Fushi-son enhanced our experience with plenty of historical stories to make Tokyo come alive. You will be delighted by the tour as well. Explained local food and sweets too!
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear valued customer,
Thank you for your time to leave a positive feedback! We are so happy to hear that you enjoed exploring Yanaka.
Hope we have a chance again to help your trip in Japan!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Charlene_M, Feb 2025
A lot of walking is involved! Visiting shrines was very interesting and it helps to have some prior knowledge of the Japanese religions.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Dear Charlene,
Thank you for taking your time to write this review! We are happy to hear that you found it interesting to visit Japanese shrines and learning its history.
We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Jose_R, Dec 2024
We had a great time, the guide is very knowledgeable in the city and its governing policies, very educational. Bring comfy walking shoes,
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Dear Jose,
Thank you for taking your time to write this review! Your kind words encourage us greatly. So glad to hear that you had a great time with our guide.
We hope to have the pleasure of guiding you on more adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Terry_S, Dec 2024
Our tour guide Michiko was wonderful. A lovely and friendly lady who knew the history of Yanaka and how to navigate the trains and stations. The tour of the “ancient temples” gave us a feel for old Japanese architecture and the culture of the people over decades. I highly recommend this tour. Wonderful visits to 100+ year old buildings, a fantastic bakery, rice cake shop, clothing made from geisha fabric, old shrine with 600 year old tree. The town is known for the last Shogun whose family grave site is there. Also snake road to the market was really good! Enjoy!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Dear Terry,
Thank you for your detailed review! We are happy to hear that you had a wonderful tour of Yanaka with a great guide like Michiko and that you could appreciate all of the area's charms and rich history.
Thank you for recommending the tour and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Julie_H, Nov 2024
Our guide, Mana, was excellent. She was very knowledgeable about Tokyo and the areas we visited as she is a native of Tokyo. Mana is friendly and laughs easily and is thoughtfull and kind. Though it was not a private tour, we had Mana all to ourselves that day. Mana answered my many questions and we enjoyed learning and conversing about Tokyo, temples vs shrines, and exploring Yanaka. We were able to see inside old Yanaka buildings we would never have done if Mana wasn't with us to interpret information from locals. We really enjoyed our tour and our guide Mana. She took pictures of us and sent them to us that evening. We would highly recommend this tour with our guide, Mana.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Dear Julie,
Thank you for your lovely review! We can tell from it that you really enjoyed Mana's accompany and learned a lot about Yanaka from her.
We appreciate your recommendation and very much looking forward to your next visit!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Stacey_M, Sep 2024
Great tour guide. Fun and very knowledgable. Taught us as we walked around from graveyards to sake tasting.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Stacey,
Thank you for exploring the different side of Tokyo with us and leaving this review! It is our pleasure to know that you were satisfied with our Yanaka tour.
Hope to have you back for more tours in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Amy_G, Sep 2024
A delightful afternoon exploring an historic corner of Tokyo. If you loved Shogun, enjoy admiring temples and strolling through a centuries-old beautiful cemetery, this is the tour for you. Masa was the perfect guide in every way.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Amy,
Thank you for the lovely review! We're glad to hear that you had a wonderful experience with Masa who is indeed an amazing guide. Yanaka is truly a place full of great finds that even some Tokyo locals don't know about.
We sincerely appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you back for more tours in the future!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Saira_D, Sep 2024
Lovely trip to get away from the busy streets, interesting places to visit and our guide Toshi was amazing.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Saira,
Thank you for exploring another side of Tokyo and leaving this review! We are glad that you had a great relaxing time with Toshi.
We hope to welcome you back again!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Lynn_G, Aug 2024
Ryan was amazing and took us to a lot of places that most people don’t often see. He’s very personable and we had a great day
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for taking your time to write this review! It is so nice that you had a great time with Ryan. Yanaka is full of hidden gems that even locals don't know about.
We hope to see you again in another tour next time!
Best regards,
Kyoko
Susan_T, Aug 2024
Sue was an awesome guide. She was friendly and very thorough. Although the weather was hot/humid, she carried on for a full 3.5 hrs. My only suggestion would be to remove one of the shrine visits and include a museum visit in its place.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Dear Susan,
Thank you for booking our Yanaka tour and writing this review! Although it was hot and humid, we are glad that you enjoyed it very much with Sue. We appreciate your suggestion about the museum visit, and actually there is a wonderful museum of sculpture in that neighborhood.
We hope to welcome you back again!
Best regards,
Kyoko
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