Yanaka: From Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture to Yuyake Dandan, Yanaka Ginza, and Nezu-jinja Shrine

This walking route begins at Nippori Station, visits the Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture, descends Yuyake Dandan to stroll through Yanaka Ginza, and follows Yomise-dori Street south toward Nezu-jinja Shrine.

History & Local Charm

The neighborhood encompassing Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi is known as "Yanesen," and as a center for exploring traditional downtown Tokyo, it attracts visitors from abroad as well. The sculptor Asakura Fumio established his studio and residence in Yanaka in 1907 at the age of 24. The current building of the Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture was designed by Asakura himself in 1935. Yanaka Ginza is a shopping street that formed naturally around 1945. Yanaka is also called the "town of cats," and Asakura, who was an avid cat lover, created many cat sculptures throughout his life. To the south, Nezu-jinja Shrine retains shrine buildings completed in 1706 (Hoei 3), and authors Natsume Soseki and Mori Ogai were among its parishioners. The Edo-period shrine buildings, Showa-era shopping street, and traces of the sculptor's life are all gathered within walking distance.

Key Highlights

• ​Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture​​: The building served as Asakura Fumio's studio and residence, and the entire grounds are designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty under the name "Former Asakura Fumio Garden." Highlights include the three-story atrium studio and the Goten-no-ike Pond surrounded by the studio and living quarters.
• ​Yuyake Dandan​​: A gentle staircase of 36 steps leading to Yanaka Ginza. The name was selected through a public contest and comes from the beauty of the sunset viewed from the stairs.
• ​Yanaka Ginza​​: Along this short street of about 170 meters, approximately 60 shops line up, centered around traditional privately owned stores. You can buy treats such as imo-kenpi (candied sweet potato strips), roasted chestnuts, and grilled squid, or search for the "Seven Lucky Cats," a set of seven wooden cat sculptures scattered around the area.
• ​Nezu-jinja Shrine​​: Seven structures—the main sanctuary (honden), hall of offerings (heiden), worship hall (haiden), Chinese-style gate (karamon), west gate (nishimon), lattice wall (sukibei), and two-story tower gate (romon)—are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Along the approach leading to Otome Inari Shrine stand many dedicated torii gates. The azalea garden features 3,000 azalea plants across 100 varieties.

Recommended Route & Estimated Time

The estimated time required is about 4 hours. Exit the North Ticket Gate of JR Nippori Station and head toward the West Exit. After exiting the West Exit, look back to find the station name sign shaped like a cat with ears and paws. The Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture is a 5-minute walk from the West Exit. Since visitors take off their footwear upon entering, be sure to wear socks without rubber grips on the soles. After your visit, a walk of about 160 meters to the northwest will bring you to Yuyake Dandan. Standing at the top of the stairs, a downtown landscape unfolds below, centered around the shopping street. If you wish to watch the sunset, returning at dusk is also recommended. At the bottom of the stairs is Yanaka Ginza. Please refrain from eating while walking, and ask the shopkeepers before taking photos. Yomise-dori Street, located at the end of the shopping street, is built over the culverted former Aizome River. Following it south, the road narrows and turns into a winding path known as "Hebi-michi" (Snake Road). Nezu-jinja Shrine is located approximately 940 meters south-southwest of Yanaka Ginza. On your way back, it is about a 5-minute walk to Nezu Station or Sendagi Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, or Todaimae Station on the Namboku Line.

Experience Summary

From the studio of a sculptor who loved cats, descend the sunset stairs into the shopping street. Following the path of a former river brings you to an ancient shrine where Soseki and Ogai were parishioners. Enjoy a leisurely walk and savor the daily life and history of the Yanesen neighborhood.