Yanaka Cemetery

In short

Yanaka Cemetery is a Tokyo metropolitan cemetery located on a plateau south of Nippori Station, covering an area of approximately 10 hectares. Opened in 1874 (Meiji 7), it contains about 7,000 graves. Figures such as Shibusawa Eiichi and Yokoyama Taikan rest here, and the central "Sakura-dori Street" is a well-known spot for cherry blossoms.

• ​Sakura-dori Street​​: The central path continuing from beside Tenno-ji Temple; it was once the temple's approach. During cherry blossom season, it turns into something like a cherry blossom tunnel.
• ​Former Site of the Tenno-ji Five-Story Pagoda​​: The site of the pagoda that served as the model for Koda Rohan's novel "The Five-Storied Pagoda"; its foundation stones are designated as a Tokyo Metropolitan Historic Site.
• ​Graves of Notable Figures​​: Graves here include those of Shibusawa Eiichi and Yokoyama Taikan. The grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of the Edo shogunate, is in the Kan'ei-ji Temple graveyard surrounded by the cemetery.

History & Highlights

​Yanaka Cemetery​ is a metropolitan cemetery situated on a plateau south of Nippori Station. Covering an area of approximately 10 hectares, it is the third largest metropolitan cemetery in Tokyo's special wards. The grounds are interwoven with graveyards belonging to Kan'ei-ji Temple and Tenno-ji Temple, containing about 7,000 graves.

Its origins date back to September 1, 1874 (Meiji 7), when the Tokyo prefectural government took over grounds such as the precincts of Tenno-ji Temple, which had fallen into ruin from the conflicts of the Meiji Restoration, and opened Yanaka Burial Ground. In 1935 (Showa 10), it was renamed Yanaka Cemetery.

The central part of the cemetery originates from Tenno-ji Temple, which borders it to the north. Tenno-ji was formerly called Kan'o-ji Temple. During the Edo period, it held "tomikuji" (lottery) drawings, bustling as one of the "Three Lotteries of Edo" alongside Ryusen-ji Temple in Meguro and Yushima Tenjin. Sakura-dori Street, running through the center of the cemetery, was formerly the temple's approach.

The five-story pagoda of Tenno-ji served as the model for Koda Rohan's novel "The Five-Storied Pagoda." The pagoda was donated to the City of Tokyo in 1908 (Meiji 41) and stood within the cemetery grounds until it was destroyed by an arson incident in 1957 (Showa 32).

Highlights to See & Experience

• ​Sakura-dori Street​​: When the cherry blossoms bloom, it resembles a tunnel of sakura, and many people can be seen strolling while viewing the flowers even on weekdays. The 100-meter-long row of cherry trees that crosses Kototoi-dori Street from Kan'ei-ji Temple and enters the cemetery alongside Jomyoin Temple, as well as the large trees scattered throughout the grounds, are also magnificent.
• ​Former Site of the Tenno-ji Five-Story Pagoda​​: Today, only the foundation stones remain, designated as a Tokyo Metropolitan Historic Site. In the Edo period's "Edo Meisho Zue," this pagoda was depicted prominently in the center.
• ​Graves of Notable Figures​​: Renowned painters, literary figures, and actors also rest here. The grave of Shibusawa Eiichi, who is referred to as the father of modern Japanese capitalism, is said to face in the direction of the grave of his former lord, Tokugawa Yoshinobu. The grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of the Edo shogunate, is located in the Kan'ei-ji Temple graveyard surrounded by the cemetery, enclosed by an impressive fence. Because he was buried in accordance with Shinto rites, it is shaped like a circular tumulus and stands alongside the grave of his wife, Mikako. The grave of the Nihonga painter Yokoyama Taikan is also located here.

Tips for Strolling

It is about a 6-minute walk from Nippori Station on the JR and Keisei Lines. The central road continuing from the side of Tenno-ji Temple is Sakura-dori Street.

The cemetery grounds are bright and peaceful. In addition to people visiting graves, many people use the grounds as a commuting or school route, as well as a place for taking walks. The northern side of the cemetery is on elevated ground adjacent to the JR train tracks, offering a view of Tokyo Skytree.

Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture is about 250 meters to the northwest, Yuyake Dandan is about 410 meters to the northwest, and Yanaka Ginza is about 540 meters to the northwest, making it easy to extend your walk and enjoy strolling around Yanaka. Kan'ei-ji Temple is about 530 meters to the southeast.