Yuyake Dandan

In short

Yuyake Dandan is a stairway leading to the Yanaka Ginza shopping street, located just past Gotenzaka Slope after leaving JR Nippori Station. Its name was chosen through an open public contest, and true to its name—which translates to "Sunset Steps"—you can view beautiful sunsets from the stairs. Below the steps unfolds the scenery of the shopping street's lights and the people gathered there.

• ​Sunset View​​: From the top of the stairs, you can look out over the townscape bathed in the sunset.
• ​Origin of the Name​​: In a naming contest organized by the local neighborhood association in 1990, the submission by writer Mori Mayumi was reportedly chosen.
• ​Information Board on a Jomon Shell Mound​​: Shortly after walking down the stairs, there is an information board explaining that a shell mound from the late Jomon period once existed here.

History and Highlights

​Yuyake Dandan​ is a gentle 36-step staircase (slope) situated between the North Gate of JR Nippori Station and the Yanaka Ginza shopping street. It is located near 3-13 Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa Ward. At the bottom of the steps lies the Yanaka Ginza shopping street.

This unique name, "Yuyake Dandan," was selected via a public call for submissions. In 1990, writer and editor of the local magazine Yanesen, Mori Mayumi, submitted the name to the "Name the Stone Steps Contest" held by the Nippori 3-chome Neighborhood Association, and it was reportedly accepted. The name was given because the sunset viewed from the stairs is so beautiful.

Yuyake Dandan also came to be known nationwide through the NHK serialized TV drama Himawari, which was set in Yanaka. The slope retains the laid-back atmosphere of a temple town where cats can often be seen relaxing.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​View of the Sunset and the Shopping Street​​: True to its name, a beautiful sunset can be viewed from the stairs. Below, the lights of the shopping street and the crowds of people spread out. The scenery connecting the sunset to the shopping street below is popular for giving visitors a sense of nostalgia.
• ​Information Board on a Jomon Shell Mound​​: Shortly after descending the stairs, there is an information board for the "Nippori Enmei-in Shell Mound." It explains that a late Jomon period shell mound existed in this vicinity around 3,500 years ago. The shell mound was excavated in 1888 during earth-gathering work beneath the cliff of Enmei-in Temple. It is said that in the Jomon period, most of Arakawa Ward consisted of lowlands covered by shallow seas.
• ​Cat-Shaped Station Sign​​: Looking back after exiting the West Exit of Nippori Station, the sign for "Nippori Station" (日暮里駅) features cat ears and paws, with the final stroke of the character "駅" shaped like a tail. Designed after the Yanesen area known for its many cats, this is the only spot in Nippori Station with this special sign.

Walking Tips

Exit the North Ticket Gate of JR Nippori Station and head toward the West Exit. Walk up the gentle incline of Gotenzaka Slope, and as you spot the large signboard of the Yanaka Ginza shopping street ahead, you will arrive at Yuyake Dandan. It is about a 5-minute walk from Nippori Station. Visiting at dusk to watch the townscape dyed in sunset hues from the top of the stairs is also recommended. For shops and food along the shopping street, please refer to the description of Yanaka Ginza, located about 170 meters to the west. On your return, head up the stairs and continue along Suwadai-dori Street toward Nishi-Nippori Station, where temples such as Keiun-ji Temple, Yofuku-ji Temple, and Joko-ji Temple line the street. You can also walk to Suwa-jinja Shrine, about 360 meters to the north, or the Taito City Asakura Museum of Sculpture, about 160 meters to the southeast.