Things to do in Yanaka, Kanto: The Best Tours

March 15, 2022 Mikaela Didonna

Discover the best top things to do in Yanaka, Japan including Understanding Japanese Culture Mythology and Lifestyle Through Study of Shinto, Tokyo Spring Daytime (Cherry Blossom) Food Tour, Private Tour - Traditional Food and Culture in an Old Shopping District, Retro Food Tour in Yanaka, Let's experience calligraphy in YANAKA / Taito-ku / TOKYO !!, Tokyo Tour by Car - Private - Guided and Customizable, Tokyo Private Custom Walking Tour with local friendly guide, Daytime Walking Tour in Yanaka, Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town, Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour.

1. Understanding Japanese Culture Mythology and Lifestyle Through Study of Shinto

Harajuku Station, 1 Chome-18 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan Japan Awaits
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Understand and learn about Japanese lifestyle and culture that was derived from Shinto thousands of years in the making by visiting three famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo in this 3-hour small group tour. In this three-hour small group Shinto Tour, visit three famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo with the tour guide who gives you some interest information about a way of life, rather than a religion of the Japanese people. Shinto began as a practice to honor and appease the deities and spirits of Japan. The ancient Japanese believed that by honoring these spirits, the number of natural disasters such as tsunamis, typhoons, floods and even volcanic eruptions could be reduced or prevented. This belief has driven the construction of over 100,000 independent shrines all over Japan, each enshrining a different spirit for worship.

Inclusions: Professional guide and Shinto expert, Photo opportunities, Public transportation between the different shrines included

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from meet-up and departure point

Reviewed By 926maggieh

While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.

2. Tokyo Spring Daytime (Cherry Blossom) Food Tour

Coffee Room Renoir Nippori Yanaka, Japan, 〒110-0001 Tokyo, Taito City, Yanaka, 7-chōme−20−6 谷中ホームズ Arigato Japan Food Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

SPECIAL LIMITED SEASONAL TOUR Stroll the streets of this historic area and experience true Hanami with a local expert. Taste local treats and beverages, explore the artistic history of Yanaka, and finish up with your own hanami stroll and foodie experience- under gorgeous blossom lined streets. Sakura season is short, about one month from the first tiny buds to the finish of the season with the peak being about two weeks. It is impossible to predict exact dates each year but we will be offering this limited edition tour in the time period most famous for Hanami time. With our guide, learn about the history of the area, the meaning and reason behind the sakura season, and taste local specialties that are bound to be pleasing to the eye and to the palate. We will try local snacks. and enjoy a special Hanami, seasonal bento. Yanaka neighborhood is famous for more than 100 temples and shrines which give this place a special spirit.

Inclusions: Tea, sake, other beverage tasting included, Special Hanami Bento (Japanese lunch box) and local snacks and sweets, Shopping time, Local English - speaking guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected), Gratuities, Transportation costs , Additional drinks or food (not included but possible to purchase at guest’s expense)

Reviewed By 411jacquiel

Guide was very knowledgeable and provided lots of insight into the cherry blossoms and their history and tradition

3. Private Tour - Traditional Food and Culture in an Old Shopping District

Nippori Station, 2 Chome-19 Nishinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0013, Japan otomo travel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Try local food and explore the nostalgic streets of Yanesen. Yanesen stretches out over two wards; Bunkyoku and Taitoku, and is the generic name of the three old shopping streets; Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi, of this area. In this tour, we will taste the usual Japanese meals such as croquettes, which are very popular among the locals, and onigiri, a traditional Japanese meal. You will also be able to enjoy Japanese food culture in one area. Other than the cuisine, you will also be introduced to traditional shops that sells Japanese accessories, a hand puppet show with elaborate and expressive puppets, and a shrine with a tunnel of vibrant red torii gates. Live like the locals for a day in Yanesen!

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Private tour, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Reviewed By muhammadkamranalinak

Very good ???? experience I really enjoyed it fully fantastic I never forget it weather no pollution everything is perfect and appreciated.

4. Retro Food Tour in Yanaka

2-chōme-19-1 Nishinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0013, Japan Ninja Food Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Tired of tourist crowds and busy areas? Discover local food and history at a quaint market area, Yanaka. Relax and enjoy a course of authentic Japanese food with a great atmosphere. - 5+ tastings, bites & sips enough for a full-size lunch at traditional eateries to experience the Japanese food culture. - The great quaint atmosphere at Yanaka neighborhood to learn its rich culture and history, different from other parts of Tokyo. You will also see temples in the area. - Unique shopping opportunities at locally owned vendors to feel Shitamachi (Japanese small downtown) experiences.

Inclusions: Full Lunch Food Tastings at 6+ vendors

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Reviewed By Halley G

I did an online airbnb experience with the team behind ninja food tours. They taught me all about sake and the bottles that I had at home. When I do make it to Tokyo, I will definitely take a tour with Ninja Food Tours because I know that they will bring the same knowledge, warmth, and friendliness!

5. Let's experience calligraphy in YANAKA / Taito-ku / TOKYO !!

Tourist Information & Culture Center YANESEN, 3-chōme-13-7 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan YANESEN Tourist Information & Culture Center.
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

In the YANESEN calligraphy classroom deepen your understanding of Japanese culture. The everyday use of brushes has almost disappeared. We hope you will calm your mind by experiencing this ancient Japanese tradition

Inclusions: Experience fee and Parting gift (Shikishi boad), All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Private transportation

Reviewed By Samuel_hkh

Very nice and patient sensei! Will definitely recommend if you wish to experience local pottery making culture. Love it so much

6. Tokyo Tour by Car - Private - Guided and Customizable

Tokyo Grand Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a comprehensive completely private chauffeur driven, guided tour around Tokyo tailored around your schedule, picked up from the comfort of your hotel. You can choose from one of our set itineraries or follow your own customised itinerary. You can pack as many amazing sights into your day as possible such as Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Take a walk through the beautiful Imperial gardens, enjoy the magnificent views from Tokyo Tower or Skytree and Shibuya crossing areas. Please note, sights such as the Towers would not be guided. We also offer other day packages to the Fuji area, Lake Kawaguchi, Hakone and Lake Ashi.

Inclusions: Private transportation, WiFi on board, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance fees to sights

Reviewed By MargaretA33

At the end of a month long cruise to China and Japan, we had 1 full day in Tokyo to see as much as possible. Mr Oriol was our guide for the day. He was very knowledgeable, providing information about Tokyo's history, culture and sites to see. The day was quite flexible and at our own pace. There was no expectation that we would hurry through each destination. At some sites Mr Oriol accompanied us, at others he waited patiently for us to finish. He joined us for lunch and guided our choice from the menu. We were delighted with Tokyo Grand Tours and would highly recommend to anyone wanting a chauffeured personal tour of Tokyo. Guy readily communicated with us prior to our arrival in Tokyo and our 'pick-up' was problem free. Mr Oriol was always courteous and enthusiastic. Great value for money.

7. Tokyo Private Custom Walking Tour with local friendly guide

Japan Wonder Travel
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5.0 based on 224 reviews

Explore megacity Tokyo with a private guide with an itinerary tailored to your interests. Immerse yourself in the culture and see each spot through the eyes of an experienced local guide. Meet your guide at your hotel to start the day and get around seamlessly without getting lost in the subway maze -yes, Tokyo railway network is known for being clean, safe and 99.9% on time yet the most complicated one in the world. -9:00 Meetup at your hotel -Tsukiji fish outer market (one of the biggest food market in Tokyo) *Only outer market and small wholesale market. -Asakusa (traditional town and biggest temple in Tokyo) -Lunch -Meiji shrine (the biggest shrine in Tokyo) -Takeshita street (pop culture town) We have options for a 2-hour, 4-hour tour as well. This tour is perfect for first-timers and the first day in Tokyo to know how to get around.

Inclusions: Professional local guide, Hotel pickup

Exclusions: Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself and your guide), Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Other personal expenses, Hotel drop-off

Reviewed By littlenootsy

My husband and 2 sons (ages 11 and 13) loved our virtual tour of Tokyo. Nino was a fantastic guide and filled the hour with historical, cultural and fun facts! She was able to keep all of us at all ages engaged. It was a welcome diversion for this time of no-travel and very few experiences in the world because of the pandemic. We all can't wait to book our trip when the time allows!

8. Daytime Walking Tour in Yanaka

Nippori Station, 2 Chome-19 Nishinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0013, Japan Oishii Food Tours
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5.0 based on 353 reviews

Enjoy various vendor food walking around old town neighbourhood     Tour schedule:  10:30am - around 2:00pm (Wednesday, Saturday) ※Please contact us if the tour isn't available on your preferred date Meeting place:  JR Nippori Station North gate Walking distance:  About 1.5 miles (2.5km) total

Inclusions: Various food & drinks are included in the tour price. So, you don't have pay anything extra. , Meat croquettes, Seasonal sashimi, Ramen, Takoyaki, Gyoza dumplings, Mochi daifuku, Senbei rice crackers, Japanese sweet pancakes with red beans, Seasonal fruitsBeverages (alcohol, soft drinks), Some of the Drinks You'll Try:, Sake, Locally roasted, freshly brewed coffee, Craft beer or unique soft drinks, Japanese soft drink tasting (for children), We can make substitutions for food or drinks if you have any allergies, Lunch, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By tanywenallt

Superb tour, way above what we expected , Naoko is a superb host , great fun, loved the variety of food and gave us confidence to walk into similar venues in future . Thank you so much Tim & Belinda

9. Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town

Doutor, Japan, 〒116-0013 Tokyo, Arakawa City, Nishinippori, 2-chōme−19−7 東忠ビル 1F Magical Trip
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4.9 based on 18 reviews

-Feel the Shinto vibe as you cross a vibrant red arch in Nezu Shrine, a portal into another world. We'll head for Nezu shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo. While your guide shares Japanese cultural and historical tidbits, we'll take great photos in and around the tunnel. -Sample a variety of local food selections as you take a stroll around Yanaka Ginza and find yourself in a cozy house that serves Soba lunch. You can pop into small places like antique stores and sweets shops. - Dive into the local lifestyle! Stroll the backstreets of a quiet local area. After visiting the famous Himalayan Cedar tree, we'll visit Yanaka Ginza, a long local shopping street which represents the flavors of Tokyo's old neighborhoods. Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Inclusions: Japanese dish from our selections, Food samplings (Various types of local snacks and sweets), Tour photos, 2.5 hours with a local guide

Exclusions: Additional food/drinks

Reviewed By wwtara

Fantastic virtual tour! The guide, YH, was a delight, full of knowledge, laughter and fun anecdotes. We were complete Sake beginners and learned so much. The material is well prepared and very personal with many opportunities for questions. I cannot wait to visit in person!

10. Experience Old and Nostalgic Tokyo: Yanaka Walking Tour

Nippori Station, 2 Chome-19 Nishinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0013, Japan OMAKASE
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4.9 based on 216 reviews

Leave Tokyo's skyscrapers behind for a taste of daily life in historic Japan on this 3.5-hour walking tour through the Yanaka district. Developed as a temple town during the Edo period, people have long visited Yanaka for worship and sightseeing. Together with a small group of no more than 10 people, follow in their footsteps and admire the area's charming temples and cherry blossom trees.

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks(100-500 yen depending on what you want to try), Transportation expenses, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By lenorer9950

Tomomi, our tour guide was so well informed. Plus gave us great tips on other things to do & places to visit - great bonus!

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