Top 10 Cultural Tours in Yanaka, Kanto

October 24, 2021 Milan Banda

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, 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, Old Town Tokyo Food Tour, Yanaka Shitamachi Backstreets Cultural Walking Tour, Yanaka half day Tour with private guide and traditional experience , Hidden Tokyo: The secrets of YaNeSen.

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. 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!

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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!

7. Old Town Tokyo 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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4.9 based on 21 reviews

Our tour will take you through the charming area of Yanaka, filled with nostalgia and rustic charm. Our tour will offer you a sightseeing opportunity different from the “big city” feel of other parts of Tokyo. Yanaka was one of the few areas that survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and Fire of 1923 and was spared the Allied fire bombings during WWII. An afternoon stroll down the tiny side streets that dissect the area south of Nippori Station will highlight the diversity of craft still being produced in the area: textiles, ink prints, wood carvings, traditional cuisines, stationery, pottery, jewelry, and much more. You will have the chance to try local street snacks, stop by shops that are over 100 years old, see local shrines and temples and enjoy a regional and seasonal lunch, before ending with a traditional tea ceremony with Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet). By the end of this lovely tour, you will have tried a lot of different Japanese dishes and drinks that locals LOVE!

Inclusions: Wagashi and Tea Experience, Dishes and drinks at 6 Food Stops, Lunch in restaurant, Shopping Time, Local English speaking guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation costs , Additional drinks or food

Reviewed By 411jacquiel

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

8. Yanaka Shitamachi Backstreets Cultural Walking Tour

Nippori Station, 2 Chome-19 Nishinippori, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0013, Japan Japan Wonder Travel
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4.8 based on 6 reviews

Make an escape from the crowded places and explore this quiet nostalgic neighborhood of Tokyo “Yanaka” in the afternoon. This area is downtown in Tokyo and one of the few to survive the Great Kanto Earthquake and the fire bombings of World War II. Start from the JR Nippori Station and visit the nostalgic street of Yanaka Ginza. Then see the local houses, art galleries, cemeteries, historic temples, and shrines. This tour will end at Nippori Station. You could explore and learn the normal Japanese lifestyle and culture while walking with our friendly local guide.

Inclusions: Professional local guide

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

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!

9. Yanaka half day Tour with private guide and traditional experience

Nezu Station, 1 Chome-1 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031, Japan HATAGO Travel
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4.8 based on 5 reviews

Yanesen is considered as the Old Tokyo Neighborhood, or "shitamachi", which translates to low city. A popular activity here includes walking along wooden houses and silent temples while smelling fresh brewed coffee and spotting cats. The tour begins with a visit to the Nezu Shrine, one of the most beautiful shrine in Tokyo due to its slope of red torii gates. We continue the walking tour exploring paved alleys of old houses, temples and precious small traditional gardens. Later on, dive into the life of the locals with visits to small shops for second-hand kimono, traditional crafts, and local products. Lastly we move onto the peace and tranquillity of Yanaka Cemetery; this is the largest cemetery in Tokyo and is also surrounded by greenery that gets filled with beautiful cherry trees in spring. Enrich this tour by adding a traditional experience that is customized according to your preferences: food, drink or souvenir.

Inclusions: Experience - Painting Maneki Neko or Tea Ceremony

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Reviewed By Crunchyspin

Had a great time with our lovely tour guide. We started off in a building that sells collectibles, which we wouldn't have known about if it wasn't for our guide. After that, we headed off to a maid café where we got ourselves some lovely dessert in the shape of bears and bunnies. The chocolate latté was amazing! Really friendly maids despite not being able to speak English. Took some pictures with the maids and then continued to a nearby gaming hall where we dressed up for some purikura shots. We got good information about the Akihabara area and Japanese culture in general. Interesting to speak to a Japanese person about life in Japan. Overall a really great tour which I would recommend!

10. Hidden Tokyo: The secrets of YaNeSen

Ueno Station, 7 Chome-1 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan My Japan Guide
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3.0 based on 1 reviews

In Yanesen where old traditions are still an integral part of daily life, you can experience the true essence and identity of Japanese culture by taking part in Tea Ceremony.

Inclusions: Local guide, Tea ceremony

Exclusions: Extra food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By natbayer

My husband and I were at some point reluctant to go to Japan amid the virus outbreak. But we don't regret it. From organizing our trip to answering our demands, Yoko and Xavier have been there all the way. This has been an outstanding holiday. We have seen some magical sights.

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