Have you heard of Yanesen? A name given to the three adjacent areas of Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, where you can enjoy old Japan vibes and lots of tiny shops.
With plenty of one-storied houses and temples, this area is perfect for walking as there are few cars and plenty of cats :)
One of the things that you will definitely enjoy on your walk in nibbling on cute treats!
One of the best streets to savor Japanese flavors is Yanaka Ginza, close to Nippori station on the JR Yamanote Line. Let's see what all you can try here.
Chonmage Imo Tamaru (ちょんまげいも たまる)
The name of this treat and shop comes from chonmage which refers to a topknot commonly associated with the samurai and sumo wrestlers.
Sweet potato coated in sesame cooked on a skewer: perfect for strolling!
Be careful before you take a bite as the inside is very hot.
You can also eat in but note that each person has to order one drink minimum.
Chonmage Imo Tamaru (ちょんまげいも たまる)
Address: 3-11-15 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed on Mondays (Closed on the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
Official Website: http://www.yanakaginza.com/shop/tamaru2/
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hw3jF5H4xLF2
Yanaka Shippoya (やなかしっぽや)
Yanaka is also known for the many stray cats that loiter around the area. That's why you will see many shops selling cat-related goodies. Shippoya is one such store.
Shippo means tail and here, you can find long, thin donuts available in various patterns and flavors. Made to look like a tail, each one has an adorable name like Choco Maru, Coco, Mini, Tora, Kyameru...
Although associated with the flavor, it sounds like you are called out to a cat.
Tora seems to be the most popular.
Made by mixing black cocoa and white chocolate chips, you can eat it straightaway. If you plan to do a takeaway, remember it also tastes delicious if you heat it slightly in an oven :)
You can also buy a set of these as a souvenir and get them wrapped in these adorable furoshiki (wrapping cloth).
Yanaka Shippoya (やなかしっぽや)
Address: 3-11-12 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00 / Sat, Sun, holidays: 10:00 - 19:00
Official Website: http://www.yanakaginza.com/shop/sippoya/
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/wH2sAy6FPYq
Maneki-ya (招き屋)
Maneki-ya sells sweets and savory items that are shaped like a maneki-neko, Japan's lucky cat!
The most popular ones are those stuffed with traditional sweet bean paste or matcha, and you can see how these are made! Savory items include kheema stuffing as well as other seasonal flavors.
In summer, you can also get a cold Fuku-nyan which looks absolutely adorable and has a strawberry stuffing within a rare cheesecake!
Maneki-ya (招き屋)
Address: 3-9-15 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 11:00 - 18:00 / Sat, Sun, holidays: 10:00 - 18:30
Closed on Wednesdays (Closed on the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday)
Official Website: http://www.manekiya-gurume.com/
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ukRF6N1CKi32
Yanaka Takobo (谷中たこ坊)
One of those things you can find almost anywhere in Japan: takoyaki (ball-shaped dumpling stuffed with bits of octopus).
Cheap and cheerful, many people enjoy ponzu-flavored version here.
The most common toppings include the famous takoyaki sweet, salty sauce, mayonnaise and chopped spring onions.
How cute are these skewers? Drinks such as draft beer, highball and Coca Cola are available in the shop! Perfect on a hot summer afternoon walk, don't you think?
Yanaka Takobo (谷中たこ坊)
Address: 3-9-18 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 11:00 - 17:00
Official Website: http://www.yanakatakobo.jp/
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ohmEEie1ah72
This is the just a snippet of the many things you can do at the Yanaka Ginza. It is an amazingly relaxed place not just to eat but also to buy plenty of traditional Japanese souvenirs. An easy walk up to Ueno Park, how about adding this to your list of places to visit in Tokyo?
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