A nostalgic Tokyo shopping street where time flows slowly.

A warm Tokyo spot to experience Japan's shitamachi culture
【Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street】

Despite being just a few minutes' walk from the West Exit of Nippori Station in Taito City, Tokyo, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street still preserves a somewhat nostalgic "shitamachi" townscape. Since its founding, it has upheld the mission of “passing on the culture of shopping streets to the next generation,” becoming a place loved not only by local residents but also by visitors. Along the approximately 170-meter-long street, about 60–70 independent shops stand side by side. Fishmongers, delicatessens, wagashi confectioners, daily goods stores, and other shops imbued with the fragrance of everyday life line the street, creating an atmosphere full of human warmth.

Top 3 Highlights

1. Streets where the Showa era still breathes

Walking through Yanaka Ginza, you may feel as if time has turned back a little. Wooden signboards, narrow alleyways, people chatting in front of shops…. These nostalgic scenes gently soothe the hearts of visitors.

2. Around 60 diverse shops and the joy of “eating while walking”

Along a short street of about 170 meters, a variety of shops come together: prepared dishes, fried foods, Japanese sweets, general stores, and more. Grabbing a freshly fried croquette or menchi-katsu and strolling in an “eating while walking” style is a uniquely Yanaka Ginza way to enjoy the area.

3. The famous “Yuyake Dandan” and scenes with cats

At the entrance on the Nippori Station side is a staircase called “Yuyake Dandan.” Come evening, the sky turns crimson and the entire street is bathed in warm light. The view of the shopping street from there is truly a “healing moment” in Tokyo.


Yanaka is also known as a “cat town.” As you walk through the shopping street and back alleys, you’ll often encounter cats basking in the sun. The tranquil scenes will naturally bring a smile to your face.


Facility Information

Name 谷中銀座商店街(Yanaka Ginza)
Address

〒110-0001 東京都台東区谷中3-9-15 ヴァナディール谷中102

Access

JR山手線、常磐線、都営舎人線、私鉄京成線

・5-minute walk from Nippori Station

営団地下鉄 千代田線

・5-minute walk from Sendagi Station

Hours and regular holidays ※ Note: Because each shop is managed differently, please contact each store directly. (Store list is here)
Fees Free (no inspection fee)
Visits are free, but we may not be able to accommodate depending on the schedule and number of people.
Sen-chan Shopping Stamp 100 At participating stores, you receive 1 stamp for every ¥100 spent; collect 50 stamps to use them as a ¥100 voucher.
For details, click here
Official website https://www.yanakaginza.com/

Other recommended information

Throughout the year, Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street hosts community-focused events.
🔸 At the beginning of the year, the "Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Tour & Shopping Street Tour" features raffle draws and mochi-pounding events.
🔸 In summer, the "Yanaka Hyakkoi Festival" offers Bon Odori, stamp rallies, loach scooping, summer raffles, and more.
🔸 In July and December, the "Grand Thanksgiving Festival" livens up the street with double-stamp sales and raffle promotions.
🔸 Several times a year, the "Bikkuri Market" offers one-hour-only special prices and services, delivering surprises to visitors.
Through seasonal events, warm exchanges are fostered between locals and visitors.

References

BASIC INFORMATION

Name 谷中銀座商店街
(ヤナカギンザショウテンガイ)
Address 東京都台東区谷中3-9-15 ヴァナディール谷中102 Access
Phone 03-6273-2544
Official URL https://www.yanakaginza.com/

FACILITY INFORMATION

  • Children
  • Children welcome
    Children welcome
  • Other
  • Near the station
    Near the station
  • Recommended for families
    Recommended for families
  • Recommended for couples
    Recommended for couples
  • The sunset is beautiful
    The sunset is beautiful

Nearby events

Category
  • 4.60 km

    Check Route
    Chiyoda City Lecture & Culture
    2026.07.10(金)–09.06(日)
    Come discover a side of Pingu you’ve never known! At YURAKUCHO MUSEUM, the “Not Just Cute!? Pingu Exhibition” will be held. This exhibition lets you enjoy the charm of the clay animation “Pingu,” beloved around the world, through rare materials and interactive displays. Created in 1980 as a clay animation by Swiss filmmaker Otmar Gutmann, “Pingu” tells warm, humorous stories about the penguin boy Pingu and his friends that have been cherished worldwide. With “amusement park” as its theme, the exhibition showcases valuable clay models used in actual animation production, records from the early studio, storyboards, and other production materials. Pingu’s rich expressions, the unique movements and shapes characteristic of clay, and the mysteriously communicative “Pingu language” can all be enjoyed by seeing, touching, and experiencing. The exhibition runs from Friday, July 10, 2026 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. The venue is YURAKUCHO MUSEUM in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Open daily during the period; regular hours are 10:00–18:00 with last entry at 17:30. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; on Friday, July 10; and from Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 14, the museum is open until 20:00 with last entry at 19:30. Exhibition highlights Display of rare clay models and production materials The exhibition presents precious production materials, including clay models used in actual animation production, records from the early studio, and storyboards. You can appreciate the craftsmanship unique to stop-motion animation and get a sense of the process behind the creation of Pingu’s world. “Not just cute?!” Experience Pingu’s multifaceted charm The exhibition also features plenty of interactive displays for play and enjoyment. From expressive faces that convey joy, anger, sorrow, and delight, to the unique movements characteristic of clay animation, and the mysteriously expressive “Pingu language”, you can savor Pingu’s depth through hands-on experiences. Collaboration with miniature photographer and mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka The exhibition will also include a collaboration with miniature photographer and mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka. In addition to the first public display of three Pingu works previously posted on social media, new pieces created specifically for this exhibition are also scheduled to be shown. Enjoy a new world of Pingu through playful miniature expressions. A fun exhibition space themed around an “amusement park” The theme of the exhibition is “amusement park”. In an atmosphere that visitors of all ages can enjoy, you can explore Pingu’s history, the characters, and the origins of the work. Recommended both for those who feel nostalgic and for those encountering Pingu for the first time. What is Pingu? “Pingu” is a stop-motion animation that originated in Switzerland. After a prototype test film was produced in 1980, it celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2025. Since 1990, the TV series has been broadcast in more than 155 countries and regions worldwide, and its warm, humorous stories are loved around the globe. Recommended for Recommended for those who love Pingu, those looking for an exhibition to enjoy with their children, and those interested in clay animation and character displays. This exhibition offers more than just cuteness—you can also enjoy the expressions, movements, and behind-the-scenes of the production. ※ Open daily during the exhibition period. ※ Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. ※ On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, as well as July 10 (Fri) and August 10 (Mon)~14 (Fri), the venue is open until 20:00. ※ Please check the official website for ticket prices and sales information. ※ Exhibition contents and opening hours are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the official website. ©2026 JOKER.
  • 9.50 km

    Check Route
    Shibuya Ward Other
    2026.01.16(金)–07.20(月)
    Experience the distinctive world and thrills of the Emmy Award–winning Netflix series “Squid Game,” which took the world by storm and became a social phenomenon, at “Netflix渋⾕リアル・イカゲーム,” opening Friday, January 16, 2026!  After debuting in New York, USA, in October 2024 and being held in countries around the globe, this sensational immersive event is finally making its Japan premiere! Why not experience the world of “リアル・イカゲーム”—available only in Shibuya—firsthand? The venue spans the entire 3rd floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya inside “Shibuya Fukuras.” Get your tickets here↓ https://eplus.jp/sf/word/0000172923
  • 37.99 km

    Check Route
    Machida City Lecture & Culture
    2026.07.18(土)–08.30(日)
    A hands-on event for parents and kids: "KIDS SNOOPY SPACE MISSION" The Snoopy Museum will host the space-themed hands-on event "KIDS SNOOPY SPACE MISSION." Children can become astronauts and take on a mission to the Moon together with Snoopy—perfect for summer vacation. "KIDS SNOOPY SPACE MISSION" is an interactive event themed around a space trip to explore the lunar surface, where participants can have fun learning about space. Put on a special space vest and receive your mission sheet, and you're ready for launch. Feeling like astronauts, you'll aim for the Moon together with Snoopy. The event runs from Saturday, July 18, 2026 to Sunday, August 30, 2026. The venue is the Snoopy Museum in Machida, Tokyo. Intended for children aged 4 through elementary school age. Participation in the event is free; however, separate admission to the Snoopy Museum is required. Event Highlights Aim for the Moon! Astronaut Flight Mission In the main event, children become astronauts and take on a mission to the Moon. Upon clearing the mission, they will receive a "Mission Clear" sticker as proof of arrival on the Moon. Opening-day "Astronaut Snoopy" Greeting On the first day, Saturday, July 18, an "Astronaut Snoopy" in a spacesuit will appear for a greeting. The venue is the Snoopy Museum entrance, with three sessions scheduled: 10:00~10:30, 12:30~13:00, and 14:30~15:00. Workshops for Parents and Kids On Tuesday, August 11 (national holiday), there will also be an "Original Telescope-Making Workshop" for parents and kids to enjoy together. Draw Snoopy or your favorite illustrations on a scratch sheet and create your very own telescope. Recommended for Hot-Weather Outings Since it's held during summer vacation, it's also recommended as a family outing destination. At the indoor Snoopy Museum, you can enjoy comfortably even in the hot season. Related Event Information "Astronaut Snoopy" Greeting Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026 Venue: Snoopy Museum Entrance Time: 10:00~10:30/12:30~13:00/14:30~15:00 Original Telescope-Making Workshop Date and time: August 11, 2026 (Tue, public holiday) 11:00~16:00 (last entry 15:30) Location: Machi Library adjacent to the Snoopy Museum Eligibility: Children aged 4 up to elementary school age who have entered the Snoopy Museum, and their guardians Fee: JPY 1,600 (tax included) Duration: about 30 minutes Recommended for Recommended for those who love Snoopy, are looking for a family-friendly summer vacation event, or want to take part in a hands-on event for children. You can enjoy it together with an outing around Minami-machida Grandberry Park. Images are for illustrative purposes ※Event details are subject to change. ※Participation in "KIDS SNOOPY SPACE MISSION" is free, but a separate Snoopy Museum admission fee is required. ※The "Astronaut Snoopy" greeting may end early when the line dies down. The event time and operation may change depending on the situation on the day. ※Please check the official website for the latest information.

MAP & ACCESS

JR Yamanote Line, Joban Line, Toei Toneri Line, Keisei Line
・5 minutes on foot from Nippori Station
Eidan Subway Chiyoda Line
・5 minutes on foot from Sendagi Station
Phone:03-6273-2544

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