An area full of nostalgic atmosphere, Yanaka.
Yanaka area is oftern called “Ya-Ne-Sen”, an abbreviation for Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi areas forming one complex in this region.
Here, you can find a classic downtown life in old good days of Tokyo.
You can find many small private run shops instead of a large ordinary supermarket, and people with full smile.
Ya-Ne-Sen is situated at eastern side of Tokyo and easy to access from many parts of Tokyo. Ueno, one of main terminal stations in Tokyo, is within a walking distance (30 min. to 1 hr).
Visit Ya-Ne-Sen and feel the people’s everyday life, which is not easy to find these days in Tokyo. Pop in any cafe and talk to people there. Although the locals may not speak good English, they will, for sure, try to have a comversation with you and will help you if you needed.
Yanaka area holds many small shops, cafes, restaurant, and general stores, which is the best place to buy your souvenir.
Whereas Sendagi and Nezu are more residential areas where you can walk around and find classic local life in Japan. My suggestion is to go to Yanaka area, enjoy looking through foods and shops around there, and grab snack and drink of your favourite befor you explor other areas. Nezu and Sendagi areas are full of historical sites, so it would be good idea to look through guide books and find something interests you the most. Otherewise one whole day will not be enough for you to discover the whole area.
Probably,using tube, Chiyoda-line, is the best access to Nezu or Sendagi, which are next stations to each other. You can use JR (Yamanote-line or Keihintohoku-line) to Nippori station. Then, Yanaka area is just within 5 to 10 mins walk depending on which station you use. Driving is not recommended as roads in these areas are very narrow and mainly used by local residents, and car parking spaces for visitors are very limited. It may be good idea to use bus service though. Then you can have a look around the area from bus easily and you can hop down where ever you like. Only problem with bus is that the service may not be on time due to heavy trafic, which you should be able to imagine easily!
