Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi
An area comprising Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi – called Ya-Ne-Sen – is a good place to walk around in autumn. The area retains a bygone days of Japan atmosphere, and in the past several great writers loved this area and lived here. Walking up and down slopes, going into mazelike narrow alleys, you will make some new discoveries. Why not enjoy Tokyo nostalgia in Ya-Ne-Sen, getting away for a while from the bustle of the metropolis?
| (1)Nezu Shrine | (2)SCAI THE BATHHOUSE | (3)Amezaiku Yoshihara | (4)Yanaka Ginza |
Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi Map
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Mall
Allured by the delicious aromas, you will go down stairs called Yuyake Dandan and you will come to a busy shopping mall, Yanaka Ginza. You can find a lot of stores selling cute Japanese sundry goods along the street. It is nice to enjoy walking, munching on hot croquettes or minced meat cutlets as you stroll along.
Isetatsu
Founded in 1864, Isetatsu has long been dealing in Japanese crafts paper (Edo chiyogami). The variety of paper is more than 1,500 kinds, and they strictly keep the traditional way of paper production. You can also buy small souvenirs made of Japanese paper and wrapping cloths (furoshiki).
SCAI THE BATHHOUSE
This is a contemporary art gallery that was renovated from a traditional public bathhouse. The exhibition changes every two months. The manner of display is rather bold. For example, they paint pictures directly on the wall, cut holes in the floor, or take out walls. The bathhouse-turned-museum still retains some vestiges of the original bathhouse including the high ceilings and the tall chimney.
Amezaiku Yoshihara (Candy Art)
This candy store is also an atelier for Japanese traditional candy art. They usually sell candy works and goods at the store, but also perform demonstrations of the "art of candy." You will be charmed by the cute, delicate and playful candy art.
Kikumi Senbei
From the late 19th to the early 20th century, there were many chrysanthemum doll theaters around this area. People used to buy kiku-mi senbei, which means chrysanthemum-viewing rice crackers for souvenirs after they saw the flower doll performance. The rice crackers are square in shape, which is rather rare these days.
Nezu Shrine
The shrine was built in 1706 by the fifth Tokugawa Shogun, Tsunayoshi. All of the surface of the gorgeous shrine building was painted with high-quality lacquer. The main building, gates, and walls are designated as important cultural assets. You can feel refreshed in the shrine surrounded by a dense grove of trees, and you might forget your being in the city. The shrine holds an azalea festival during April and May every year.
Where to StayTonight : Sawanoya (Inn)
Sawanoya is a small hotel only with 12 guest rooms, and run by Sawa family in Yanaka. The inn has become very popular among the foreign tourists who say that you can experience real Japanese life there. The helpful owner, Mr. Sawa, answers all tourist questions. They have various brochures of tourist information at the front desk, too.
Ya-Ne-Sen Gourmet Guide
(map:a)Nezu Kamachiku
This restaurant serves "kamaage udon" (noodles served in a bowl with hot water accompanied by dipping sauce). The restaurant is reusing a 100-year-old former warehouse and surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden. It is also popular among locals with its tasty sake and delicious dishes.
(map:b)Kayaba Coffee
Originally, this café s wooden building was built in 1916. However, it was renovated and reopened in September, 2009. The ambience of the café changes according to time of the day or the weather. Take a break at Kayaba Coffee, and you can enjoy the popular egg toast and coffee.