Old Tokyo on Foot: Nippori to Ueno
Temples, cats, street food, and the city that survived the 20th century.
If you only do one walk in Tokyo, make it this one. Yanaka escaped both the 1923 earthquake fires and the war, so the streets still move at an older Tokyo pace. Start early, eat as you go, and finish among the museums of Ueno Park. Almost all of it is free.
Tap to follow the route on the interactive map- 🌿 Park · Yanaka
Yanaka Cemetery
Out of Nippori's south exit and straight into the quietest cherry blossom avenue in Tokyo. The cats own this place and they know it.
- 🚶 4 min walk🍜 Food · Yanaka
Yanaka Ginza
Down the famous Yuyake Dandan steps into the shopping street. The menchi-katsu at the top of the hill is mandatory. Eat standing, like everyone else.
- 🚶 3 min walk☕ Cafe · Yanaka
Yanaka Coffee
Small-batch beans, no fuss, the perfect walking coffee. Take it back through the backstreets and look up at the old wooden houses.
- 🚶 11 min walk⛩ Shrine · Yanaka
Nezu Shrine
The torii tunnel here beats fighting crowds in Kyoto. If it is late April, the azalea hillside will be in full colour.
- 🚶 15 min walk🌿 Park · Ueno
Ueno Park
Enter from the quiet west side past Shinobazu Pond. Street food stalls line the main avenue on weekends.
- 🚶 6 min walk🏛 Museum · Ueno
Tokyo National Museum
Finish with the Honkan building's samurai armour and ukiyo-e. If your legs are done, the garden benches out front are forgiving.
