Yuyake Dandan. 🌇
Literally translating to "Sunset Stairs." This staircase leads down from the Nippori station area into the market street. It is the most famous photo spot in the neighborhood.
Golden Hour
Visit just before sunset. The angle of the stairs aligns perfectly with the setting sun, bathing the entire market in a warm, orange glow.
The Cats
Stray cats often gather on these stairs to absorb the warmth of the stone. They are the unofficial guardians of the gate.
Menchi Katsu. 🥩
The signature snack of Yanaka Ginza. A "Menchi Katsu" is a breaded, deep-fried patty made of minced meat and onions. It is cheap, hot, and juicy.
Niku no Suzuki
One of the two famous butchers. Their menchi katsu is slightly sweeter and has been featured on TV countless times.
Niku no Sato
The rival butcher down the street. Their patty is spicier and meatier. Locals argue over which is better.
Walking & Eating
"Tabearuki" (eating while walking) is generally frowned upon in Japan, but Yanaka Ginza is one of the few places where it is encouraged.
Neko Machi
Cat Town
The Cat Town. 🐾
Yanaka embraces its reputation as "Cat Town." Even if the real stray cats are sleeping, you will see cat statues on rooftops and cat motifs in every shop window.
Seven Lucky Cats:
Look up at the eaves and roofs of the shops. There are seven wooden cat statues hiding in the street. Finding all of them is a popular game for visitors.
Bamboo & Tea. 🍵
You won't find fast fashion here. You will find craft shops that have been in the same family for three generations.
Midori-ya
A bamboo craft shop. They sell intricate baskets and chopsticks. The smell of the raw bamboo hits you as soon as you walk in.
Kanekichien
A traditional tea shop where they roast the tea leaves on-site. The aroma wafts down the entire street, drawing you in.