Yanaka Cemetery. 🪦
This is not a scary place. It is a peaceful, sprawling park filled with cherry blossoms and cats. Locals stroll through here daily as a shortcut to the station.
The Shogun
Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the 15th and final Shogun of Japan, is buried here in a gated enclosure. It marks the end of the Samurai era.
Cherry Tunnel
The central path is lined with Sakura trees. In spring, it becomes a stunning tunnel of pink petals falling on grey stones.
Nezu Shrine. ⛩️
Located just a short walk from Yanaka. It is one of Japan's oldest shrines. The architecture is designated an Important Cultural Property because it survived the wars completely intact.
Torii Tunnel
A path of hundreds of small, vermilion torii gates winds through the hillside azalea garden. It looks like a miniature Fushimi Inari (Kyoto).
Azalea Festival
In April and May, the "Tsutsuji Matsuri" takes place. 3,000 azalea bushes bloom in pink, white, and purple.
The Turtles
The shrine pond is filled with dozens of turtles sunbathing on rocks. It's a symbol of longevity.
Bronze Statue
Big Buddha
Tennoji Temple. 🧘
Located on the edge of the cemetery. This temple grounds houses a large bronze Buddha statue dating back to 1690.
Cherry Blossom Spot:
The contrast of the dark bronze Buddha against the pale pink cherry blossoms in spring is one of the most beautiful sights in Yanaka.
The Mud Wall. 🧱
Known as the "Tsuijibei" at Kannonji Temple. It is a rare surviving example of an Edo-period mud wall, made by layering tiles and clay.
Architecture
Look closely at the layers. The roof tiles embedded in the clay strengthen the structure and create a beautiful striped pattern.
47 Ronin
Kannonji has ties to the story of the 47 Ronin. Two of the Ronin brothers were associated with this temple.