History of the Yanesen area
Since their formation, Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi have largely escaped the ravages of war, fire or other natural disasters. Yanesen is part of the shitamachi (downtown) area. Historically, these areas were very poor and the residents were all lower class. Yet Yanesen attracts tourists because it is one of the few places in Tokyo that still has the breath of an old city.
View of the Yanaka entrance from the east staircase
tokyo cat town
It is still unclear why so many stray cats have chosen to make their home in Yanaka. However, one theory is that they are attracted to the area’s high density of trees and shrines. Whatever the reason, the locals have been very welcoming and affectionate towards the cats, even pressuring the local government to include a cat on their ward’s flag.
Cat goods sold along the Yanaka Ginza district
You’ll find plates filled with food and makeshift cat shelters scattered throughout the bustling Yanaka Ginza shopping district. But it’s not all about stray cats. Businesses have long invested in an area known as a cat sanctuary. Shops selling cat-themed desserts, merchandise, and souvenirs can also be found along Yanaka Ginza.
cat walk
These smart cats go where the food is, and they don’t like crowds. You’ll mostly see them hanging out on the steps at the east entrance of Yanaka Ginza or accepting food from locals – though this is discouraged. Yanaka Cemetery is also a good place to see cats, as it has a large forested area where they can hide.
The "resident" cats at Yanaka Cemetery
maneki-ya
If you’re a cat lover and have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to visit Maneki-ya. This shop sells Taiyaki—a waffle-like confection with a filling made from adzuki beans. They’re usually shaped like a fish, but at Maneki-ya, they also come in the shape of the lucky Japanese cat maneki-neko. In addition to the bean filling, the shop also serves buns filled with beef stew or strawberry jelly with cream cheese.
Seven Lucky Cats
If you look closely, you’ll notice that there are seven cat statues scattered around the Yanaka Ginza area in various locations. Look up and you’ll find at least one perched on the roof of a cat shop. These cats were created in 2008 to bring good luck and happiness to passersby.
Wooden cats placed on the streets of Yanaka
The Charm of Yanesen
Yanesen is home to many handicraft shops and other small, family-run businesses, so the old traditions are still alive and well in Yanaka. The old structures in the urban design and old-world atmosphere also make the area a perfect cultural hub, including art galleries, museums and historical sites.
Asakura Sculpture Museum in Yanaka
Temples in Yanesen
Yanesen is home to a large number of temples, mostly Buddhist temples, scattered throughout the Yanesen area. There are so many that even if you tried your best, you wouldn’t be able to visit them all in one day. The most famous of these temples are Tennoji Temple, Nezu Shine, and Kannon Temple, which has a monument to the samurai.
Torii Gate at Nezu Shrine
