Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to spend a day in Arakawa, Ueno and Yanaka
If you want to explore a quieter, more traditional side of Tokyo, this day is perfect for you. Arakawa, Ueno, and Yanaka are full of charm, with peaceful parks, temples, small shops, and cozy cafés. These areas are less crowded compared to central Tokyo, making them perfect for a more relaxed, local experience.
Let’s enjoy a calm and colorful day in this area!
Take a Train to Minowa Station (Starting Point in Arakawa)
How to get there: You can reach Minowabashi Station by taking the Hibiya Line to Minowa Station (about a 5-minute walk from the station).
From Minawa Station you can choose to head toward Minowabashi Station (5 minute walk away) and, if you want a novel experience, hop aboard the Toden Sakura Tram, one of the last remaining trams in Tokyo.
You can head up one stop, to get off at Arakawa Itchumae Station and then explore the area from there. It may not be a long trip, but its a nostalgic experience you can indulge in.
Walk Through the Local Shops at Joyful Minowa Shopping Street
After you arrive, stroll along Joyful Minowa, a small shopping street filled with retro shops, bakeries, and cafés. It’s a local gem that many tourists miss, but it's a great spot to soak in the neighborhood vibe.
What to Do:
✔ Stop by a local bakery for a freshly baked melon pan (sweet bread)
✔ Shop for traditional Japanese snacks or hand-made goods
✔ Visit a small shrine or explore the peaceful alleys nearby
✔ Relax with a cup of coffee at a local café
Explore Ueno Park
Travel Time: About 15 minutes via the Hibiya Line subway from Joyful Minowa to Ueno Station.
Once you arrive in Ueno, head straight to Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s largest and most famous parks. It's perfect for a long walk, relaxing, and enjoying nature. Depending on the season, you can see cherry blossoms or beautiful autumn leaves.
What to See in Ueno Park:
✔ Shinobazu Pond – You can rent a boat and paddle around or just take a peaceful walk around the pond
✔ Ueno Zoo – Japan’s oldest zoo, home to pandas
✔ Statue of Saigo Takamori – A famous statue of a samurai
✔ Toshogu Shrine – A beautiful, golden shrine
Visit Museums in Ueno
If you're interested in museums, Ueno has some great options. You can pick one based on what interests you the most.
Recommended Museums:
Tokyo National Museum – Learn about Japan's history and culture with impressive art collections
National Museum of Nature and Science – Great for families, with exhibits on science and nature
Ueno Royal Museum – A small museum with rotating art exhibitions
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – Known for showcasing both local and international artists
Have Lunch in Ueno
After a few hours of exploring, it’s time for lunch. Ueno offers a mix of traditional Japanese food and casual dining spots.
Recommended Lunch Spots:
Inshotei – A beautiful restaurant inside Ueno Park, serving traditional Japanese meals like kaiseki (multi-course meal)
Ueno Yabu Soba – A famous soba noodle shop serving handmade soba (buckwheat noodles)
Nezunoya (Vegan Friendly) – A great plant-based restaurant near close to the park.
Sushi Fukumaru - Cosy sushi restaurant with great sushi at reasonable prices.
Walk to Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
After lunch, it’s time to explore Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s most traditional neighborhoods. It’s full of old houses, small temples, and cozy shops. From Ueno, you can walk or take a short train ride.
Walking Route:
From Ueno Station, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk to Yanaka Ginza. Enjoy the peaceful streets and quiet atmosphere along the way.
Alternatively:
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Ueno Station to Nippori Station (just one stop). From Nippori, it’s a 5-minute walk to Yanaka Ginza.
Explore Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka Ginza is a narrow, old-fashioned street lined with local shops, food stalls, and small cafés. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon of shopping, snacking, and people-watching.
What to Do:
✔ Try local snacks like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), croquettes, or manju (sweet buns)
✔ Browse handmade crafts, pottery, and souvenirs at the small local shops
✔ Visit Yanaka Cemetery – A peaceful and beautiful historical cemetery (especially nice during cherry blossom season)
Take a Break at a Café in Yanaka
After exploring the shops, take a break at one of Yanaka’s cozy cafés.
Recommended Cafés:
Kayaba Coffee – A charming café inside a 100-year-old building with a relaxing atmosphere
SMPL Cafe - Cute cosy cafe with great iced matcha latte.
HAGISO – A unique art gallery and café in a renovated old house, serving coffee and small bites
Visit a Temple or Hidden Spot in Yanaka
If you still have time, Yanaka has some hidden gems that are perfect for a quiet moment.
Things to See:
Tennoji Temple – A peaceful temple with a beautiful garden and a large Buddha statue
Yanaka Cemetery – A historical cemetery, especially lovely in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom
Asakura Museum of Sculpture – A small museum with art and a peaceful garden
SCAI the Bathhouse – A contemporary art gallery inside a former public bathhouse
Enjoy Dinner in Ueno or Yanaka
After a full day of exploration, it’s time to have a relaxing dinner. Both Ueno and Yanaka have plenty of great dining options.
Dinner Options:
Halal Sakura - Halal yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant that has both Japanese and Uzbekistan dishes.
Zinzamomi - Traditional and beautifully presented Japanese dishes. There is no English menu, but the chef is happy to explain his amazing cuisine.
Vegan Gyoza - Well revied vegan gyoza restaurant with rainbow colored gyoza.
Yanaka Beer Hall – Great for craft beer lovers, with light snacks and a friendly atmosphere
Head Back to Your Hotel
After a fulfilling day, you can easily return to your hotel by taking the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro from Ueno Station or Nippori Station.
