YANAKA GINZA

Yanaka Ginza is one of the few places in Tokyo that still holds a reminiscence of the past shitamachi atmosphere. Shitamachi is a distinct downtown vibe - contrasted with that of Tokyo’s neon lights, karaoke and lively nightlife. To imagine the past shitamachi vibe, try picturing a narrow street lined up with small shops. The shops advertising banners are flapping the afternoon wind. Within these shops are the local customers buying their dinner and/or ingredients for tonight's dinner. Kids are running around and playing nearby on the way home from school. You also notice a couple cats walking around looking for anything they can pick up for their own dinner.  In Japan, this distinct showa era-shitamachi vibe can almost be a stereotype. 

Yanaka Ginza is a famous shitamachi area and it’s also known for being a cat town. It’s a shopping street with shops selling goods and produce, ranging from groceries and necessities to clothes and toys. It’s different from any shopping street or shotengai that you will find in the center of Tokyo. The reason for the cat theme is possibly linked to that shitamachi feel where the cats are away from the main city bustle where they are able to enjoy the quiet downtown part of Tokyo. It’s also said that the local people have cared well for cats which constantly brings them back to the area.

It’s definitely a unique place and worth a visit on your tour in Tokyo.

Photo Credit: Real Estate Japan

Address: 3 Chome-13-1 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001

Hours: Typically shops open around 10am - 8pm

Website: https://www.yanakaginza.com/

How to get there: A 5 minute walk from Nippori Station, West Exit on the JR Line.