Temple
Saiko-ji
Taito•102m(1 min walk)
Yanaka
谷中Taito, Tokyo
Historic area
What makes this place special?
At a Glance
Yanaka is a neighborhood in Taitō Ward, Tokyo, north of Ueno. Together with nearby Nezu and Sendagi it forms the area called Yanesen, one of the few places in Tokyo where the old Shitamachi atmosphere can still be felt. Yanaka is known as a temple town, with many Buddhist temples packed into a small area.
Many temples were founded here in the Edo period, after Kan'ei-ji was built in Ueno, and the district grew into a leisure spot for ordinary Edo residents. The area suffered little in the Great Kantō Earthquake and the Second World War, so its older streets and temple buildings largely survive. Yanaka Cemetery covers most of Yanaka 7-chome, and the Daimyo Clock Museum, Tennō-ji temple and the Yanaka Ginza shopping street are also here. About 70 small, privately owned shops add to the neighborhood feel.
Goshuin within a short walk
Temples, shrines and castles near Yanaka that give goshuin, closest first.
How do I visit?
Visit Duration
90 minutes
Community
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