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【Tokyo Downtown Half-Day Tour】Must-Visit Attractions in Yanaka Ginza and Surrounding Delicacies: A Complete Guide to Cute Cat Sculptures and Popular Foods

Update-Date: Sep 5, 2025

Author: Shika

Categories: Izakaya Yakiniku Sweets

【Tokyo Downtown Half-Day Tour】Must-Visit Attractions in Yanaka Ginza and Surrounding Delicacies: A Complete Guide to Cute Cat Sculptures and Popular Foods

If you want to experience a nostalgic atmosphere while strolling through Tokyo, you must visit "Yanaka Ginza." This place retains a strong downtown charm, allowing you to feel the allure of the Showa era streetscape, and it hides many surprising highlights. As you walk along the shopping street, you will discover "7 wooden carved cats" quietly waiting for visitors in the alleys, becoming a must-visit cute photo spot for cat lovers. In addition to the cat elements, Yanaka Ginza is also a treasure trove of delicious food, from the crispy and fragrant Yanaka senbei to the summer-long lines at "Himitsudo" shaved ice, as well as unique izakayas, yakitori restaurants, and high-end wagyu barbecue around the nearby stations. A variety of delicious and fun shops are hidden around Yanaka Ginza. Whether you want to snack while walking or find a tasty restaurant, you can find your own joy here. Follow this article and embark on a half-day trip to Yanaka Ginza!

Shika

Travel creator from Taiwan based in Japan

Shika | Taiwan native living in Japan
Author of the travel book “搭地鐵玩遍東京 (Exploring Tokyo by Subway)”
A passionate Japan traveler, sharing on Instagram, Facebook and more:
Travel tips × Accommodation recommendations × Self-drive itineraries

Yanaka Ginza Transportation Method

It is very convenient to go to Yanaka Ginza, and the nearest station is JR Yamanote Line "Nippori Station". After exiting from the south exit, it takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach the entrance of the shopping street. If you want to experience a different route, you can also walk about 7 minutes from Tokyo Metro Sendagi Station. Since the location is close to Ueno, it is recommended for travelers to arrange a half-day or full-day walking itinerary that includes attractions such as "Ueno Park and Yanaka Cemetery" to experience the rich downtown atmosphere and historical ambiance.

Must-visit attractions | Looking for the "7 wooden cats" in Yanaka Ginza

Walking into Yanaka Ginza, in addition to experiencing the rich atmosphere of the downtown area, I first recommend everyone to look up and search for the hidden "7 Wooden Carved Cats" at the street corners. The "7 Wooden Carved Cats" in Yanaka Ginza is actually a public art piece created by students from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2009. The original intention of the installation was to hope that these wooden cats could serve as a long-lasting symbol, like those commonly found in European neighborhoods, to protect this nostalgic downtown shopping street, and to provide visiting travelers with an added sense of fun in searching and discovering.

This time, we actually visited to look for the wooden carved cats. Originally, among the seven, a few are currently not in their original positions and may have been taken back for整理, but there are still several hidden in the shopping street. If you want to find the wooden carved cats, you can check out these stores: "Kanekichien, Echigoya Honten, Manmando," and come here to look for them.

Must-Visit Grocery｜Cat Lovers' Paradise "Neko Action"

【Tokyo Downtown Half-Day Tour】Must-Visit Attractions and Surrounding Delicacies in Yanaka Ginza: A Complete Guide to Cute Cat Sculptures and Popular Foods

First, I want to share this must-visit shop for cat lovers called "Neko Action." The store displays a variety of cat-themed products, ranging from exquisite small accessories and cute daily necessities to practical storage items, with such a rich variety that it can be overwhelming.

If you want to help your friends choose unique souvenirs for their beloved cats, or if you're looking to buy some healing items for yourself, you can find what you love here. The most attractive part is that these products are not only cute but also designed with practicality in mind, making it hard for cat lovers to resist stopping and carefully selecting with every step they take. After visiting this store, you are guaranteed to come back loaded with goodies!

【Tokyo Downtown Half-Day Tour】Must-Visit Attractions in Yanaka Ginza and Surrounding Delicacies: A Complete Guide to Adorable Cat Sculptures and Popular Foods

This time, I specifically picked some particularly cute cat merchandise to bring home and share with you all. First up is a very cute bath bomb, which contains various different cat figurines inside, and each one looks incredibly adorable.

Additionally, there are also very artsy cat postcards that can be hung on the wall as a small piece of art when brought home. Among them, my favorite is the cat charm I bought this time, which is perfect to bring home as a protective talisman for my own cat.

Neko Action
Traffic Information: About a 5-minute walk from JR Nippori Station North Exit
Business Hours: 11:00~18:00
Closed: Monday

Must-eat delicacies | Traditional rice cracker "Yanaka Senbei Shinsendo"

Among the many delicious foods in Yanaka Ginza, the most representative is undoubtedly "Yanaka Senbei Shinsendou," which has a history of over a hundred years. Founded in 1913, it still insists on making handmade rice crackers using traditional methods, becoming one of the most personable old shops in the local downtown.

【Tokyo Downtown Half-Day Tour】Must-Visit Attractions and Surrounding Delicacies in Yanaka Ginza: A Complete Collection of Adorable Cat Sculptures and Popular Foods

Entering the store, the neatly arranged rice crackers emit a rich aroma of soy sauce, with a variety of flavors available, from classic soy sauce grilled rice crackers to filled and seaweed flavors. Each piece is crispy and delicious, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying at home.

Yanaka Senbei Shin-sendou
Transportation Information: About a 3-minute walk from JR Nippori Station North Exit
Business Hours: 10:00~17:30
Closed: Every Tuesday and the second Wednesday of each month, and there may also be temporary closures, please pay attention to the latest announcements on the official Facebook page

Must-eat delicacies | Super popular shaved ice shop "Himitsudo"

Apart from pancakes, this "Himitsudo" is definitely the most popular shaved ice shop in the area. The biggest feature of this shaved ice specialty store is its insistence on using natural syrup and fresh fruits. Every bite allows you to taste the pure sweetness of the ingredients. The shaved ice is soft and delicate, melting in your mouth, with flavors changing with the seasons, such as strawberry, mango, matcha, and chestnut. Each visit brings different surprises, and the portions are very large, definitely satisfying.

When coming to himitsudo, a customer needs to order a portion of ice, which can be shared with friends. Since the shop is very popular, especially in summer, it often has long lines, so it is recommended for travelers who want to taste it to preferably go right when the shop opens, or choose to go on weekdays to avoid waiting too long. Additionally, since there is no shelter while waiting in line, be sure to bring a sunshade.

Himitsudo has a wide variety of flavors to choose from. This time, my friends and I ordered the shop's signature strawberry cream ice and Uji matcha red bean ice. The ice at the shop is all handmade by the staff using machines, and it was really interesting to watch them make it.

In reality, the bowl of ice on the table is very large, topped with plenty of strawberry syrup and delicious whipped cream, which is truly a perfect match. I really enjoy the texture of the red bean paste on top of the Uji matcha red bean ice; it's dense and tasty. The sweetness of the ice here, in my opinion, is not overly sweet, allowing you to take one bite after another. Being able to enjoy this naturally refreshing dessert in the Showa atmosphere of Yanaka Ginza is definitely the happiest moment to cool off during a stroll.

Himitsudo Shaved Ice Specialty Store

Transportation Information: About a 4-minute walk from the west exit of JR Yamanote Line "Nippori Station", or about a 5-6 minute walk from exit 2 of Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line "Sendagi Station".

Business Hours:
・Tuesday to Friday: 09:00–18:00
・Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 08:00–18:00
Closed on Mondays (during special summer periods, business hours may be extended to 19:00 or 20:00, and there may be irregular holidays) It is recommended to check the official website or social media updates before departure to grasp the latest business hours and day off.
Days Off: Usually closed on Mondays; during autumn and winter (October to April of the following year), both Mondays and Tuesdays may be closed
Average Meal Price: Consumption is approximately between 1,000 yen and 2,999 yen

Gourmet Recommendations | The Cat Shaped Food Highlights of Yanaka Ginza "Kyushudo"

At "Café & Bar Okuroji Kyushudo", the must-try popular snack is the Satsuma-age (deep fried fish cake) shaped like a cat's paw—"Neko no Te". This fish cake is made from ingredients specially selected and shipped directly from Ibusuki, Kagoshima, resulting in a firm and delicious texture. The most eye-catching feature is the realistic cat paw shape, with even the paw pad patterns vividly depicted, echoing the image of "Cat Street" in Ginza. Holding it in your hand is not only cute and healing but also perfect for taking photos.

Cafe & Bar Okuroji Kyushudo

Transportation Information: Located in Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Business Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and National Holidays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Open all day, no breaks in between)
Closed: Every Monday, if Monday is a national holiday, they will operate as usual, and will be closed the following day (Tuesday).

Conclusion

【Tokyo Downtown Half-Day Tour】Must-Visit Attractions and Surrounding Delicacies in Yanaka Ginza: A Complete Guide to Adorable Cat Sculptures and Popular Foods

Yanaka Ginza is a charming walking area that combines "cat elements × gourmet food × downtown atmosphere". Travelers can search for hidden wooden cat sculptures around the corners while enjoying crispy traditional senbei or seasonal shaved ice, experiencing the nostalgic sentiment unique to Tokyo's downtown. A half-day visit is enough to explore, making it suitable for both independent travelers and families or couples. The next time you plan a trip to Tokyo, consider adding Yanaka Ginza to your list to experience a different urban charm from the bustling metropolis.

Recommended Dining near Yanaka Ginza Station

76vin

When it comes to yakitori, many people might think of it as a lively and noisy dining space that is not very comfortable for women to visit alone. However, the "76vin" located near Yanaka Ginza completely overturns this impression. This tavern, supervised by culinary researcher Yukiko Hirano, focuses on yakitori as its core dish but breaks away from the traditional izakaya style.

The interior is based on a white color scheme, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a trendy little café, making guests feel relaxed and at ease as soon as they walk in. In terms of cuisine, carefully selected "Saisai Chicken" from Iwate Prefecture is used to make skewers, paired with a special sauce with a red wine flavor or seasoned with French Guérande salt, showcasing a delicate and innovative taste. What is most attractive is that there are as many as about 100 types of wine available, mainly natural wines, which can perfectly complement the yakitori.
If you are interested in this place, you can make a reservation through savorjapan to secure a seat, and by reserving in advance, you won't have to worry about being fully booked on the day.

76Vin

Open: 18:00 - 24:00, no yakitori (grilled chicken) on Wednesday
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Go out of exit 1 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Head through the traffic signal along Genmon Street for about 30 seconds, next to Akafudado.
Address: 1F, 2-13-8 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

INARI Izakaya

If you want to enjoy delicious food near the station after strolling through Yanaka Ginza, I recommend taking a train to Ueno. This INARI izakaya is conveniently located and creates a tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling city. Upon entering the restaurant, the wooden design and private room layout are inviting, and the dishes are exquisite and carefully crafted, using selected fresh ingredients presented with a blend of Japanese and Chinese culinary creativity, allowing you to feel the delicate care from the very first bite.

One of the must-try dishes is Sui-gyoza (homemade dumplings), where the chewy skin and the juicy filling blend together, complemented by the fragrant spicy oil, making the flavor unforgettable. Another signature dish is assorted 3 items of horse meat sashimi, directly delivered from Kumamoto, featuring tender and delicious fillet, chewy double-layer fatty parts, and melt-in-your-mouth mane meat, each bite showcasing different layers of sweetness and flavor.

INARI Izakaya

Open: Dinner 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm / Drink L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Asakusa Exit of Ueno Station. 2-minute walk from Exit 9 of Ueno Station on Tokyo Metro. 5-minute walk from the main entrance of Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Main Line.
Address: 6F, 7-2-1, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
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Ueno Wagyu Yakiniku USHIHACHI Kiwami

If you are a thorough meat lover, then after strolling through Yanaka Ginza, it is definitely worth heading to "USHIHACHI Kiwami" in Ueno to treat yourself to a luxurious wagyu barbecue dinner. This place specializes in A4 grade Japanese Black and adopts a "whole cow purchase" method, allowing guests to enjoy exquisite flavors from different parts at reasonable price.

The restaurant not only offers traditional barbecue but also has obtained a special "raw food handling permit", allowing you to legally enjoy beef dishes that cannot be presented through low-temperature cooking. Dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth Japanese Black Yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) and fresh beef sashimi are rare items that are hard to find elsewhere. Coupled with exquisite grilling techniques, the texture and flavor of each cut are fully showcased.

Ueno Wagyu Yakiniku USHIHACHI Kiwami

Open: [Weekdays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: -
Access: 1-minute walk from Asakusa Exit (to the left as you exit the JR Central ticket gate) of Ueno Station of JR Lines, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line / 5-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
Address: FUNDES Ueno 10F, 7-2-4, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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