โตเกียว Day Guides
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!
Option 1: Using the Toden Arakawa Line (Sakura Tram)
Start your day by taking the Toden Arakawa Line, also known as the Sakura Tram. It’s a charming streetcar that moves slowly through quieter neighborhoods, making it a perfect introduction to Arakawa.
Where to board: Get on the Sakura Tram at Minowabashi Station, which is the first stop on the line.
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).
Option 2: Take the Subway
Alternatively, you can take the Hibiya Line and get off at Minowa Station, which is a short walk to Minowabashi Station, where you can start exploring the Arakawa area.
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
Café Options:
Coffee Arakawa – A cozy, retro-style café with great coffee
Kissa Morning – A classic Japanese café with breakfast options
Now that you’ve seen a quieter side of Arakawa, hop on the Sakura Tram again and head toward Ueno. The tram ride is scenic and gives you a chance to relax as you travel through Tokyo’s older neighborhoods.
Get off at: Arakawa-itchumae Station or another nearby stop, and then transfer to the subway to reach Ueno Station.
Travel Time: About 15 minutes by tram or subway from Arakawa 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
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
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:
Innsyoutei – 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)
T’s Tantan (Vegan-Friendly) – A great plant-based ramen spot near Tokyo Station (just a short train ride away)
Café Hibiki – A casual café offering sandwiches and coffee, perfect for a light lunch
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.
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)
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
Yanaka Coffee – Known for freshly roasted coffee beans and a cozy vibe
NicoNico Café (Vegan Options) – Offers smoothies, light snacks, and a calm environment
HAGISO – A unique art gallery and café in a renovated old house, serving coffee and small bites
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
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:
Izakaya Restaurants – Small, casual restaurants serving a variety of dishes (great for trying multiple small plates)
Noodle Stand Tokyo (Vegetarian Ramen Available) – A trendy spot offering delicious ramen
Yanaka Beer Hall – Great for craft beer lovers, with light snacks and a friendly atmosphere
Coco Ichibanya (Ueno) – A famous curry chain with customizable options (including vegetarian)
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.
