Experience the Taste of Old Tokyo in Backstreet Yanesen

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

Step back into the Tokyo of another era in Yanesen, the historic trio of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi neighborhoods. Among temples, shrines, and winding backstreets, you’ll discover a neighborhood where daily life still hums to an older rhythm. This full-day walk blends history and flavor: from handmade onigiri and fresh unagi to nostalgic sweets, retro kissaten coffee, and sake. Along the way, you’ll slip into century-old shops, sip drinks in a converted bathhouse, and meet the craftspeople keeping Tokyo’s culinary traditions alive.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Yanaka District

Step back into the Tokyo of another era in Yanesen, the historic trio of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi neighborhoods. Among temples, shrines, and winding backstreets, we’ll discover a neighborhood where daily life still hums to an older rhythm. This full-day walk blends history and flavor: from handmade onigiri and fresh unagi to nostalgic sweets, retro kissaten coffee, and sake. Along the way, we’ll slip into century-old shops, sip drinks in a converted bathhouse, and meet the craftspeople keeping Tokyo’s culinary traditions alive.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Nezu Shrine

Nezu shrine is considered one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Japan, and while it’s current main structures were built in the early 18th century the shrines' origins are said to date back 1900 years.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Alcoholic Beverages

Snacks

Lunch

Breakfast

Coffee and/or Tea

Meals

Private transportation

Options

Experience the Taste of Old Tokyo in Backstreet Yanesen

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Historic area of Tokyo.
B6382WYjimw,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great trip. Enjoyed the history and culture. Food and tour guide (Michelle) were awesome. Unami, wine, pastry, red bean, were some of the things. Michelle had a gvery good handle on the historical aspects.
Delicious and interesting
S6099LGcarolinea,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great way to eat my way through a Tokyo neighborhood that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to do! The food was delicious, the guides were very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot! Not just about food, but also about architecture, daily life in Japan, and history. Michelle was fantastic, and I also want to shout out a guide in training, Kan, who provided really, really interesting insights into the temples we visited. His tours are going to be really excellent.
CB is Outstanding
X4573BLtylerm,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was our 5th CB tour on our 3rd continent. Each of the tours and the guides have been exceptional — interesting, informative, fun, engaging. And this tour of Yanesen did not disappoint. Michelle is delightful - warm, knowledgeable, fun, energetic - and brings an interesting Japanese insider/outsider perspective given she’s a westerner but has lived in Japan for 20+ years. Unique from our other CB tours, this included more historic and cultural information. This is a fantastic tour to schedule towards the start of your time in Tokyo as it gives a good introduction to the story and culture of Japan. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shrines and bites!
joyrok,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had an amazing time with Diana and Kan eating and learning about the temples in the area. There are some cool unique spots that have a lot of local charm, and locals making incredible food in the area.
Hidden Tokyo
Egoddesses,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was amazing! The guide Mairi was full of history knowledge and it was the side of Tokyo I never experienced.
Great tour with our foody and curious kids. Mairi is the best!
delphinehalgand,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the most wonderful day with Mairi. We learned so much, discovered beautiful hidden shrines, ate delicious food and drank excellent sake. Mairi is so knowledgeable and fun. It was fascinating to discover these 3 neighborhoods. Our 6 years old son had fun too and our 1-year old daughter followed us peacefully everywhere in her stroller. Highly recommend!
Great food and excellent guide!
233zuzanas,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lots of food and new tastes, but tour was not only about food, we have learned so much also about japanese culture and history. Highly recommend! Our guide Mairi was fun and helpful.