Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi. These places make up the area called Yanesen, taking the first kanji character from these three towns. It is dotted with many must-see spots, including a retro-looking townscape, solemn shrines, and an energetic shopping street. Here are three highly recommended photo spots in this attractive Yanesen area.
Capture the Mysterious Atmosphere of the Nezu Shrine Precinct at the Shrine Gate of the Otome Inari Shrine

Nezu Shrine was built about 1,900 years ago. The main building and other buildings such as surrounding gates have existed since 1706, and they are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Among all, the sight of the shrine gates standing on both side of Otome Inari Shrine is very impressive. Take one shot before you go through the first shrine gate, and then take another picture of the mysterious scenery you find as you walk further into the shrine, and finally, turn around and take a last picture that covers the entirety of the area after you have passed through all of the gates.
Take a Photo of the Sunset from Yuyake Dandan

The 36-step stairway is located on the way from Nippori Station to Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, and is called Yuyake Dandan ("sunset stairs"). From the top of the stairs, you can see a beautiful view of the sunset along with the shopping street that keeps a shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere. This is also popular as a photo spot, so when the sun starts to set, many people come and sit on the stairs waiting for the sunset.
Take Pictures of Cats, Along with a Retro-Looking Townscape

Walking through the back alleyways, from the noise of the city, cats seem to appear out of nowhere. Yanesen is well-known as a sanctuary for cats, where you can meet lots of cute felines. The retro-looking townscape of Yanesen and cats make a perfect harmony, so it would definitely be worth taking a few snapshots of cats, along with scenery of the back alley.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Popular Tours & Activities
Recommended places for you
-
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Gardens
Shinjuku
-
Ueno Zoo (Ueno Zoological Gardens)
Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens
Ueno
-
TOKYO SKYTREE®
Landmarks
Ryogoku / TOKYO SKYTREE(R)
-
The Imperial Palace
Other Architecture
Tokyo Station
-
Kappabashi Street
Old Towns (Shitamachi)
Asakusa
-
Senso-ji Temple
Temples
Asakusa
-
Giant Gacha Machine Appears at MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya! Shop with Your International JCB Card to Win Exclusive Prizes
-
5.3 Million Baby Blues in Bloom! Nemophila Peak Announced at Hitachi Seaside Park
-
May Events in Tokyo: Fun Festivals, Food, and Things to Do
-
(2026) 18 Stories You Can Carry Home: Immersive Cultural Experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
-
Enjoy Japanese Beauty and Healing with All Five Senses! A "Hana-Goshuin" Journey via Tokyu Lines & Buses
by: Guest Contributor
-
Japan's Most Photogenic Spring Event? Mt. Fuji's Pink Carpet Is Back for 2026
by: Wemmy Chau
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
9 Family-Friendly Hotels with Comfortable Family Rooms in Asakusa
-
10 Open-air bath Onsen Ryokans in Hakone for Ultimate Relaxation
-
Atami 1-Day Itinerary: Exploring Japan's Castle & Hot Springs Resort Town Near Tokyo!
-
Autumn in Japan 2026: Fall Foliage Forecast & Where to Enjoy the Colorful Leaves (+Tour Info)
-
Visiting Temples and Collecting Goshuin in Asakusa
-
10 Reasons Shitamachi Might Be Tokyo's Best-Kept Secret
-
[MOVIE] A Tokyo Butler Story: Exploring the Magic of Nihonbashi with a Lost Tourist, a Clueless Japanese, and a Mysterious Butler
-
What to Pack for Japan: 8 Essential Things for a Hassle-Free Trip
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks














