GUIDE TO NORTHERN TOKYO

YOUR GUIDE TO

#UENO #AKIHABARA #NEZU

Northern Tokyo

Take in this vibrant area including the neighbourhoods of Ueno; Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi; and Akihabara.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Ameyoko Market can be accessed from Ueno Station or

Okachimachi Station, both on the JR Yamanote Line and one stop away from each other.

• Toshogu Shrine opens a stunning peony garden for two periods each year: January and

February, and April and May.

• Enjoy the urban walking route from Ueno to Yanaka and Nezu areas (or vice versa). Experience the atmosphere of yesteryear and the unspoilt skyline of

Tokyo with temple rooftops.

UENO

Another one of Tokyo’s busy transport hubs, Ueno Station is the gateway to some of the most diverse attractions in the city. Think atmospheric and chaotic markets, contrasted by quiet contemplation in parks and shrines.

WHAT TO SEE & DO Step out from Ueno Station and you’ll find yourself amid the eye-popping Ameyoko Markets, originally the post-WWII blackmarket area that now rings loud with the cries of hecklers selling everything from giant crabs to clothes and cosmetics. This side of the station is perennially busy; on the other side you’ll find Zen-like Ueno Park. This is a prime destination come sakura (cherry blossom) season, with spring blossoms colouring the landscape in dusty pinks. Come back in summer for vibrant pinks thanks to the giant lotus flowers adorning Shinobazu Pond. Ueno Toshogu Shrine, with its shimmering gold façade, is hidden away in the park; your walking route through the grounds takes you past the Tokyo National Museum, its collection spanning more than 110,000 items.

NORTHERN TOKYO

Ueno

Nezu

Yanaka

Akihabara

YANAKA, NEZU & SENDAGI (YANESEN)

The areas of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi managed to escape major damage during the world wars and Tokyo’s natural disasters, and as a result, retain a beguiling atmosphere uniting history and a bygone era. Often referred to as Tokyo’s downtown (shitamachi), the area’s general vibe is friendly, retro and charming.

WHAT TO SEE & DO The neighbourhood’s historic sites of Yanaka Cemetery and Nezu Shrine (one of Japan’s oldest shrines) are tucked away among narrow back streets and traditional wooden alleys. Yanaka Ginza, the retro shopping street, has around 70 shops – here you can enjoy street food and Japanese snacks such as juicy pork cutlets, grilled squid and freshly baked rice crackers (senbei).

Yanaka and Nezu are also home to a thriving art scene where you can find places like HAGISO – a renovated wooden apartment building transformed into a hip cafe and gallery. There’s also SCAI the Bathhouse, formerly a public bathhouse (sento) that has been turned into a contemporary art gallery, and the Asakura Museum of Sculpture, a wonderment of traditional and contemporary artistic installations.

OPENING SPREAD: Ueno Park during cherry blossom season © Takashi Images/Shutterstock ABOVE: Torii gates at Nezu Shrine © cdrw/Shutterstock

TRAVEL TIPS

• Nezu Shrine is particularly popular in May with the Azalea Festival.

Think stunning flowers, Taiko drumming and festival food stalls.

• For a day of historical urban walking, travel from this area through to Ueno, or vice versa.

AKIHABARA

Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, is the epicentre of Tokyo’s ‘geek’ culture. If you love pop culture and everything future-oriented, this area is for you.

WHAT TO SEE & DO The home of anime, gaming fans, idols and cosplayers, Akihabara is a wild and wonderful travel ride. You don’t have to wander far to see ‘geek’ culture in full swing – the streets are busy with becostumed fans. But if you want a true experience, visit an anime song nightclub. The area is also known for its many specialty electric goods shops and megastores such as Laox and Yodobashi Camera, which line the streets. In complete contrast is the Kanda Myojin Shrine, with almost 1,300 years of history.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Visit Akihabara’s flea market on Sundays (10am to 5pm) to pick up anime figurines and all manner of unusual bargains.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: Kanda Shrine in Akihabara © Joymsk140/Shutterstock; cosplay in full swing © Sean Pavone/ Shutterstock; get your glow on in Akihabara’s neon-lit streets © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

NORTHERN TOKYO