Hidden Tokyo: A Guide to Yanesen ( Yanaka, Nezu & Sendagi )
About Us
Our Story
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Yanesen — the collective name for Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi — is a neighborhood where the past and present quietly coexist.
I first moved here more than twenty years ago and immediately fell in love with its atmosphere: the narrow alleys, the scent of incense from the temples, and the sense of calm that still lingers amid the city’s fast pace.
Over time, I realized that Yanesen isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to live, to connect, and to appreciate the beauty of everyday life.
This website was born from that feeling: a wish to share the warmth, charm, and hidden stories of this neighborhood with visitors from Japan and around the world.
What We Do
Our mission is to introduce the real Yanesen — not just its famous spots, but the quiet corners, local stories, and people that make this area special.
Through photo essays, walking routes, and personal reflections, we invite you to slow down and experience a more intimate side of Tokyo.
For those who wish to explore even further, we also offer private guided walks and personalized recommendations — a kind of local concierge service — to help you discover Yanesen in your own way.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, our goal is to make your time here feel meaningful, authentic, and warmly connected to the community.
👉Learn more about Our Services
Who We Are
This site is curated by a small team of locals who work, live, and raise families in the area.
I (Iwao) am a licensed tour guide, and a long-time resident of Nezu.
Outside of work, I spend my days exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods, running, cooking, and, of course, enjoying the small joys of raising a child here in Yanesen.
Our shared goal is simple — to celebrate this community and help others discover its charm in an authentic way.
Get in Touch
We are always happy to hear from you — whether you have a quick question, a small request, or need help planning something specific. Please feel free to reach out anytime.
Use the form below to get in touch with us. We read every message carefully and do our best to reply as promptly as we can.
If you’re interested in our guided walks or concierge-style support, feel free to mention it in your message — we’ll be glad to provide more details.
*Your privacy is important to us. We will never share your contact information with anyone else without your consent.*