Hidden Tokyo: A Guide to Yanesen ( Yanaka, Nezu & Sendagi )
Street Food & Confectionery
Savor local flavors while wandering through Yanesen’s lively streets.
The area is full of charming spots perfect for snacking on the go—far more than we could ever feature here. What follows is a small, hand-picked selection: places loved by locals, uniquely rooted in Yanesen culture, and chosen simply because they’re too good to miss.
Rather than chasing online rankings, we focus on shops with character and everyday charm.
Some are also introduced in our Living in Yanesen column.
Expect taiyaki, senbei, and other classics—plus a few surprises.
YANAKA COFFEE
Start your Yanesen journey enveloped in the warm, comforting aroma of freshly roasted beans drifting from the original YANAKA COFFEE store. Founded in 1999, this independent roastery quickly became a beloved part of the neighborhood—especially in an area that has intentionally kept large café chains at bay. Step inside and explore a thoughtful selection of single-origin beans, then watch as your chosen beans are freshly roasted and precisely ground to suit your preferred brewing style. Beyond great coffee, what locals cherish most is the quiet sense of care in every detail, a reflection of the slower rhythm of daily life here.
Naturally, it’s the perfect place to find a meaningful gift—or a bag to take home, so you can relive the gentle tempo of Yanesen long after your trip.
💡Tip: Drip coffee in takeaway cups is available inside the store. However, some shops along the local shopping streets may not allow entry with drinks in hand, so please be mindful when browsing.
📍Address: 3-8-6 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 3 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 10am-8pm
Yanaka Shippoya
Discover one of Yanaka’s most beloved sweet spots, famous for its playful “cat-tail” doughnuts inspired by the neighborhood’s feline charm. Each tail shape and flavor changes daily, making every visit a little surprise. The doughnuts are light, airy, and perfect for snacking while strolling through Yanaka Ginza. With its cute treats and cheerful storefront, Shippoya is a favorite for families, friends, and anyone looking to capture a charming moment of Yanesen’s spirit.
A must-stop whether you’re exploring casually or searching for a photo-worthy bite.
💡Tip: Lines may form on weekends, but they move quickly—use the wait to choose your favorite tail!
📍Address: 3-11-12 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 7 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 10am-6pm (10am-7pm on Sat, Sun & public holidays)
Yanaka Senbei Shinsendo
Step into the warm aroma of freshly grilled rice crackers at Shinsendo, a long-loved shop where senbei are carefully handmade one by one. The shop offers classic soy-glazed pieces, lightly salted options, and richly flavored varieties using premium Japanese ingredients. Watching the grilling process adds to the experience, and the satisfying crunch is a reminder of the craftsmanship rooted in everyday life in Yanesen.
Perfect for enjoying as you walk or for bringing home as a uniquely local taste of Tokyo.
💡Tip: If you’re lucky, you might catch the craftsmen hand-grilling each senbei right behind the counter—just to the left as you enter. Watching the careful, steady motions adds an extra layer of appreciation to every bite.
📍Address: 7-18-18 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 3 min walk from Nippori Station (JR/Keisei Line)
⏰Opening hours: 10am-5:30pm, closed Tue.
Yanaka Fukumaru Manjū
A tiny storefront cherished by neighbors for its warm, freshly steamed manju—small, fluffy buns filled with subtly sweet bean paste. Simple, inexpensive, and always satisfying, Fukumaru Manjū embodies the everyday comfort of Yanesen’s food culture. You’ll often see locals stopping by for a quick treat on their way home, which says more than any review ever could. The aroma drifting out to the street is irresistible, and the manju are perfect for enjoying as you wander through Yanaka’s nostalgic shopping lane.
A true taste of daily life, and one you might find yourself returning to.
💡Tip: Sold individually and often eaten on the spot—try one, and if you love it, buy a few extra before they sell out.
📍Address: 3-7-8 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 3 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 11am-5pm
Imojin
Just steps from the front gate of Nezu Shrine stands Imojin, a beloved sweets shop that has quietly served the community for more than a century. Founded in 1912 by Jinzo—originally a sweet-potato vendor—the shop is now run by the fourth generation, faithfully preserving traditional flavors with sincerity rather than showmanship. Its signature ice monaka is enjoyed year-round, admired for the perfect balance of crisp wafers and silky ice cream. Nothing flashy, nothing commercial—just honest craftsmanship and a gentle sense of local warmth. It’s the kind of place residents return to without hesitation, season after season.
💡Tip: Seating is minimal. Many enjoy their ice monaka outside while strolling the peaceful streets near Nezu Shrine.
📍Address: 2-30-4 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 5 min walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 11am–6pm (LO 5:40pm), closed Mon; Mon & Tue from Oct–Mar.