Hidden Tokyo: A Guide to Yanesen ( Yanaka, Nezu & Sendagi )
Where to Eat, Shop & Explore in Yanesen
Discover the best places to eat, shop, and explore in Yanesen — Tokyo’s most charming old-town district. From cozy cafés and traditional restaurants to artisan shops and hidden temples, every corner invites you to experience the city’s warm, nostalgic side.
◆ Explore Our Curated Categories
To help you find exactly what you're looking for, we've organized Yanesen's highlights into easy-to-browse categories. Whether you’re seeking a cozy café, a quick snack, local crafts, or cultural spots to explore, simply click the cards below to be guided to detailed lists that match your interests.
👉For deeper insights or any questions, please feel free to use our Get in Touch form.
◆ Yanesen Dining: Trusted Local Picks for Every Traveler
Beyond typical ranking sites, these restaurants are locally loved, time-tested, and genuinely welcoming to visitors. Our selections reflect places residents actually return to—balancing authentic Japanese flavors with approachable international options to suit a wide range of tastes.
Below, you’ll find two curated lists for breakfast and dinner. Many spots also serve lunch, so feel free to stop by whenever hunger strikes during your walk through Yanesen.
🥐 Breakfast Recommendations
*Follow each restaurant name to its full guide page, with more information, photos, and practical tips to help you choose the perfect breakfast stop in Yanesen
A historic kissaten with 1930s charm, serving toast, sandwiches, and breakfast sets. Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, retro Japanese café experience without anything too adventurous. *Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 8am–6pm, closed Mon
B. HAGI CAFE
A stylish, spacious café inside the renovated HAGISO building, offering thoughtfully prepared breakfast plates, excellent coffee, and a contemporary art atmosphere. Ideal for those who want a calm, design-forward start to the day. *Address: 3-10-25 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: Breakfast 8am–10:30am / Lunch 12pm-5pm, closed Mon
A friendly spot on Shinobazu-dori serving freshly shaped onigiri (rice balls) made with high-quality Japanese rice and gentle, home-style flavors. A great way to try a quintessential Japanese breakfast in a relaxed, approachable setting. *Address: 2-31-6 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 9am–3pm, 5:30pm-8pm, closed Wed
D. CIBI Tokyo
An Australian-Japanese café known for its bright, welcoming atmosphere and simple, wholesome breakfast dishes. Their toast plates, salads, and excellent coffee attract both locals and travelers looking for something familiar yet subtly Japanese. *Address: 3-37-11 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 8:30am-4:30pm weekday / 8am-5:30pm weekend
E. HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU (Café & Lounge)
Technically just outside Yanesen, but offering breakfast made with bread from beloved local bakeries—making it a convenient and relaxed way to enjoy “Yanesen flavors” before exploring the neighborhood. Great for early risers. *Address: 4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 7am–10pm
🍽️ Dinner Recommendations
*Follow each restaurant name to its full guide page, with more information, photos, and practical tips to help you choose the perfect dinner stop in Yanesen
1. Restaurant MOMO (Bistro French)
A cozy bistro tucked near Nezu Station, serving carefully prepared French-inspired plates in a relaxed homey atmosphere — perfect when you seek a mellow, delicious dinner after a day of strolling. *Address: 2-15-15 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 11:30am-3pm (LO 2pm), 5:30pm-10pm (LO 9pm), closed Wed
2. bar hosterｉa COMUM (Italian)
A small Italian osteria offering house-made pasta and seasonal antipasti; warm lighting and modest size make it ideal for couples or small groups seeking comfort and warmth over food and wine. *Address: 1-2-18 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 3pm-10:30pm L.O. 9:30pm, closed Tue
3. Hantei (Kushikatsu / Japanese deep-fried skewers)
A historic, three-story wooden house designated as a cultural property — dine on kushikatsu and seasonal skewers while enjoying old-Tokyo ambience. English menu and friendly staff make it accessible even for first-time visitors. *Address: 2-12-15 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: Lunch 11:30am-3pm L.O. 2pm; Dinner 5pm-10pm L.O. 9pm; closed Mon
4. Nezu Kamachiku (Udon & Izakaya)
A respected udon house housed in a renovated stone warehouse — satisfying portions, perfectly balanced dashi broth, and a full selection of sake and side dishes make it a satisfying choice for a relaxed Japanese meal. *Address: 1-1-19 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: Wed–Sun & Holidays 11:30am–2:30pm / 5:30pm–11:00pm (L.O. 9:30pm); Mon 11:30am–2:30pm; Closed Tue.
5. CHYANGRA (Nepalese Cuisine)
A cozy Nepalese restaurant offering comforting, gently spiced dishes like dal and vegetable curries — a nice alternative when you want flavor that’s warm and nourishing, easy on the stomach after a full day of sightseeing. *Address: 2-20-1 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm
6. Babu-Bal (Vietnamese Cuisine)
Vietnamese dishes and friendly vibes make this spot ideal for travelers craving something different yet light. Pho, fresh spring rolls, and iced coffee offer a refreshing dinner option in Nezu’s mix of cuisines. *Address: 1-1-19 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 11:30am–2pm (L.O. 2pm), 5:30pm–11pm (L.O. 10pm), closed Tue, lunch only on Mon
7. TAYORI (Japanese home-style dish)
A relaxed cafe-restaurant near Yanaka Ginza offering approachable, well-balanced washoku set meals and seasonal small plates. With English menus and a welcoming vibe, it’s a perfect, budget-friendly spot for travelers to enjoy a satisfying Japanese dinner. *Address: 3-12-4 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 12pm-8pm (LO 7:30pm), closed Mon, Tue
8. BUZZED LAMB BREWING (Craft Beer & Pub Food)
A small craft brewery in a century-old house offering boldly flavored beers and pub-style dishes — perfect for a relaxed, local-style night out. *Address: 4-2-39 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: Wed–Fri, 12pm – 3pm & 4pm – Close. Sat/Sun, 12pm – Close. (Closed Mon/Tue) Note: Closing times vary (8pm – 10pm) and last orders are earlier. Check the official website or ask staff for today's details.
9. Menya Hidamari (Ramen)
A modest ramen shop serving clean, comforting salt-based ramen and tsukemen that locals recommend. The simple, soothing broth and tender pork slices create a relaxed dinner vibe after a long day of walking around Yanesen. This place is ideal for travelers seeking an easy, warm, and budget-friendly meal. *Address: 3-43-9 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: 11:30am-3pm, 6:30pm-8:30pm, closed Mon
10. STRAND BURGERS (Handcrafted burgers)
A casual burger pub just minutes from Sendagi Station, offering juicy patties and cozy seating. Perfect for a laid-back dinner or a quick bite after exploring. Their friendly atmosphere and reliable menu make it ideal for solo travelers or small groups seeking comfort food in a comfortable setting. *Address: 2-28-7 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map > *Opening hours: Mon/Thu/Fri 11:30am–4pm L.O. 3pm, 5pm–10pm L.O. 9pm; Sat/Sun/Holidays 11:30am–9pm L.O. 8pm; Closed Tue, Wed.
📍Yanesen Dining Map
*Each place in the list above (A～E, 1～10) appears on the map with the same letter or number.
Just follow the matching icons to locate each spot easily as you explore the area.