Hidden Tokyo: A Guide to Yanesen ( Yanaka, Nezu & Sendagi )
Living in Yanesen – Insights and Stories from a Local Guide
Beyond the first impressions and "must-see" spots, Yanesen reveals its true character through the quiet rhythms of daily life. In this series, we look past the landmarks to explore the neighborhood as a place where people live, work, and grow. These are the stories of the familiar streets, morning routines, and small, meaningful moments that make Yanesen not just a destination, but a home..
◆ Episode 8: My Favorite Places to Eat in Yanesen (Part 3)
In previous episodes, I’ve shared some of my favorite spots to sit down and enjoy a meal in Yanesen. But eating here isn’t only about restaurants — it’s also about picking up something delicious to go and savoring it as you stroll through quiet streets or rest in a nearby park. In this third part, I’ll introduce two takeout-only places that embody the relaxed, everyday charm of Yanesen life.
・Nezu no Taiyaki (根津のたいやき)
I’ve probably eaten their taiyaki more than a hundred times. My first encounter was about 30 years ago, when a friend who lived in Yanesen brought some as a gift. The shop was run by the founder back then, but even under the second generation, the taste remains the same — it’s truly one of Tokyo’s most beloved taiyaki shops.
For those unfamiliar, taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste — crispy on the outside, soft inside, and best enjoyed freshly made.
Here, each taiyaki is carefully baked one by one, filled with red bean paste that reaches right to the tip of the tail. The batter has a fragrant aroma and a slightly chewy texture that locals can’t resist.
It’s a true neighborhood classic, known by almost everyone in Nezu. The shop usually opens only from around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, so if you’re visiting Nezu Shrine during that time, don’t miss your chance to stop by.
📍Address: 1-23-9-104 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map >
🚃Access: 5 min walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 10am–2pm, closed Sat, Sun, and holidays.
Just a short walk from Nezu Shrine, Ichiroan is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1903. Small and unpretentious, it captures the timeless spirit of old Tokyo. Behind its glass showcase, you’ll find a beautiful array of wagashi — delicate Japanese sweets crafted with seasonal motifs.
While everything here is worth trying, the Yau Monaka (a crisp wafer filled with red bean paste) is the shop’s signature item — refined, nostalgic, and full of character.
If you prefer something more portable, try their dorayaki or hanabira mochi, which are individually wrapped and perfect for enjoying as you stroll through the neighborhood.
📍Address: 2-14-9 Mukougaoka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map >
🚃Access: 10 min walk from Nezu Station or Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 9am–6pm (until 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). Closed on Tuesdays.
Even without tables or menus, these little takeout spots reflect the same warmth and authenticity that define Yanesen — a neighborhood where even a simple snack can become part of its quiet, everyday story.
