谷中・根津－Yanaka・ Nezu (Jan.2019-No.4)

4.谷中・根津－Yanaka, Nezu － You can enjoy nostalgic old Tokyo

Yanaka is located in east of Tokyo near Ueno Park. As Yanaka is often called Buddhist temple town, there are many temples and small cemeteries in the town. And this town is famous for the traditional shopping and residential district. Fortunately few damages  were done  by the great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 or bombing during WW2.  And it is  said this town is also called the town of cats, because many cats are there. But unfortunately I can't find any cat in this time.

There are many people are strolling around with guidebooks and cameras on even weekdays,  especially groups of old men are found. I hear this area is popular among non-Japanese. Actually I  see non-Japanese stroll in the town. 

If you visit to Yanaka, I recommend to go Yanaka Reien Cemetery and Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street. This cemetery is very large(about 100Km²）, and some famous Japanese are sleeping such as Tokugawa Yoshinobu(1837-1913) , the last Shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate. This shopping street is about 170m long, and there are about 70 shops in both sides of the street, such as restaurants, foods, general goods, souvenir shops, and so on. 

Nezu is famous for Nezu Jinja Shinto Shrine. The place has good and calm atmosphere.  And there are many small vermillion Torii Gates. But the seasons of azalea blossoms (May) and Shichi-Go-San(seven-five-three year children's celebration) (Nov.) are crowded with many people.

 YanakaThere are many temples. The atmosphere is nostalgic and modern.

Yanaka Reien Cemetry ーTokugawa Yosinobu's tomb. I hear this tomb is Shinto style, not Buddhist style. An American family visited here with Japanese guide this day. The father asked several questions about Tokugawa Shogunate and last Shogun Yoshinobu eagerly. The guide explained Japan's history in detail. His young wife and cute two daughters with beautiful blond hair looked bored.

Nezu Jinja Shinto Shrineーespecially Azalea Festival(Apr.-May) and the colored leaves of autumn are recommended.

Many small Torii Gates are there. The height of crossbars are low, so be careful!