Yanaka Cemetery, Tokyo - a cemetery with a large rock in the middle of it
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Yanaka Cemetery Tokyo

4.1
·872 reviews·Taito City, Japan

A vast, serene cemetery in Tokyo, famous for its cherry blossoms and historic graves, adjacent to a charming old-town shopping street.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Sakura season magic

CrowdMedium
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Yanaka Cemetery, Tokyo - a cemetery with a large rock in the middle of it

Yanaka Cemetery Tokyo

Best Time

Spring mornings

Sakura season magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast, serene cemetery in Tokyo, famous for its cherry blossoms and historic graves, adjacent to a charming old-town shopping street.

4.1
(872 reviews)

"A peaceful escape with stunning cherry blossoms and a nostalgic shopping street nearby."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Just wander around the Yanaka district; it has an old-town ambiance.

🌸 Cherry Blossom Peak

Visit during sakura season for a truly magical, pink-hued experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sakura Spectacle

Sakura Spectacle

Throughout the cemetery

Thousands of cherry trees create a breathtaking pink canopy, transforming the cemetery into a magical wonderland.

Historic Gravesites

Historic Gravesites

Various sections

Discover the final resting places of renowned artists, actors, and historical figures, offering a glimpse into Japan's past.

Peaceful Pagoda Views

Peaceful Pagoda Views

Central area

A striking five-story pagoda stands amidst the greenery, offering a serene focal point and picturesque photo opportunities.

Yanaka Ginza Charm

Yanaka Ginza Charm

Adjacent to the cemetery

Explore this charming, old-school shopping street for retro vibes, delicious street food, and unique souvenirs.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Serenity

Yanaka Cemetery is a vast, peaceful escape. For the quietest experience, aim for weekdays outside of peak cherry blossom season. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more contemplative atmosphere, avoiding the midday crowds that can gather, especially during popular times.

Respectful Exploration

While Yanaka Cemetery is a beautiful and historic site, remember it's a place of rest. Visitors suggest a quiet, respectful demeanor is key. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so be mindful of ongoing ceremonies or private moments.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Sakura season magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter, contemplative
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful fall colors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Had the best day out in Yanaka Ginza 🐱 I NEVER thought I’d join a tour group, but I actually had the best time eating and exploring with Rin. Yanaka Ginza is a shopping street with some retro Japan vi...
@blake.in.tokyo
89.9K likes • 971.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Just wander around the Yanaka district; it has an old-town ambiance. Instagram+1

🌸 Cherry Blossom Peak

Visit during sakura season for a truly magical, pink-hued experience. Instagram+2

Have u ever visited Yanaka Ginza? It's a fun little place to spend an hour or two while having some snacks and picking up a few souvenirs 🎌💫 Be sure to get our Lost in Japan Crate out now! 🫰🏻 #yanakag...
@japancrate
23.3K likes • 386.4K views
Found another peaceful hidden spot in Tokyo - Yanaka Cemetery. 🐈‍⬛ Despite the drizzle, strolling through this serene place surrounded by temples and cute local kitties was magical. Don’t miss the gra...
ejdn
17 likes • 693 views

🐱 Cat Spotting

Keep an eye out for the many friendly local cats that roam the cemetery grounds. Instagram

🛍️ Snack at Yanaka Ginza

Don't miss the adjacent Yanaka Ginza shopping street for delicious street food and souvenirs. TikTok+1

You might have heard about the cemetery in Yanaka, which is the biggest and oldest one in Tokyo and very popular during Cherryblossom season. Zōshigaya Cemetery is a historic site in Toshima Ward, Tok...
tina_huegel_travelguide
28 likes • 648 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Just wander around the Yanaka district; it has an old-town ambiance. Instagram+1

🌸 Cherry Blossom Peak

Visit during sakura season for a truly magical, pink-hued experience. Instagram+2

🐱 Cat Spotting

Keep an eye out for the many friendly local cats that roam the cemetery grounds. Instagram

🛍️ Snack at Yanaka Ginza

Don't miss the adjacent Yanaka Ginza shopping street for delicious street food and souvenirs. TikTok+1

🤫 Be Respectful

Remember it's a cemetery; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(872 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Yanaka Cemetery for its immense beauty, especially during cherry blossom season, and its peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. The adjacent Yanaka Ginza shopping street is a popular draw for its nostalgic charm and delicious street food. Some find the sheer size overwhelming, and it's important to remember its primary function as a resting place.

"Fascinating & interesting place to visit.
An easy walk and plenty of shade trees, but very few places to sit.
Watch out for the crows, they are prone to swoop, just like magpies!
Recommend a visit, even if your transiting from one location to the next."

Justan Knoff

"Normally most japanese cemeteries seem to be walled or fenced off inside some temple but this is just out there in the open and its massive in scale. Honestly feels like another random park/garden you would encounter in the city but its just a graveyard.

Extremely peaceful and quiet, I heard there used to be many cats around but I didnt get to see a single one which was a big letdown but tons of birds everywhere.

Of you happen to be in the Ueno area I would recommend walking through the park up towards the National Museum and then past the cemetery to hit Yanaka Ginza."

Ahara Darkspear

"One of the best streets in Tokyo to visit during Sakura Season (Cherry Blossoms) without any tourist! The cementery itself looks awesome also, beautiful scenery and has clean public restrooms. One of my best highlight in Tokyo regarding the Cherry Blossoms and the low quantity of people walking by."

Mauricio Lozano

What People Like

Stunning cherry blossoms
Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Historic gravestones

What People Dislike

Can be very large
Crowded during peak season

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Yanaka Cemetery is easily accessible by public transport. The closest station is Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote Line, just a 5-minute walk away. You can also reach it via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Sendagi Station or the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Uguisudani Station, both a short walk from the cemetery. TikTok+1

Yes, Yanaka Cemetery is located in the Ueno area and is walkable from Ueno Park, making it a convenient addition to your itinerary if you're exploring that popular district. Instagram

The Yanaka area, including the cemetery and Yanaka Ginza shopping street, is best explored on foot. This allows you to soak in the old-town atmosphere and discover hidden gems. Instagram+1

Yes, you can use a taxi or ride-sharing service to get to Yanaka Cemetery. It's a good option if you're short on time or prefer direct transport. Reddit

Parking is generally limited and not recommended for visitors. It's best to rely on public transportation or walking to reach the cemetery and surrounding areas. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Yanaka Cemetery is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and explore its grounds freely. Reddit

Yanaka Cemetery is generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it is a public cemetery. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience and safety. Reddit

While open at all hours, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to appreciate the scenery. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more peaceful experience. Reddit

As a place of rest, visitors are expected to be respectful. Avoid loud noises, littering, or disturbing any gravesites. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted, but always be mindful and respectful of the solemn nature of the location. Avoid intrusive photography of gravesites or any ongoing ceremonies. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The cherry blossom-lined paths during spring are incredibly photogenic. The five-story pagoda also offers a striking visual element. Look for interesting gravestone inscriptions and the serene, tree-lined avenues. Instagram+2

Absolutely! Yanaka Cemetery is renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring, making it a prime location for photographers seeking beautiful sakura shots. Instagram+2

While you can photograph gravestones, it's crucial to do so respectfully. Avoid close-ups of names or dates if they seem too personal, and never disturb the graves. Reddit

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive grounds and pagoda, while a telephoto can isolate details. Instagram

There are no explicit photography restrictions for general visitors, but always exercise discretion and respect. Avoid using flash photography directly on graves or disturbing the peace. Instagram

🍽️ 🛍️ Food & Dining

The adjacent Yanaka Ginza shopping street is the perfect place to find delicious street food, snacks, and small eateries. You can find everything from savory treats to sweet delights. TikTok+1

Yanaka Ginza offers a variety of traditional Japanese street foods, including grilled skewers, sweet pastries, local snacks, and refreshing drinks. It's a great spot for a casual and tasty meal. TikTok+1

No, there are no restaurants or food vendors within Yanaka Cemetery itself, as it is a place of rest. All dining options are located in the surrounding Yanaka district, particularly Yanaka Ginza. TikTok+1

Picnicking is generally not encouraged within the cemetery grounds out of respect for the deceased. It's better to enjoy your food in the nearby Yanaka Ginza or designated park areas. Reddit

Popular items include menchi-katsu (fried minced meat cutlet), senbei (rice crackers), and various sweet mochi. Exploring and trying different snacks is part of the fun! TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Yanaka Cemetery can be a surprisingly engaging visit for families, offering a blend of history, nature, and a touch of mystery. The vast open spaces provide room for children to explore (respectfully, of course), and the many trees and pathways can feel like a gentle adventure. The adjacent Yanaka Ginza shopping street is a major draw for kids, offering a variety of fun street foods and snacks that are perfect for little ones. TikTok+1

Consider focusing on the more visually interesting aspects, like the pagoda and the cherry blossoms during season. You can also turn it into a 'treasure hunt' to find interesting gravestone designs or spot the resident cats. Just ensure everyone understands the importance of being quiet and respectful within the cemetery grounds. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Photographers

Yanaka Cemetery is an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking a peaceful and reflective experience. Its expansive grounds offer ample opportunities for quiet contemplation, and the lack of overwhelming crowds (especially on weekdays) makes it easy to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Photographers will find a wealth of subjects, from the intricate details of gravestones and temple architecture to the sweeping vistas during cherry blossom season. Instagram+2

For photographers, the interplay of light and shadow among the trees, the striking pagoda, and the seasonal blooms provide endless creative possibilities. The adjacent Yanaka Ginza offers a vibrant contrast for street photography, capturing the essence of old Tokyo. Remember to be discreet with your camera to maintain the cemetery's serene ambiance. Instagram

🌸 Cherry Blossom Enthusiasts

If you're visiting Tokyo during cherry blossom season, Yanaka Cemetery is an absolute must-see. The cemetery is lined with thousands of cherry trees that erupt in a spectacular display of pink and white, creating an ethereal and unforgettable landscape. It's a prime spot for capturing stunning sakura photos and experiencing the beauty of Japanese spring. Instagram+2

Be prepared for larger crowds during peak bloom, especially on weekends. Visiting on a weekday morning can offer a slightly more tranquil experience. The combination of the solemnity of the cemetery and the ephemeral beauty of the blossoms creates a unique and poignant atmosphere. Instagram+2

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Stroll Through History and Nature

Yanaka Cemetery, established in 1874, is one of Tokyo's largest and most historic cemeteries. It spans a vast, hilly area and is renowned for its serene atmosphere, dotted with numerous temples and the final resting places of many prominent Japanese figures, including artists, writers, and actors. The cemetery's beauty is amplified by its lush greenery and the striking five-story pagoda that serves as a central landmark. InstagramReddit

During spring, the cemetery transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of pink as thousands of cherry trees bloom, creating a magical tunnel of blossoms. This makes it an incredibly popular spot for photographers and visitors seeking to experience the iconic sakura season. Even outside of cherry blossom season, the cemetery offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, with its winding paths and quiet contemplation spaces. Instagram+2

Adjacent to the cemetery is Yanaka Ginza, a charming, old-fashioned shopping street that retains a nostalgic 'Shitamachi' (old downtown) atmosphere. This vibrant street is perfect for experiencing local life, sampling delicious street food, and picking up unique souvenirs, offering a delightful contrast to the solemnity of the cemetery. TikTok+1

Navigating Yanaka Cemetery: Tips for Visitors

Yanaka Cemetery is a sprawling site, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. The terrain can be hilly in parts, so be prepared for inclines. While the cemetery is open 24/7, visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be the quietest times, offering a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Respect is paramount when visiting any cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a quiet demeanor, avoid loud conversations, and refrain from disturbing any gravesites or ongoing ceremonies. While photography is generally allowed, be mindful and discreet, especially when capturing images of gravestones. InstagramReddit

For those interested in the historical figures buried here, some online resources can help identify notable graves. The cemetery is also a fantastic place for cat lovers, as many friendly stray cats can be found lounging among the tombstones. InstagramReddit

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