Yanaka Ginza: Menchi-katsu Shops & Yuyake Dandan Stairs
Tokyo Mate
Want to escape Tokyo's bustling downtown for a charming retro atmosphere?
Yanaka Ginza is your answer!
From how to get there to menchi-katsu shop comparisons and the real status of Yuyake Dandan sunset stairs,
this honest guide covers everything you need to know.
1. What is Yanaka Ginza? 🐈
Yanaka Ginza is a traditional local shopping street located in Taito Ward, Tokyo. With no tall buildings, just low-rise structures lining the street, it’s beloved as Tokyo’s retro sanctuary.
This area has many cat-themed shops, earning it the nickname “Cat Town,” but the real charm lies in its lived-in atmosphere that doesn’t feel touristy. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath and heal during a busy travel schedule.
2. How to Get to Yanaka Ginza 🚃
Yanaka Ginza has excellent accessibility. It’s based at Nippori Station, which you can reach directly from Narita Airport via the Skyliner.
🚃 From Nippori Station to Yanaka Ginza
- Take JR Yamanote Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line to Nippori Station
- Exit through the North Gate
- Head toward the West Exit and walk 5 minutes!
The route is simple, so even first-time visitors won’t get lost.
3. Yuyake Dandan Sunset Stairs 🌇
When you arrive at the shopping street entrance, you’ll encounter a wide staircase. This is Yanaka Ginza’s landmark, Yuyake Dandan (Sunset Stairs).
🌇 Why Yuyake Dandan is Famous
As the name “Sunset Stairs” suggests, the view looking down at the shopping street from the top during sunset is truly beautiful. The reddening sky combined with the working-class street scenery creates a unique atmospheric photo opportunity.
⚠️ Current Construction Status (Tokyo Mate Fact Check)
If you’re visiting now, be aware!
Currently, there’s large-scale building construction happening right next to the stairs (southwest direction). The building has risen quite high, and especially during winter when days are short, it often blocks the sunset direction.
👉 Honest Advice: If you’re expecting a stunning sunset and specifically timing your visit for sunset, you might be disappointed by the gray construction barriers. (I checked this myself 😭)
Enjoy the ‘Atmosphere’ Instead of the Sunset
While the open sunset view isn’t what it used to be, the lively atmosphere of the shopping street viewed from the stairs is still charming. Take a quick photo and head down to the delicious-smelling shopping street!
4. Yanaka Ginza Must-Eat: From Menchi-katsu to Restaurants
When you come to Yanaka Ginza, you must try the famous menchi-katsu and discover hidden gem restaurants for a hearty meal.
⚔️ Menchi-katsu Rivalry Battle (Suzuki vs. Sato)
🥊 Candidate #1. Niku no Suzuki (肉のすずき) 📍Google Maps↗
Juicy! Soft and Sweet Classic Style
The place with the longest line. Made with a golden ratio of beef and pork, it’s juicy and rich, with strong onion sweetness that everyone loves. (Featured on TV multiple times)
🥊 Candidate #2. Niku no Sato (肉のサトー) 📍Google Maps↗
Pure Meat Flavor! Chewy Texture Style
Uses A5-grade wagyu. Coarsely ground meat preserves the chewy texture, with a savory, peppery flavor. Perfect with beer!
📌 Pro Tip: The two shops are just a 1-minute walk apart. Buy one from each with a friend and compare them half-and-half!
🍚 Hearty Meals & Atmospheric Cafes
If street food isn’t enough, enjoy a proper meal and dessert at these atmospheric spots.
1️⃣ TAYORI 📍Google Maps↗
A hidden gem deep in the shopping street’s alleyways. In a warm space converted from an old house, you can taste healthy Japanese home-style set meals made with local ingredients. Highly recommended if you want a non-greasy, refined meal!
✅ Book TAYORI Japanese Home-style Restaurant Online
2️⃣ Waguriya (和栗や) 📍Google Maps↗
Serious about chestnuts. Tabelog Sweets Top 100. Using chestnuts grown in-house in Ibaraki Prefecture, you can taste premium Mont Blanc with the natural nuttiness of chestnuts rather than artificial sweetness.
3️⃣ Echigoya Liquor Store (越後屋酒店) 📍Google Maps↗
The romance of Yanaka Ginza is “street beer”! If you bought menchi-katsu, come straight here. Sit on a beer crate in front of the shop and down a cold draft beer – that’s heaven. 🍺
4️⃣ Himitsudo (ひみつ堂) 📍Google Maps↗
The first name that comes up for Tokyo shaved ice. Made by manually shaving natural ice, it has a different texture that melts smoothly in your mouth. So popular there’s year-round waiting, so challenge it when you have time.
5️⃣ HAGI CAFE 📍Google Maps↗
Located on the first floor of HAGISO, a cultural complex converted from a 60-year-old wooden apartment. The place where you can best feel Yanaka’s unique tranquil atmosphere, with excellent food menu “mackerel sandwich” and coffee. Tabelog 2025 Cafe Top 100.
5. Yanaka Ginza Cat Story 🐈
Yanaka Ginza is famous as a “Cat Town,” but actually, it’s not easy to see real street cats these days. (Don’t expect too much!)
Instead, let me tell you where to meet real cats and hidden cat-finding games.
🏠 Want to See Real Cats? Yadorigi Cafe (宿木カフェ) 📍Google Maps↗
A Rescue Cat Cafe near Yanaka Ginza. If you were disappointed not seeing cats on the street, visit here. It’s a warm space where you can enjoy delicious meals and interact with lovely cats.
✅ Book Yadorigi Rescue Cat Cafe
👀 Shopping Street Hidden Cat Hunt
- Rooftop Cats: Look carefully at the shopping street building roofs and you’ll find 7 life-size cat sculptures hidden.
- Shop Sign Cats: Many shops have cute cat illustrations on their signs.
- Manhole Covers: Special cat-design manhole covers are installed throughout the area.
- Shinimonogurui (しにものぐるい) 📍Google Maps↗: An “evil” cat stamp shop where you can get unique, somewhat mischievous cat-themed goods and custom stamps. Perfect for a unique souvenir!
- Yanaka Shippoya (やなかしっぽや) 📍Google Maps↗: Cute cat tail-shaped donuts. Perfect for gifts or Instagram photos!
6. Is Yanaka Ginza Worth a Special Trip? 🤔
Honest Opinion
Don’t misunderstand! I’m not saying Yanaka Ginza isn’t good. I mean you don’t need to make a special trip from far away.
✅ The Smartest Way to Enjoy It: Utilize Nippori Station, the Skyliner transfer station at the start and end of your trip!
- First Day of Trip: Stop by for lunch while traveling from airport → downtown!
- Last Day of Trip: Stop by for last-minute shopping during spare time before heading to the airport!
➡️ [Skyliner] How to Get from Narita Airport to Nippori
Rather than taking the subway from Shinjuku or Shibuya specifically to come here, naturally incorporating it into your airport transfer route is the smart Tokyo travel expert’s method.
7. Yanaka Ginza Travel Tips 💡
- Business Hours: Most shops open at 11 AM ~ close at 6 PM (they close early in the evening!)
- Shoes: Stairs and hills, so comfortable shoes recommended.
- Recommended Course: Combine with nearby Nezu Shrine for a perfect half-day course.
2 hours before heading to the airport, leave your luggage at the station and leisurely stroll while eating menchi-katsu. That’s the best way to enjoy Yanaka Ginza.
Feel free to leave any questions in the comments! 😊
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