After living in Tokyo for a short while you soon realise that it’s actually a conglomerate of many smaller cities linked together by the all-encompassing rail networks, each with its own unique feel.
![Yanaka Ginza](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9591443946_38e4f68ec5_b.jpg)
While the likes of Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Roppongi are neon-soaked affairs, it’s not until you venture into some of the smaller districts that you get a feeling for the more traditional side of the city.
![Yanaka Butchers](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9591445002_1a873a7071_b.jpg)
A far cry from its glitzy cousin, Yanaka Ginza is a traditional shopping street that dates back to the Edo period. Yanaka (谷中) lies not far from Ueno Park on the east side of Tokyo.
![Yanaka Snake Street](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9588650877_a1780d782b_b.jpg)
After a crossing at the end, it turns into Snake Street (ヘビ道), a narrow winding road as the name suggests, full of small craft shops and restaurants.
![Kyou-ji Cemetery](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9588652041_ed52b0f4f0_b.jpg)
The area is also home to a huge number of small temples, most of which you can freely wander into and look around.
![Shrine in Yanaka](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8709723263_609f385a76_b.jpg)
![Wrapped Up Statue](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8710846614_07dd6d09d8_b.jpg)
![Yanaka Cemetery](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9591450124_2daa8c7539_b.jpg)
Yanaka is probably most well known for its large cemetery (谷中霊園) which is home to around 7,000 graves. Far from being morbid, it makes for a nice stroll, especially during cherry blossom season.
![Cemetery](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8709722631_765b6d63b0_b.jpg)
![Bronze Buddha](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9588655553_41b70a8dd9_b.jpg)
On your way through it’s worth paying a visit to Tennoji Temple which lies in the northern corner of the cemetery and has a very peaceful atmosphere.
![Tennoji Temple](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9591452178_c66f21fbbd_b.jpg)
![Water Lilies](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9591454066_c2b51c6a75_b.jpg)
![Inner Courtyard](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9588659495_e7bf01184d_b.jpg)
![Made In Japan](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9591456146_20247ec841_b.jpg)
![1 in a thousand](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8709726771_21a6160b60_b.jpg)
![Old Sake Shop](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/9588661465_729af293f6_b.jpg)
You might also come across the Old Yoshida Sake Store which is one of the few remaining traditional buildings from the Edo period in the area. Since it’s now a museum you might be left thirsty though!
![Temple in Yanaka](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8709724595_7dbeefa528_b.jpg)
![Colourful Deity](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8709725257_5c322e4491_b.jpg)
For those visiting Tokyo, Yanaka makes a nice alternative to the more busy and touristy Asakusa with just as much to explore.
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