Yanaka-Ginza, Nezu, and Setagaya

Okay, so after hitting some of the big-name areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. We decided to visit some of the lesser known but still charming districts that each seem to have their own iconic animal. These probably won’t make a full day on their own (we did all three in one day), but are worth checking out if nearby. May I present Yanaka-Ginza, Nezu, and Setagaya.

Yanaka-Ginza

There is a massive cemetery nearby and the last time we were here, we spent all of our time there. But Yanaka-Ginza also has a traditional shopping street that looks like it never quite left the 1950’s.

Above many of the shops and restaurants are signs that show what is inside. In this case, a ramen shop sits below.

Every once in a while, there will be a plastic cat somewhere along the way. Maybe in front of a store. Maybe on a rooftop. Also note the little speaker on the lamp post. This area plays soothing Ghibli Studio-esque music in the streets which adds to the charming quality.

There are also a few side streets to wander that have pet cafes, drink cafes, small shops, and restaurants.

Nezu

Nezu has a more local vibe with unique themed cafes, but the main place that we came to visit was their Shinto shrine.

Of course there is the main temple area, but there are also some side shrines worth checking out. Including this row of tori gates.

And a small shrine with fox gods and their decorative red garments.

In Shibuya, everyone clamors around the statue of Hachiko, the Akita who waited by the station every day for his owner until he died. While that is a great little statue, I much prefer the one at the Tokyo University which shows Hachiko re-united with his master on the ground of the actual university where he taught.

Setagaya

Setagaya is a quiet suburb, but it is getting more popular for one specific attraction. Here’s a hint. See the white figure above the door?

Gōtokuji Temple is also known as the lucky cat temple (Maneki-Neko, a.k.a. the beckoning cat) and has a whole outdoor area filled with these ceramic white figures which can be purchased from the nearby office shop.

The story starts back in the 1600’s when a cat led a Hikone Domain Lord to shelter at a temple just before a thunderstorm hit. Real cats do still prowl around the area, and if you see them, they are considered good luck.

Setagaya has a more local vibe, which makes it a calm place to explore. We stumbled across this coffee shop. While it may look like a train car, look through the window to see the cashier counter on the right side and then the doors leading to the outdoors. Definitely one of the more realistic themes!

Honorable neighborhood mentions goes to the Ueno Ameyoko shopping street for their very cool market atmosphere under the train tracks.