Despite the name, Yanaka Ginza shopping street is actually located in Taito, not Ginza. Yanka is a quiet residential district that still feels like Old Japan. Similar to Asakusa, wandering the streets here is like stepping back in time. Vendors are selling everything from toys, souvenirs, household items, kitchenware, chopsticks, kimonos, fresh fish, even food of all shapes and forms, including meat, fresh produce, and freshly baked sweets and deserts.

Yanaka Ginza is a much more relaxed and laid-back market when compared to others; however, just a friendly heads-up that Sunday is the busiest day here. Also, do not forget to check out a couple of the 100 yen shops before you leave, Japan’s version of the Dollar Store.

Nearby: Yanesen Tourist Information and Cultural Centre, as well as Yanaka Cemetery, the resting place of the last shogun of the Edo Period, Tokugawa Yoshinobu.