
Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo worth booking?
Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo is a 7.5-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from $128 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- From
- $128 per person
*Please note that this tour does not use a private vehicle. This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. *Travel to Ueno station using the JR Yamanote Line to be closest to the PARK GATE exit. The tour will provide guests with a well-balanced itinerary including museums, a park and nature, shrines and temples, and traditional architecture. You will walk around the popular and expansive Ueno Park to visit its many temples, shrines, and beautiful landscapes. Known as the place to go if you’re a culture vulture due to its many museums and heritage attractions. You will then visit a bustling and lively retro area of Ueno famous for its old-style shopping arcades and restaurants. You will then visit a perfect example of a Shitamachi or ’lower city’ in Tokyo, Yanaka. A cozy and traditional neighborhood, not many tourists know about, you will step back in time and enjoy an atmosphere that is very different from many parts of Tokyo.
What you get
About this experience
*Please note that this tour does not use a private vehicle. This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. *Travel to Ueno station using the JR Yamanote Line to be closest to the PARK GATE exit. The tour will provide guests with a well-balanced itinerary including museums, a park and nature, shrines and temples, and traditional architecture. You will walk around the popular and expansive Ueno Park to visit its many temples, shrines, and beautiful landscapes. Known as the place to go if you’re a culture vulture due to its many museums and heritage attractions. You will then visit a bustling and lively retro area of Ueno famous for its old-style shopping arcades and restaurants. You will then visit a perfect example of a Shitamachi or ’lower city’ in Tokyo, Yanaka. A cozy and traditional neighborhood, not many tourists know about, you will step back in time and enjoy an atmosphere that is very different from many parts of Tokyo.
What's included
Included
- Admission fees for the museums and Toshogu Shrine
- Local English speaking guide
Not included
- Food and drink
- Trains and transport before and after the tour
What you'll see and do
National Museum of Nature and Science
You will have an introductory guide to the Museum and its history, as well as being shown some of the main attractions there, including a life sized Blue Whale model, a steam locomotive and the taxidermied body of the beloved and legendary dog Hachiko. The architecture of this Meiji period building is also impressive. The museum is large, so we won’t have time to explore it all, but you can enjoy some free time to explore yourself before we meet back up for our second destination.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Ueno Park
We will then head to Ueno Park to explore the beautiful temples, shrines, and lake to enjoy nature and escape from the busyness of Tokyo. The walk around the park is peaceful and you can enjoy a relaxed and slower pace as your guide tells you all about the history and culture of the area. You will experience a variety of temple and shrine architecture, from a large bronze Buddha face, a walkway of red Torii gates, and even a golden shrine! At the lake, you can enjoy seeing many birds and Koi Carp against the backdrop of high rise buildings.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Our final stop in Ueno will be Ameyoko, a retro area known for its shopping and restaurants. You will have a guided tour on the history and significance of the area, before enjoying your lunch break to explore, eat and go shopping if you wish. After lunch, we will have a 20 minute walk to our next destination of Yanaka.
80 minutes here
Yanaka District
For our first Yanaka stop, we will visit a well known museum in Yanaka’s history and art scene. The museum was both the workshop and family house of a famous Japanese Sculptor. You can enjoy viewing the artist’s amazing and unique works on display, but also the architecture of the beautiful traditional Japanese house you will walk around. The museum also has a Japanese style garden built in the centre of it, and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy views of Yanaka and surrounding Tokyo. You can spot the Tokyo Skytree on the expansive horizon!
70 minutes here · Admission included
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
You will then enjoy a guided walk around the shopping district of Yanaka Ginza, where you can feel the cosy and calm atmosphere. Known as Cat town, look out for the many cat statues and cat themed items on display and for purchase! Sample delicious street food, traditional Japanese standing bars, baked goods and visit unique shops to pick up the perfect souvenir. There is even a vintage Kimono shop where you can buy items for as low as 500¥. You will have free time here to enjoy the area at your own pace.
60 minutes here
Yanaka Cemetery
Finally, we will pay a visit to a beautiful and peaceful Buddhist temple with impressive statues of Buddha. You can enjoy a rest here among the tranquility. We will then walk through Yanaka Cemetery and Sakura Dori. Don’t be alarmed, this cemetery is very popular with the locals to stroll through and enjoy nature. In Spring, Sakura Dori is filled with blooming Cherry Blossoms and makes for a magical sight. Yanaka Cemetery is also known for its many famous people laid to rest, including Sumo Wrestlers, Samurai and aristocrats!
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tokyo
Meet your tour guide outside of Ueno Station’s park gate exit. Please follow the signs in Ueno station for the park gate exit and go through the ticket gates and come outside of the station. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A fabulous 7 hour trip round some great sights of Tokyo
Excellent walk round some very interesting parts of Tokyo with a charming and knowledgeable guide. We’d highly recommend it!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We are glad that you enjoyed your time walking around Ueno
via Tripadvisor
Ueno Park and Yanaka Tour
Jeff was an excellent guide for this interesting tour of Ueno Park highlights as well as Yanaka. His knowledge greatly enhanced my tour experience overall.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We are happy that Jeff gave a great tour of the Ueno area and you had a nice time. We hope you enjoyed your day with us and your time here in Japan.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing time in Ueno
Jeff was amazing. He took me throughout all of Ueno and showed me so many cool and easily missable sights. Jeff is very knowledgeable and makes the tour incredibly fun.
via Tripadvisor
Walking Tour Yanaka and Ueno
Beth was excellent, knowledgeable and personable. The entire team was understanding when I was at the wrong meeting point. The tour touched on places that would often be missed.
via Tripadvisor
Five star
The guid was very kind and always answered all the questions we asked about Japan and talked gently and politely to us and we enjoyed being around her
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $128 to $19,800
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.), who run 124 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.8 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.) runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo cost?
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Prices start at $128 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo take?
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Plan for about 7.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.
Is Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo?
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Included: Admission fees for the museums and Toshogu Shrine; and Local English speaking guide. Not included: Food and drink; and Trains and transport before and after the tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo?
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Meet your tour guide outside of Ueno Station’s park gate exit. Please follow the signs in Ueno station for the park gate exit and go through the ticket gates and come outside of the station. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tokyo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ueno and Yanaka Culture Art Walking Tour in Old Tokyo?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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