🇯🇵 Tokyo Day Trip Itinerary: Nippori – Old Tokyo Charm in a Day
#tokyospots
If you’re looking to experience Tokyo’s traditional, peaceful side far from the crowds of Shibuya and Shinjuku, Nippori is the perfect one-day getaway. Located in the old-town area of Yanaka, Nippori blends nostalgic streets, local life, temples, cat cafés, and even fabric shopping into a charming Tokyo experience.
🗓️ Nippori One-Day Itinerary Highlights
🚉 How to Get There
• JR Nippori Station (Yamanote Line)
• Also accessible via Keisei Line (direct from Narita Airport), making it a great first or last-day trip
☀️ Morning: Explore Yanaka Ginza
A retro shopping street lined with old snack shops, crafts, bakeries, and friendly cats!
🛍 Must-try:
• Menchi-katsu (fried minced meat cutlet) from Niku no Suzuki
• Traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi)
• Local souvenirs, pottery, and handmade accessories
• Take a photo at the Sunset Stairs (Yuyake Dandan), a popular photo spot with cats lounging nearby 🐱
🧘 Midday: Temple Walks & Cemetery Stroll
• Tennoji Temple: Quiet Buddhist temple with a peaceful garden and bronze Buddha statue
• Yanaka Cemetery: Surprisingly beautiful and atmospheric, especially during cherry blossom season
The cemetery is the final resting place of many historical figures, and offers a tranquil walking path through old Tokyo.
🖼️ Optional Stop: Asakura Museum of Sculpture
• A hidden gem showcasing the works of sculptor Asakura Fumio
• Traditional house + beautiful Japanese garden = serene cultural moment
🎫 ~500 yen entrance fee
🐾 Afternoon: Café Time or Cat Café
Nippori and Yanaka are known for cats! You’ll see lots on the streets and signs.
• Visit Nekoemon Cat Café (猫衛門), a peaceful café with feline friends
• Or stop by Kayaba Coffee, a Taisho-era house-turned-retro café for coffee and toast with a nostalgic flair
🎨 Evening: Nippori Textile Town (Fabric Town)
If you’re into crafts, fashion, or sewing, this is a must!
The stretch near Nippori Station has over 80 shops selling fabrics, buttons, zippers, lace, and more.
• Tomato is the largest and most famous store (5 floors!)
🧵 Great place to buy unique souvenirs or inspiration for a DIY project.
🌅 Bonus: Sunset at Yanaka’s Rooftop Viewpoint
Check out the rooftop of Yanaka Ginza Rest Area or stroll back to the Sunset Stairs for one last golden hour moment.
📝 Summary
📍 Nippori/Yanaka Area
🕒 Suggested time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎯 Perfect for: Slow travel, culture lovers, photographers, cat fans, vintage Tokyo vibe
#trip