Yuyake Dandan

Yanaka is a charming historic district in the northeast of Tokyo, known for its old buildings, quaint winding alleyways and the retro Yanaka Ginza shopping street, which dates back to the 1940s. To the north of the shopping street, the Yuyake Dandan (literally, ‘sunset staircase’ in Japanese) is a famous feature of the area. A position at the top of the staircase will grant you a magnificent sunset view. You’ll get a glimpse of an older, slower-paced Tokyo through the illuminated arch announcing the entrance to Yanaka Ginza, with the scattering of shops full of locals, aglow in the light from the setting sun. Head over an hour or so before sunset to explore the area and make the most of the casual street eats.