Graves are pictured in the Yanaka Cemetery in Tokyo's Taito district on March 26, 2019. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)        (Photo credit should read CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
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© Charly Triballeau/Getty Images

Yanaka-reien

Ueno & Yanesen


One of Tokyo’s largest graveyards, Yanaka-reien is the final resting place of more than 7000 souls, many of whom were quite well known in their day. It’s also where you’ll find the tomb of Yoshinobu Tokugawa (徳川慶喜の墓), the last shogun. Come spring it is also a popular cherry-blossom-viewing spot.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ueno & Yanesen attractions

1. Tennō-ji

0.15 MILES

This Nichiren-sect temple, on the edge of Yanaka-reien, is noteworthy for its minimalist, modern gate and its centuries-old big bronze Buddha statue.

2. Chōan-ji

0.16 MILES

This small, peaceful temple, one of many scattered around Yanaka, houses one of the seven gods of good fortune, Juro-jin.

3. SCAI the Bathhouse

0.17 MILES

This 200-year-old bathhouse is now an avant-garde gallery, showcasing Japanese and international artists: the vaulted space just as suited for…

4. Kannon-ji

0.17 MILES

This Yanaka temple is known for its part in the story of the 47 ronin (masterless samurai). It was here that they plotted to avenge their master (the…

5. Shitamachi Museum Annex

0.2 MILES

This century-old liquor shop (which operated until 1986) has been returned to its original state, but as a museum of bygone Tokyo, with old sake barrels,…

6. Asakura Museum of Sculpture, Taitō

0.24 MILES

Sculptor Asakura Fumio (artist name Chōso; 1883–1964) built his home studio in the early 20th century and it's very much representative of architecture of…

7. Enju-ji

0.27 MILES

The deity at this temple is Nichika-sama, also known as the 'god of strong legs'; for this reason the temple is popular with runners.

8. Yūyake Dandan

0.3 MILES

Literally the ‘Sunset Stairs’, these stone steps lead down to the classic mid-20th-century shopping street Yanaka Ginza. They are so called because you…