Yanagibashi

Tokyo

Yanagibashi
Yanagibashi
Yanagibashi
Yanagibashi
Yanagibashi

Discover this interesting neighbourhood known for its many traditional doll shops that play an important part in local tradition.

Yanagibashi is part of the Asakusabashi area of Tokyo in the Taitō ward. Asakusabashi’s biggest draws for most locals are its huge wholesale stores and its doll shops. Most of the doll shops are concentrated in the Yanagibashi neighbourhood.

Visit Yanagibashi to window-shop in the old-fashioned doll stores and to look out across the Kanda River at the yakatabune boats, traditional low barges that travel up and down the water. You can also board one of the boats here yourself to enjoy a cruise along the Kanda River or the Sumida River, which joins it.

In the 17th century, Yanagibashi rose to prominence as one of the top entertainment areas of the city. Walk along the riverfront today and imagine what this stretch of water looked like when it had geisha houses dotted along its length. Over time, other entertainment districts took over from Yanagibashi, and today the nights here are generally quiet.

Notice how many doll shops are located in Yanagibashi. To get a sense of what the dolls are like, visit Kyugetsu, a doll shop that is less strictly targeted at locals than some of the more exclusive options.

In Japanese tradition, at the beginning of March girls are given Hina dolls styled in the old-fashioned manner of the Heian court. Boys receive samurai dolls at the start of May. Other dolls on sale include kimekomi dolls, which are made from wood or clay.

Make time to visit some of the shrines within walking distance of Yanagibashi: Ichogaoka Hachiman Shrine, Sakaki Shrine and Suga Shrine.

Another sight of historic interest in the area is the pretty green Yanagibashi Bridge. Its current version dates from the early 20th century.

To get to Yanagibashi, take the subway to the Asakusabashi station. When you exit, cross Edo-dori Avenue, the main road running close to the station. Alternatively travel to the Ryogoku station instead and cross the Sumida River, which involves a slightly longer walk.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Yanagibashi

Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport

Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport

4 out of 5
2-7-1 Hanedakuko, Oota, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is RM578 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
RM578
RM645 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

4 out of 5
1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is RM873 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
RM873
RM1,056 total
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main

Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main

4 out of 5
3-2-9 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
The price is RM521 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM521
RM630 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 15 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
Shinjuku Washington Hotel Main
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel

4 out of 5
2-8-16 Shiomi, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is RM1,046 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
RM1,046
RM1,300 total
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower

APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower

3 out of 5
1-11-10 Yokoami, Sumida, Tokyo, Tokyo
The price is RM282 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
RM282
RM341 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
Asakusa View Hotel

Asakusa View Hotel

4 out of 5
3-17-1 Nishiasakusa, Taito, Tokyo, Tokyo-to
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Tokyo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
Asakusa View Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Yanagibashi

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Akihabara

While you're in Akihabara, take in top sights like Akihabara Electric Town and jump on the metro at Suehirocho Station to see more of the city.

Akihabara
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Ueno

4.5/5(87 area reviews)

Travellers choose Ueno for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ueno-okachimachi Station or Ueno-hirokoji Station and check out top sights like Ameyoko Shopping District.

Ueno
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Taito

4.5/5(251 area reviews)

Travellers love Taito for its popular shops, and you can see more of Tokyo by jumping on the metro at Iriya Station or Tawaramachi Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Sensoji Temple and Hanayashiki Amusement Park.

Taito
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Asakusa

5/5(62 area reviews)

Asakusa is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Sensoji Temple or Asakusa Shrine.

Asakusa
Marunouchi featuring a fountain, a park and a high rise building

Marunouchi

4/5(9 area reviews)

Travellers choose Marunouchi for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Nijubashimae (Marunouchi) Station or Otemachi Station and check out top sights like Imperial Garden Theatre.

Marunouchi
Akihabara Electric Town showing signage, street scenes and shopping

Chiyoda

4.5/5(178 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chiyoda. Tokyo Imperial Palace is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Kudanshita Station or Takebashi Station to see more of Tokyo.

Chiyoda


Yanagibashi