Yanaka Cemetery is a large public cemetery in Tokyo’s Yanaka district, a short walk from Nippori Station and not far from Ueno. Its shady paths pass historic tombs, including the resting place of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun. In spring, cherry trees line the central Sakura-dori avenue, creating a quiet place to see the blossoms away from Ueno Park’s busier paths. Come for a contemplative walk and a glimpse of Tokyo’s history; the cemetery is also easy to pair with Tennōji Temple or Ueno Park.
A cemetery with roots at Tennōji
Yanaka Cemetery began as part of Tennōji Temple. In 1872, the Meiji government took control of the cemetery and made it public as part of its policy separating Shinto and Buddhism. The cemetery opened in 1874 and is now one of Tokyo’s largest.
Its paths lead through a broad area of graves, trees and lanterns. The setting offers a quieter way to encounter the Yanaka district’s history, whose streets retain an older, lower-rise character than many parts of Tokyo.
Sakura-dori in spring
The cemetery’s central avenue is known as Sakura-dori, or Cherry Blossom Avenue. Cherry trees line the route, forming a canopy of blossoms in spring. The avenue is about 100 metres long, and petals can fall across the path even in the rain.
The cherry trees draw people to the cemetery for blossom viewing, but the walk is calm compared with the better-known route in nearby Ueno Park. In other seasons, the trees and shade still make the grounds a pleasant place for a short, reflective stroll.
Historic graves and the pagoda site
Tokugawa Yoshinobu, Japan’s last shogun, is among the notable figures buried here. The Tokugawa family graves are enclosed, so they can be seen through the gates rather than approached. Other graves and memorials have information in Japanese and English, which can help put particular sites into context.
The cemetery grounds also include the remains of Yanaka’s five-storied pagoda. The pagoda was destroyed by fire in 1957 and is recognized as a historic landmark. Treat the cemetery as a place of burial: move quietly and respect the grounds and people who come to pay their respects.
Häufige Fragen
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms at Yanaka Cemetery?
April is the season for cherry blossoms along Sakura-dori, the cemetery’s central avenue.
Can you visit Yanaka Cemetery?
Yes. It is a public cemetery with paths that visitors can walk through. The Tokugawa family graves are enclosed and can be viewed from outside the gates.
How do you get to Yanaka Cemetery?
The cemetery is a short walk from Nippori Station, just outside its south exit.
What can you see at Yanaka Cemetery?
The grounds include historic graves, including Tokugawa Yoshinobu’s, cherry trees along Sakura-dori and the remains of a five-storied pagoda.
