Yanaka moves at a different pace from much of Tokyo. As the city has changed around it, Yanaka has retained its old-fashioned atmosphere. Vacant wooden buildings have been brought back to life as new businesses such as cafés, noodle shops and galleries give them a fresh purpose.

Yanaka is a sector of Taito, Tokyo, Japan and, along with nearby Nezu and Sendagi neighborhoods in Bunkyo ward, is one of the few Tokyo neighborhoods in which the old Shitamachi atmosphere can still be felt. Located north of Ueno, Yanaka includes the large Yanaka Cemetery, which takes up most of Yanaka 7-chome.