My Paper Lungs

Living in a city, or near one, can sometimes take its toll on your so-called inner spirit. Surrounded by high-rise buildings, never having a TRULY quiet moment to yourself, and having to ‘follow the crowd’ wherever you go can get tiresome. No, no, more than tiresome, PISS-ASS BORING.

Seriously, one of the things I hated most about Tokyo was ALL THE PEOPLE. Now, now, don’t look at me like that (yes, stop rolling those eyes), I GET that that’s what living in a city is all about, the hustle and bustle of the people, the constant availability of everything, and that is nice, don’t get me wrong, I love me a Matsuya at 3am. The thing is, if you’re a country girl at heart like me, you’re more use to the rustle of trees than the constant droning of a million of heels on concrete. Just saying.

That being said, I do love the vibrant life a city offers. Just sometimes you need some quiet time, and I’m not talking about snuggled up in bed with Pretty Little Liars. That’s for tonight.

No, I’m talking about the earthly quietness that only space to breathe can give. That sigh that can only occur when you reach your destination of peace and you KNOW there will be no crowd, no bustle, just you and wherever your feet may take you.

That’s what Yanaka Ginza can offer you.

Only really a thirty minute walk North of Ueno Park, which, by the way, is a great place to go for Hanami. JUST LOOK AT THOSE BLOSSOMS.

Yanaka Ginza and the accompanying Yanaka Reien, are just the perfect mix of old and new. The mix of original buildings blend seamlessly into the modern hordes of tourists and residents alike, as all try to get characterful photos of one thing, and one thing only:

Cats.

Yanaka is known as Tokyo’s Cat town, and rightly so.

I, unfortunately, got distracted by all the little crafts on sale on the street, and so didn’t manage to take as many photos of cats as I would have liked. The street is a mix of stalls and shops, which sell unique and mainstream souvenirs. Also, wooden spoons. Everyone needs a little wooden spoon.

There was this black and white dude.

And then this lil’ ginger….fellow in the cemetery.

The cats are mainly strays, but you wouldn’t think it with how well-looked after they are by the local residents. It truly is something different to walk down this street in the center of Tokyo to be greeted by the familiar noise of a cat’s purr.

Yanaka is definitely a place to go. It’s only a short walk from the JR Nippori station, but it feels like you’ve gone further, and back in time. You have the accessibility of being in Tokyo, but the wonders of a pre-war city. You can just imagine what it could have been like in the early Meiji period.

You cannot visit Yanaka without having a stroll through the graveyard.

Anyone who knows me, and knows me well, would know I am IN LOVE with all things creepy, spooky, death-related. If it gives you the shivers I want to know about it. A shout-out to my old goth-self right there.

Graveyards and cemeteries are a particular favourite of mine as you get the creep-factor of “ooo, dead people”, but usually they are the most interesting and peaceful places around. And so so beautiful.

Yanaka Reien did not disappoint.

So, if you are a lover of cats and need a break from the whirlwind fiasco that is Tokyo, then head to Yanaka Ginza, it’s simply cat-tastic.

What would you guys like a town of? Personally, a town of cheese would be AMAZING.

Have a great Wednesday!

N.E.

By the by, little fact: Japan seems to love its little wooden spoons. I only know this as a person I was on my Year Abroad with took to collecting them. She amounted quite an assortment by the end of her stay. I was indeed, very, very jealous.

• If you want to hear another’s experience of Tokyo’s Cat Town, check out Louise Hung’s post here, also a lover of graveyards.
• Also, if you want more pictures of cats in Tokyo, then Okirakuoki is the one to follow on Instagram.

What Book?

BOOK THEME: CATS IN JAPAN

BOOK AUTHOR ANAGRAM: AIRHEAD SAKI HIT