Tokyo Alleyways: Five Locations to Visit in the City!

In many parts of the world, alleyways are the dark in-betweens that often hide refuse, loading bays, and even danger. In Japan, however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. These Tokyo alleyways, known as “yokocho”, are places of fantastic food, great times, and camaraderie.

Home to some of the most memorable eating experiences in the country, yokocho are fusions of an older Tokyo and that of the new, modern era. If you ever travel to Japan and wish to experience a meal to remember, these places are worth visiting.

What is an alleyway?

In Japan, alleyways are called yokocho, or “alleyways off the side of a main street.” While still very narrow and often short, yokocho are small side streets parallel to other major roads. Yokocho is famous for its many eateries, grills, and bars that pack each side of the alleyways. 

Most yokocho were open-air markets following the vast city-wide destruction Tokyo experienced during World War II. Today, yokocho are bustling locations that are brimming with some of the best food available in Japan. Perfect for solo trips or with small groups, yokocho are perfect for quick drinks or longer sit-down meals.

Golden Gai (Shinjuku)

Nestled deep within Kabukicho, Shinjuku is the area known as Golden Gai. It’s a densely packed and incredibly narrow collection of alleys and streets. Bars line each walkway, some exclusive only to existing patrons, with many others catering to casual patrons and tourists alike.

Today, many bars offer exciting themes for their visitors, drawing a wide variety of patrons in for good drinks. For those seeking intimate experiences with plenty of themed bars, Golden Gai is the apparent destination.

Are you looking for some fantastic snacks while touring Tokyo alleyways? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest spring goodies directly from Japan!

Harmonica Alley (Kichijoji)

After World War II, Harmonica Alley in Kichijoji used to be a giant flea market. Now, it is a tight-knit but warm collection of restaurants and shops. During the day, it is famous for its candy stores, fresh seafood, and clothing stores. It transforms into a bustling hot spot of bars, drinking, and eating at night.

Harmonica Alley is famous for its unique standing-only bars known as “tachinomiya”. Countless people gather there to enjoy after-work drinks and conversation. Tachinomiya can become crowded due to their standing-only rules but rarely become overcrowded and dangerous.

Kabutocho (Nihonbashi)

Kabutocho, located in Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is one of the wealthiest and most upscale neighborhoods to visit. Home to the Japan Stock Exchange, Kabutocho has a long and rich history of being a vital center of Japanese commerce.

The neighborhood has enjoyed an excellent revitalization effort in recent years to compensate for many of its older businesses leaving. Don’t worry; in 2020, Time Out ranked Kabutocho as Tokyo’s most excellent neighborhood. Kabutocho is a must-visit for a hip and fun night out.

Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku)

Another remnant of post-World War II Japan, Omoide Yokocho, was once an outdoor market in the heart of Shinjuku. Today, Omoide Yokocho, or “Memory Lane,” is one of Tokyo’s most famous collections of bars and eateries. This is because tight-knit paths are lined with bars, izakaya stalls, and plenty of people. For those seeking a lively and warm evening to spend with friends, Omoide Yokocho undoubtedly earns its name as Memory Lane.

Hoppy-Dori (Asakusa)

If eating on a quick budget is what you’re after, then Hoppy-Doru in Asakusa should be on your list. Hoppy-Dori, or “Hoppy Street” is named after the classic beverage that was once very popular there.

Hoppy was a cheap beer with very little alcohol, and while the street is now famous for its outstanding selection of izakaya eateries, certain places still sell the drink. If the weather is nice, alfresco dining is always a good decision, and Hoppy-Dori should undoubtedly be on your list of places to dine.

Why should I visit these Tokyo alleyways?

Eating at traditional sit-down restaurants in Japan is impressive. However, walking through one of its many yokocho restaurants is an incomparable experience. Family Mart or Lawson’s offer quick eats and snacks, while McDonald’s or KFC provide fast food, but none of these places can compare to a yokocho.

Tokyo alleyways can offer walking through a tight alley crowded with laughing people. The red lights swaying overhead in one of these Tokyo alleyways and the clouds of grill smoke carrying the scents of cooking meat add to the experience.

Sitting at a bar, chatting with the grill cook over freshly skewered chicken and a tall glass of Asahi Super Dry, is an experience every visitor to Japan should have. It is a chance to gaze at the Tokyo night sky and enjoy the moment.

Have you visited any of these Tokyo alleyways before? If so, which ones? What did you have to eat and drink? What was your favorite experience? Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear about the trip to Japan’s famous alleyways!