Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane)
Ask ThatchGPT
Recommend a local expert to help plan my Tokyo trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Tokyo trip
What foods do Tokyo locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Tokyo
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Tokyo
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Tokyo
What people say
Round Trip Weekend
Available for hire
"Also know as Nighttime Alley, or as I like to call it, the Instagrammable food haven. Imagine the tiniest food stalls huddled together in this narrow street, dishing out the kind of eats that smell so delicious.
Now, they're Yakitori specialists, masters of skewers with meats that'll make your taste buds giddy! Walking down this alley is like a symphony of sizzling goodness – you catch a whiff of each stall doing their magic on individual grills, and it's basically carnivore nirvana.
Something to note: they've got a cover charge going on at each stall, so pick carefully.
We stumbled upon this little sushi spot in the midst of it all, a place called Sushi Tatsu. And let me tell you, the sushi was nothing short of mind-blowing, no cover charge needed. It's these hidden gems that make the food adventure worthwhile. Now, getting there is a short walk from Shinjuku Station – a few blocks.
We rolled in around 5:30-6 pm, and by the time we settled, the place was buzzing, especially on a weekend. Quick tip: no reservations, so plan accordingly. Nighttime Alley, where small streets lead to big flavor, and the unexpected becomes the star of the show"
Read more in:
Gerard Clark
Available for hire
"Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, Tokyo is a warren of small alleys crammed with izakaya-type restaurants appealing to office works and foreign visitors alike.
Note: most of these places only accept cash and you often have to buy a drink and food to sit. There is not a lot of english spoken so come armed with google translate or some basic Japanese.
Starting out as an illegal drinking quarter in the late 1940s, this narrow side street quickly became a prime spot for cheap drinks, yakitori and cabaret-style hostess bars. Due to the lack of restroom facilities, patrons would wander off and relieve themselves on the nearby train tracks, and it didn’t take long for Piss Alley to earn its name.
In those days, the area provided a social space for local residents who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford such luxuries as meat and alcohol in the impoverished post-war economy.
Try the horse penis and pig testicles at Asadachi "
Read more in:
Kelsie Naugler
Available for hire
"Omoide Yokocho, nestled in the heart of Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku district, is a charming labyrinth of narrow alleys and vibrant izakayas that transport visitors to a bygone era. Also known as "Memory Lane" or "Piss Alley," this nostalgic enclave is a culinary haven, offering an authentic taste of traditional Japanese street food and grilled delights. Illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns, Omoide Yokocho exudes an intimate and lively atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and tourists seeking a taste of old Tokyo. The scent of yakitori and sizzling dishes wafts through the air, inviting patrons to cozy, lantern-lit stalls that line the alleys. It's a culinary journey that not only delights the palate but also immerses visitors in the rich cultural tapestry of Tokyo's culinary heritage. Eat at one of the yakitori stalls, SO GOOD and the decor changes with the seasons! "
Mentioned in these guides
About Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane)
Get the inside scoop on Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane) from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Omoide Yokochō (Memory Lane) reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
Website
Phone
Save this spot for later or start mapping out a new trip today
Try our AI Travel Assistant and get instant answers to any questions about your trip.
Ask ThatchGPT