Back to Showa Period– 5 historical Izakaya alleyways in Tokyo
12/08/2016
Dining in an Izakaya in Tokyo is best way to experience for tourists who loves traditional Japanese culture. Izakaya is absolutely the best place to unwind and chat with your friends. There are numerous Izakaya in the center of Tokyo, like Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ueno. When we talk about Izakaya streets in Tokyo, we may think of Omoide Yokocho (思い出横丁) in Shinjuku. Omoide Yokocho becomes popular in recent years. Not only Omoide Yokocho, but there are also other Izakaya alleyways in Tokyo. Izakaya alleyways will become crowded in the night. Today, I am going to introduce 5 historical Izakaya streets in Tokyo. Let’s go!
Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho means Memory Lane in English. We can trace its history back to 1940s post-war Tokyo. We will back to good Showa times when we enter Omoide Yokocho. Omoide Yokocho is easy to access because its convenient location - just a few minutes walk from Shinjuku Station. Not only Izakaya, but there are also different traditional and old Japanese restaurants in Omoide Yokocho such as ramen shops, sushi restaurants, cafes and pubs. Toriyaki Izakaya is also the highlight in Omoide Yokocho, especially a Izakaya named Tori-en. Tori-en is a traditional Yakitori Izakaya providing different types of Japanese food such as Sashimi and Montsuki. They also offer traditional Japanese seats on 2nd floor, that it becomes popular among Japanese women. English menu is also available, and there is no need to worry about communication barriers. The Izakaya is open from 12pm on the weekend, the travelers who have packed schedule can visit this Izakaya in the afternoon. Omoide Yokocho is a unique street in this bustling Shinjuku. In Omoide Yokocho, you will experience traditional Japanese culture or have interesting conversation with locals. Enjoy!
Name: Shinjuku West Exit Omoide Yokocho
Location: 1 chome, Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo
Access: 2-min walk from Shinjuku Station (West Exit) on JR Line, Tokyo Metro Line, Odakyu Line and Keio Line.
Restaurant: Tori-en (English Menu Available)
Opening hours: Tues ~ Sat: 12:00~23:40(L.O.23:00)
Mon: 13:00~23:40(L.O 23:00)
Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13100378/
Nonbei Yokocho Shibuya
Many people will think that Shibuya is the center for popular culture and fashion because there are many popular restaurants and shopping located in Shibuya. The hidden street located in the heart of Shibuya will give you surprise. The street is named Nonbei Yokocho Shibuya, and you will be back to Showa era when you step into this street. There are over 40 restaurants in Nonbei Yokocho Shibuya. Therefore of the increasing number of young customers, not only the traditional Japanese restaurants, but there are also modern restaurants like bars and French restaurant. Nonbei Yokocho Shibuya is famous for its Yakitori and Oden. A Yakitori restaurant named Tori Fuku is highly recommended. Tori Fuku is an old restaurant which has been here over 80 years. When we talk about Oden, Nada is the best Oden restaurant in Nonbei Yokocho Shibuya. They offer delicious food with competitive price (200yen for each item). Thousands of people and train sounds make everything there magical and wonderful.
Name: Nonbei Yokocho Shibuya
Location: 1-25-10,Shibuya, Tokyo
Access: 2-min walk from Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit) on JR Line. From Shibuya station on Tokyo Metro Line.
Restaurant: Tori Fuku (鳥福)
Opening hours: Weekdays: 16:30-21:00
Saturday: 16:30-20:00
Closed on: Sunday, Public Holiday, The third week of Saturday, From 8/1~31，12/29~1/5
Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13002121/
Restaurant: Nada
Opening Hours: 18:00-24:00
Closed on: Sunday, Public Holiday, New Year
Website: http://www.katusyo.jp/info/
Harmonica Alley Kichijōji
Kichijoji is a popular tourist spot, and it is easy to access. The highlight is vivid shopping arcades and natural park. According to a survey, Kichijoji is No.1 place where Japanese want to live. Street food there is highly recommended. Especially a historical street named Harmonica Yokocho. There are over 100 shops there. In addition to Japanese food stall, you can also find izakaya, cafe, department store, and boutique. It received its name because of its regular lines of tiny stores looking like harmonica reeds. The street has been here over 70 years since 1940. Kichijouji Satou is the most popular shop in Harmonica Alley selling Japanese beef steak. Visitors who loves beef should try their delicious beef steak. It highly recommended to visit here in the evening.
Name: Harmonica Alley Kichijōji (ハモニカ横丁 吉祥寺)
Location: 1 chome to 2 chome, Honcho, Kichijoi, Musashino
Access: 1-min walk from Kichijōji Station (North Exit) OR 3 min walk from Kichijoji Station from Keio Inokashira Line
Restaurant: SATOU Kichijoji
Opening Hours: 1000-1900
Closed on: New Year
Website: http://www.shop-satou.com/shop/kichijouji1/index.html
Ame Yokocho Ueno
Ueno is a best spot to visit in Tokyo. In addition to Ueno Park, another most popular spot is Ame Yokocho. There are numerous local stores located in Ame Yokocho, from food stores to shops selling American army goods, you can find anything you want here. Most of the shops offer competitive price (even up to half of those supermarkets). Ame Yokocho is the best place to buy souvenirs for families and friends. There are Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Mongolia, and French restaurants you can dine. Izakaya located in Ame Yokocho are open from evening so travelers can go to izakaya after shopping. It is highly recommended to visit here during weekdays.
Name: Ame Yokocho Ueno
Location: 6-10-7 Ueno, Taito
Access: 1-min walk from Ueno Station (Central Exit) OR 1-min walk from Okachimachi Station (North Exit) OR 1-min walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station (Exit B5) OR 1-min walk from Ueno-hirokōji Station (A2/A5/A7) OR 1-min walk from Ueno-Okachimachi Station (A7 Exit)
Shinbashi Yurakucho Gado-shita (Yurakucho)
“Gado-shita” means “under the girder” in English. What do you think of Shinbashi Yurakucho Gado-shita? A dirty place with hundreds of old men? Unlike to your perception, Shinbashi Yurakucho Gado-shita is a vivid and energetic place with younger people. It is located near Ginza and Yurakucho, and it is a popular spot for business men and young women. By the reason of unique location, you can hear some train sounds and feel back to Showa era when you dine in these restaurants. Today, I am going to recommend two izakaya for young women who want to experience traditional Japanese culture. The first is named “Manpuku Shokudo”, opening 24 hours. The restaurant provides Japanese and Western food. The warm atmosphere and outdoor seats make customer feel relax and comfortable. Another recommended restaurant is named “Achiko-ko-” , selling Okinawan cuisine. Braised pork is the highlight of the restaurant and becomes popular among young women. The visitors should visit these Izakaya to experience Japanese culture.
Name: Shinbashi Yurakucho Gado-shita (Yurakucho)
Location: Near Yurakucho
Access: 2-min walk from Yurakucho Station on JR Line
Restaurant: Manpuku Shokudo
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130102/13010984/
Restaurant: “Achiko-ko-”
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 17:00-24:00 Weekend and Public Holidays: 16:00～24:00 (L.O23:00)
Website: http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130102/13023625/
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