Omoide Yokocho is spot that every Tokyo visitor who is interested in food and fun should add to their “places to go/things to do” list. First, some definitions. A yokocho is an alley lined with tiny unique restaurants called izakayas that specialize in yakatori (grilled meat on skewers) and, to a lesser extent, hearty stews. Anyone fond of barbecue (moi) will love Japanese izakayas.
The History of Omoide Yokocho
Starting out as an illegal drinking quarter in the late 1940s, this narrow side street in the Shinjuku District quickly became a prime spot for cheap meat and drinks and hostess bars. Due to the lack of restroom facilities, customers often used nearby train tracks as a relief station. The practice gave this yokocho the nickname “Piss Alley” even though people didn’t actually pee in the alley itself. At last that is the story told these days.
The atmosphere remained largely unchanged over the years. When fire ravaged the area in 1999, it was rebuilt exactly as before. Older regulars keep coming back for the feeling of “natsukashii,” which roughly translated means “this brings me back.”
Where Is Omoide Yokocho And How Do You Get There?
The are many Yokocho in Tokyo. Omoide Yokocho is one of the most popular and surely one of the easiest to get to. It is only a three-minute walk from the West entrance to Shinjuku Station on the opposite side of the tracks from Shinjuku Kabukicho.
The best way to get to Omoide Yokocho is by taking the Tokyo metro or JR lines that connect at Shinjuku Station, one of the world’s busiest metro stations, to locations all over Tokyo. You can make the visit on your own if you are confident about your knowledge of Japanese language and culture, or take an inexpensive food tour or a Shinjuku District walking tour.
I visited while on a Shinjuku walking tour. The guide led the group through the alley and explained how izakaya operate. She also explained some of the customs involved. After the tour, some in the group returned to try the food.
Eats and Drinks
Yakatori of chicken, beef and pork are very popular as is nikomi, a thick stew of beef tendon, intestines and vegetables Most tourists will need izakayas that have menus in English. You could also let the chef choose. Depending on your tastes that might be a little risky as some Omoide izakayas serve horse meat sashimi, fish sperm, and horse penis.
Portions are small. That is great because it encourages sampling a number of dishes. We tried several yakatori of various parts of chicken, beef and pork and washed it down with large beers.
As far as drinks, in addition to beer, Japanese sochu and sake are always available and reasonably priced.
Japanese patrons usually start out the evening at an izakaya and may move to another one before heading to other watering holes during an evening of drinking. Izakayas are very small and the demand for seats is high; so owners want guests who aren’t eating and drinking to give up their places to others when their eating and drinking slows down. It is worth noting that people sit very close to each other, but customers usually never talk to people in another group.
Final Thoughts
Omoide Yokocho provided a great introduction to izakayas on two trips to Japan last year. I am a sucker for barbecue (especially Korean) and yakatori dishes are a delightful version of Asian barbecue. Izakayas are places where tourists, businessmen, students, and other locals eat and drink in a casual atmosphere in close proximity to each other. Visiting Omoide Yokocho and its izakayas provides an authentic Japanese experience.
Thanks for your like of my post, ” Israel In Acts, 1:1-11, 33 A.D., Notes ;” you are greatly appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are always welcome!
LikeLike
Amazing what they can cram into such tiny spaces! 😯
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was fun being packed together and enjoying great food and drink! 😋😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to visit Tokyo someday – and be sure to stop at one of the yokocho…
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Yokochos are something to see and experience although Vegan options are limited. There is good beer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can usually find something in those markets, and if not, I can set aside my vegan ways to celebrate local culture. And beer always helps…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay. Just wanted no surprises. The beer is very good! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for the heads-up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t been to Tokyo but hopefully one day. Your post certainly makes Tokyo sound great. I love Korean BBQ but not at all keen on Japanese food so this might be right up my alley 🤣 sorry for the pun
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ha ha! Great pun. I wish I’d thought of that. If you like Korean BBQ, I think you will love yakatori. Now we just have to wait until we can travel again.
LikeLike
It’s going to be a very long wait for us here in Australia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Damn….this thing intrigues me to have that soon😁
LikeLiked by 3 people
Izakayas are wonderful. Travel restrictions are the big problem now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ikr…I just hope all this ends.. so that we can explore such amazing foods 🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
Voilà qui donne envie !
LikeLiked by 3 people
Merci beaucoup, je pense 😃
LikeLike
great piece of info.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks. I hope the post may prompt someone to try izakaya food.
LikeLike
So yummmmmmmmm! You might want to check out some of my recent Japan blog posts too!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I did and am now following your blog. Thanks for the comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
And please follow my blog if you aren’t already 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely!
LikeLike