ABOUT
About this spot
Right next to Shinjuku's skyscrapers lies a space that feels like a trip back in time. "Omoide Yokocho" is a narrow alley lined with about 80 eateries, with a history that began as a postwar black market. Step inside and you are enveloped by red lanterns, the smoke of grilled yakitori, and lively chatter. Many of the shops are tiny, with only a handful of seats, and there is a warmth that makes conversation with strangers sitting next to you come naturally. Besides signature yakitori and motsuyaki, you can enjoy each shop's individual flavors, from obanzai home-style dishes to ramen. These days its photogenic Showa retro atmosphere is popular, and it bustles daily with friends, solo travelers, and visitors from overseas. From a drink after work to the finale of your Tokyo sightseeing, this alley welcomes you warmly in any situation. Forget the urban bustle and spend a night full of human warmth.
Last updated March 27, 2026