Omoide Yokocho Tokyo
Step into Tokyo's 'Memory Lane,' a nostalgic alleyway of tiny, lantern-lit eateries serving delicious yakitori and drinks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & glowing lanterns
Omoide Yokocho Tokyo
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & glowing lanterns
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Tokyo's 'Memory Lane,' a nostalgic alleyway of tiny, lantern-lit eateries serving delicious yakitori and drinks.
"Omoide Yokocho is a must-visit for its incredibly atmospheric, lantern-lit alleys and delicious, affordable yakitori."
🎯 Embrace the Tourist Vibe
Don't worry about not speaking Japanese; most visitors are tourists and English menus are common.
🍜 Try the Yakitori & Ramen
Yakitori is a must-try! Many stalls also serve delicious ramen, perfect for a hearty meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lantern-Lit Alleys
The entire Omoide Yokocho area
Wander through narrow, atmospheric lanes illuminated by countless red lanterns, creating a nostalgic, old-Tokyo vibe.
Sizzling Yakitori
Various food stalls
Indulge in perfectly grilled skewers of yakitori, a staple of this vibrant Shinjuku alleyway.
Nostalgic Izakaya Experience
Small food stalls and bars
Experience the charm of traditional Japanese izakayas, serving simple, delicious food and drinks in a cozy setting.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Crowds
Tiny Stalls, Big Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Tourist Vibe
Don't worry about not speaking Japanese; most visitors are tourists and English menus are common. +1
🍜 Try the Yakitori & Ramen
Yakitori is a must-try! Many stalls also serve delicious ramen, perfect for a hearty meal.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Get lost in the maze of alleys; each corner offers a new discovery and photo opportunity.
💰 Cash is King
While some places might accept cards, it's best to carry cash for smaller stalls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Tourist Vibe
Don't worry about not speaking Japanese; most visitors are tourists and English menus are common. +1
🍜 Try the Yakitori & Ramen
Yakitori is a must-try! Many stalls also serve delicious ramen, perfect for a hearty meal.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Get lost in the maze of alleys; each corner offers a new discovery and photo opportunity.
💰 Cash is King
While some places might accept cards, it's best to carry cash for smaller stalls.
🚫 Teens May Not Be Welcome
These are primarily drinking establishments; consider family-friendly alternatives for younger visitors. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Omoide Yokocho's incredibly atmospheric, lantern-lit alleys and the delicious, affordable yakitori. It's praised as a must-visit for experiencing nostalgic Tokyo nightlife. However, some find it overly crowded with tourists and note that the tiny stalls can be uncomfortable for larger groups or those with teens.
"We went here on a Friday at 6pm to avoid the crowds. I love the authentic Japanese vibes of the alleys. It’s beautiful. We ate yakitori (chicken and pork) and it was delicious. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from. We even brought kids and they enjoyed the food too."
JillLim
"This place is really cool at night, however if you want to take cool photos I recommend going during the day, as not to disturb people who are simply there to get a drink. I promise the photos will still turn out amazing :) it’s also nice to go in the morning because there is no one there! So you can take your time getting a nice photo"
Ava Cherry
"If we had more time in Tokyo, I would’ve loved to come here again. It’s such a cozy little street with lots of great places to eat.
After walking back and forth for a bit, we finally picked a spot. The food was delicious, definitely a place worth visiting if you’re in Shinjuku!"
Melissa R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Omoide Yokocho is conveniently located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station. Exit the West Exit and head towards the train tracks. You'll see the entrance to the alleyway shortly after.
Yes, it's easily accessible via the Tokyo Metro and JR lines, with Shinjuku Station being the main hub.
Look for the distinctive red lanterns and the narrow entrance between buildings near Shinjuku Station's West Exit.
Parking is very limited in this dense urban area. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach Omoide Yokocho.
Depending on your starting point, many Shinjuku attractions are within walking distance, making Omoide Yokocho a great stop for an evening meal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Omoide Yokocho is a public alleyway and does not require an entrance ticket. You pay for the food and drinks you consume at the individual stalls.
Most stalls in Omoide Yokocho are open from late afternoon into the night, typically from around 5 PM to 11 PM or later. Hours can vary by establishment.
There is no admission fee to walk through Omoide Yokocho. You only pay for your food and beverages.
Reservations are generally not possible or necessary for most of the small stalls in Omoide Yokocho, as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
While it's always popular, visiting earlier in the evening (around 5-6 PM) might offer slightly fewer crowds than peak dinner hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Omoide Yokocho is famous for yakitori (grilled skewers), but you can also find ramen, oden, and other small Japanese dishes.
Options are limited as many dishes are meat-based. Some stalls might offer grilled vegetables, but it's best to inquire directly.
Absolutely! Beer, sake, shochu, and other alcoholic beverages are widely available at most stalls.
Prices are generally affordable, with yakitori skewers costing around ¥150-¥300 each and a meal with drinks typically ranging from ¥2,000-¥4,000 per person.
It's generally expected that you'll order food when you take up a seat, especially in such small establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Omoide Yokocho is incredibly photogenic, especially at night with its lanterns and atmospheric alleys.
Nighttime offers the most dramatic lighting with the lanterns. Golden hour can also provide beautiful, softer light.
While generally allowed, be mindful of other patrons and avoid intrusive photography, especially of individuals without their consent.
A camera with good low-light performance and a fast lens (e.g., f/1.8 or wider) is ideal. A smartphone with a good night mode also works well.
Most vendors are happy for you to photograph your food, but always ask permission before taking close-ups of their cooking process.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While you can walk through the alleys to soak in the atmosphere, consider alternative dining experiences in Shinjuku that are more accommodating to families. If you do decide to visit, be prepared for limited seating and a potentially unwelcoming environment for those who cannot drink.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a great place to experience authentic Japanese street food culture without the high costs of some upscale restaurants. Remember to carry cash, as many smaller stalls may not accept cards.
📸 Photographers
The narrow passageways, the steam rising from food stalls, and the vibrant red lanterns offer endless compositional possibilities.Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or a smartphone with a strong night mode. Be respectful of patrons and vendors; while photography is generally welcomed, avoid being intrusive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Yokocho Alleys
These yokocho were traditionally places for workers to unwind after a long day, and Omoide Yokocho retains that convivial spirit. While it's now a major tourist draw, the essence of its original purpose—a place for simple food, drinks, and camaraderie—still shines through. Visiting Omoide Yokocho is not just about eating; it's about stepping back in time and immersing yourself in a unique slice of Tokyo's urban culture.
Navigating Omoide Yokocho with Groups and Teens
While walking through the alleys is generally fine, attempting to dine as a group of teens might be difficult and potentially unwelcome.
What to Eat and Drink in Omoide Yokocho
Beyond yakitori, you'll find other Japanese comfort foods like ramen, oden (simmered dishes), and various small appetizers. Complement your meal with a selection of drinks. Beer is a popular choice, as is sake and shochu. The experience is about enjoying simple, well-prepared food and drinks in a convivial setting. Don't expect elaborate menus; the focus is on quality ingredients and traditional preparation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit