Ameyoko (アメ横), also known as Candy Alley, is one of Tokyo’s most famous shopping streets. It was originally a black market for food produce in the aftermath of war, and while today much of the stalls sell fresh produce and Japanese snacks you also get a range of clothing products and Japanese souvenirs. Visit in the early evening (ideally Friday or Saturday) when the neon lights, trains running directly overhead, smoke from the meat grills, and cries of the vendors peddling anything from dried fish and Japanese crackers to baseball caps and U.S. Navy jackets, let you experience first-hand the grittier side of the city.

Information
Getting there
Come out of Exit 7 from JR Ueno Station and cross the main road south
You May Also Like

Akiba Cultures Zone

This shopping complex opened in 2012 and is dedicated to anime and manga, including a floor dedicated to all manner of cartoon pornography (if that’s your thing…). On the 6th floor you can find Akihabara Backstage Pass Cafe, which is staffed by costume-adorned females.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

These two structures were formerly customs warehouses for Yokohama port. They underwent extensive renovation before re-opening in 2002. Today they contain small boutiques, craft shops, and a handful of restaurants and cafes. Open-air events are often held in the surrounding plaza.

Coredo Muromachi

Coredo Muromachi is a shopping complex made up of three buildings (Coredo Muromachi and Coredo Muromachi 2 &…

Shibuya Mark City

One of Shibuya’s most well-known commercial complexes is home to a shopping mall, a hotel, offices, and more than 70 restaurants. The entrance to the Keio Inokashira Line is on the second floor of the building.