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Eat & Drink

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Night Food Stalls (Yatai)

Popular line of open-air food stalls on the southern end of Nakasu Island. Each one typically sits about 10 persons with the simple menus consisting of grilled chicken or meat skewers (yakitori), oden, and ramen (often the Hakata Ramen for which the city is also famous).

Harmonica Yokocho

Harmonica Yokocho actually started out as a black market in the post-war years but has since transformed into a small network of about 100 bars and restaurants.

Hoppy Street

A popular night street in Asakusa. The izakaya and yakitori restaurants on either side of the road extend themselves in the evening with plastic tables and chair, making for a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

Ebisu Yokocho

Opened in 2008, this indoor alley of twenty restaurants and bars might not have the authentic appeal of other yokocho in the capital, but it is nevertheless a fun and friendly place with a very lively atmosphere.

Kukansha in Long Beach 1983

Beautiful cafe in one of the most remote areas of the island—which must also qualify as Tokyo’s most distant (after all, you’re still in Tokyo Metropolis in Hachijojima). The cakes were excellent and the views from the upper balcony magnificent.

Gundam Cafe

The cafe dedicated to Japan’s famous robotic anime series: Gundam. Since airing in 1979 the Gundam franchise has snowballed into a household name, and now represents one of Namco Bandai’s main revenue streams.

Commune

This L-shaped area of shacks, caravans, food stalls, craft beer, and good coffee was originally set up as a temporary venue under the name Commune 246. It’s a fantastic little “for the community” venue that recreates something of an East London feel. A great place for a beer when the weather is good.

Yurakucho Sanchoku Inshokugai

Literally translating as “Yurakucho Fresh Produce Drinking & Eating Town”, it’s a big name for what is a…

Omoide Yokocho

A small warren of yakitori and ramen restaurants located just north of Shinjuku Station which translates as “Memory Lane” but is more commonly known as “Piss Alley” in English.

Golden Gai

Run-down rows of drinking alleys filled with dilapidated bars that has become icon of the Showa era. This places is not just for tourists: many Japanese musicians and celebrities also frequent the cubbyhole-sized establishments.

Nonbei Yokocho

Small, narrow alley a short distance from Shibuya station that is home to many kiosk-sized bars. A good place to make friends with the locals over a beer or strike up a conversation with the bartender (some speak English).

Ginza’s Corridor Gai

Very popular strip of restaurants that sit underneath the rail tracks.