Shibuya has changed substantially over the years but remnants of the old town can still be found hidden in the back streets. Nonbei Yokocho is just a stone’s throw away from Shibuya Station, and like Golden Gai in Shinjuku you can sit in the kiosk-sized bars and make friends with the locals over a beer or strike up a conversation with the bartender (some speak English). Many customers are regulars, and you might feel a little awkward walking into the middle of what may look like a group of friends chatting, but the street is a bit of a hidden treasure for tourists and the sight of foreign faces is not uncommon to the owners of the little establishments.

Information
Location
Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho, 1 Chome-25 Shibuya, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002
« Google Maps »
Getting there
3 minutes from the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station. In the plaza from the Hachiko Exit you will see a police box in the corner next to the station. Cross over to the opposite side of the road from the police box and turn right to go under the bridge. Take the first side road immediately on the left after you cross under the bridge (you’ll see the lanterns hanging above the road) and walk down about 20m. Nonbei Yokocho is a small alley to the right.
Details
Evening until the early hours of the morning. Many of the bars are closed on Sundays.
You May Also Like

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.

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.

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.

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.