Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”) is a small warren of yakitori and ramen restaurants located just north of Shinjuku Station more commonly known as “Piss Alley” in English. It has become another one of Tokyo’s slightly off-beat tourist attractions, but despite the extra custom tourists bring, vendors are particularly unfriendly to those wielding cameras so if you want to take pictures of the stalls you are going to have to do so surreptitiously; otherwise expect to be met with a stern “No photo!” almost immediately. Unlike Golden Gai, this one is mainly lines of yakitori restaurants.

Information
Location
Omoide Yokocho, 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023
« Google Maps »
Getting there
From the West Exit of JR Shinjuku Station: walk north on the right hand side of the road with the Keio Department store on your left; turn right when you see UNIQLO on the corner and you will see the green neon sign to Omoide Yokocho. From the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station: walk along the left hand side by the rail tracks and go through the underpass; Omoide Yokocho is immediately on your left when you come out the other side.
You May Also Like

Ginza’s Corridor Gai

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

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).

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.