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

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.

Yurakucho Sanchoku Inshokugai

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

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.