In Sendai, there are two famous small-pub and petty shop lanes, and they are 壹貳參橫丁 [Iroha Yokocho] and 文化横丁 [Bunka Yokocho] and both Yokocho are actually sitting few steps away, and each Yokocho is actually composed of two small sub-lanes. While pub and small dining is their primary businesses, there are also gift shops, massage, teahouse, restaurant, liquor specialty store, etc.
Both Yokocho lanes have been in businesses for more than 70 to 90 years. Walking inside the lanes, visitors can also enjoy very old or classic advertisements, former business promo, fliers, decorations, etc.
These pubs are pubs or cozy local hangout for wine, liquor and sake, in addition to finger foods or simple family dishes for small group of customers. These small pubs generally only have fewer than 10 to 12 seats in front of counter. Thus, for famous dumpling store in Iroha Yokocho, there is also longer waiting line of customers who are waiting in small lane for their seats.
The two Yokochos have public bathrooms on the corners, and their business is mainly from late afternoon till early mid night.
Photos are here are taken mainly at Iroha Yokocho, and it has store map or directory posted at few spots of the Lane.
Watch “Midnight Diner” series on Netflix and you could understand this 2 small alleys hiding in the quiet shopping streets.
It’s definitely not for the mainstreamers, it’s more suitable for those who look for different vibes for bars, Izakaya, shops.
This place is full or small local restaurants and bars. I went too early and most of them are not open yet. But so many of the places are highly rated, so I'll have to come back again.
The lane looks authentically local for food and grocery! Loved it.
