Omoide Yokocho

★★★★★ Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku, Tokyo If you’re in Tokyo, go here. Tourist or not, this is the real thing. People call it a tourist trap. It’s not. You walk through narrow smoky alleys filled with tiny yakitori stalls. Each one has its own rhythm, its own smell, its own story. You sit shoulder to shoulder with strangers, surrounded by the sound of sizzling skewers and laughter. The chef who cooked for us was incredible. He kept pouring us shots of sake, making us taste different dishes from his grill — every single one was amazing. There was no menu, no prices, just trust. He cooked what he wanted, and we ate everything. We sat next to locals who didn’t speak English, and we didn’t speak Japanese. But we laughed, clinked glasses, and somehow understood each other. It was one of those moments that make travel special. If you ever find this place, and you see the chef from these photos, go there. He deserves every star. Come at night. Come hungry. Come thirsty. This is Tokyo at its best.

Omoide Yokocho, also known as "Memory Lane" or "Piss Alley" (don't worry; that name is no longer applicable), is a cross-section of narrow alleys, populated by multiple small bars, watering holes and restaurants (izakaya), insanely popular with both locals and foreigners, ALWAYS packed to the gills and stuffed with drinkers and diners from all over the world, to the point where the bodies begin to spill over into the street. It's one of the most fun and exciting places in all of Tokyo, which in itself is one of the most fun and exciting places in Japan/the world, so you know you are in for a good time here. Personally, I prefer the even grittier Golden Gai, a half mile or so away, but your mileage may vary. Omoide Yokocho is ostensibly (arguably) the more accessible, tourist-friendly of the two, but that is not always the case. Be aware; some bars have an otoshi (cover charge in the form of a small appetizer, that'll cost you a couple bucks), and others may be "cash only", "members only", or "Japanese only", depending on how deep into the weeds you delve; don't be offended, there's a good reason for the exclusivity. Whatever you do, when you come here: be brave; be polite; try something new. Do all of these things, and "Memory Lane" is sure to be a place you will never forget!

Really small alley. Literally holes in the wall with eateries right next to each other. Patrons eating and sitting elbow to elbow, obviously locals. We came here on a weekday around 10am. A few establishments were open. The food smelled realllyyyy good. If you are the adventurous type, dont mind eating what the locals do then this is worth seeing.

The memory lane is a crowded, tiny and narrow alley full of small bars and restaurants. It does not give privacy but seemed very cozy and fun. I did not try the food here but I did walk through the alley.

It was cool and cute and all, but it is really just small and so many people. It feels kinda silly just walking there taking pictures with the other tourists when it is just that small and crowded. Honestly, overrated and not worth it to go there just to see it