What other travelers are saying about Omoide Yokocho
Just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, Omoide Yokocho (often called "Memory Lane") is an absolute gem. The alleyway is incredibly bustling and lively, packed with tiny eateries that give you a real taste of old-school Tokyo.
I especially loved the autumn decor and the glowing lights, it’s an incredible spot for photos, especially at night when the lanterns are lit up.
We stopped at one of the cozy stalls for curry rice and katsu, it was delicious.
It’s the perfect place to grab a bite, soak in the energy, and enjoy the nostalgic vibes.
Omoide Yokocho offers affordable street food, with yakitori skewers starting at around 150–300 yen. Some restaurants have "otoshi" (a small appetizer charge), but overall, it’s a budget-friendly place for food and drinks.
The best time to visit is in the evening when the lanterns light up and the alley comes alive with locals and tourists. Most shops open around 5 PM and stay open until midnight.
Yes! Many restaurants welcome tourists, and some offer English menus. However, seating is limited, and most places have counter-style dining, so be prepared for an intimate local experience.
Unfortunately, due to the narrow alleys and small spaces, it is not very wheelchair-friendly. Some shops have steps, and there is little room to move inside. However, nearby areas in Shinjuku offer accessible dining options.
This short walking distance food alley look like for tourist.
No idea whether local people will visit here.
But is lively and prepare to wash your hair since the heavy grill smoke and almost every stall do the same thing.
A maze of small restaurants and eateries. They are all selling different types of Japanese food to both locals and tourists.
Some do advertise they have English menus.
Just as fun to walk through without eating anything.
Our visit through Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane was so special! Absolutely adored walking through the alleyways and taking in the smells, ambiance, and energy. Plenty of options for meat and fish lovers (not so many vegetarian choices).
My husband and I visited 2 spots - Tsutsui (Japanese BBQ) and another spot with skewers. He LOVED the short rib at both, and I enjoyed my white rice and veggies (haha).
Overall, it's a must visit during your Tokyo adventure! Plenty of nearby activities/signhts as well.
Overrated insta-worth it, over glorified street food = tourist trap. If you don’t speak the language, be wary of hidden surcharges when ordering food. As a family of 4 with young children, we were not told of sitting fees (we still consumed beverages), and the staff was very coy /unclear about how the food ordering system worked. Ended up paying a hundred AUD worth for some tiny skewers (I’m a small eater and only I ordered for myself and my 7 year old who only had an couple of bites) and cans of orange juice (drinks are usually cheap in Japan). An absolute rip off. Yes the atmosphere is picturesque but not worth the over inflated pricing. We had been travelling in Nagano ans Mt Fuji and didn’t experience any of this. Only reason I rated 2 stars is because yes, it does look charming for a photo, and because the skewers were tasty (not worth 100aud though). Go spend your tourist $ elsewhere in Tokyo, plenty of better places !
