What other travelers are saying about Omoide Yokocho
I’m not exactly sure how I stumbled upon this random street, probably on TripAdvisor. We were in Shibuya and thought, why not take the train here? It wasn’t far! We chose a busier stall, which made sense because the food was being handled and turned over quickly. The area is tiny, with all the stalls packed together, and most of the items served are from izakaya-style restaurants. It was perfect to enjoy with a cold beer on a chilly day, even though it was quite warm inside the small restaurant. I wish I had gotten the name, but overall, the entire area is filled with many great, delicious, and affordable restaurants.
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.
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.
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.
Again a spot that you would like to drop over to get that unique experience to see how the locals blend with the tourist. Varieties of cuisine and drinks. A place that could get you lost into nostalgic and fun time. It could also be a place that might remind you some place and some where you have visited before....
Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane, is a nostalgic slice of old Tokyo. Tucked beside Shinjuku Station, this lively alley is filled with tiny eateries, glowing lanterns, and the aroma of grilled street food. It truly comes alive at night, offering an authentic, cozy atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern skyscrapers. Perfect for food lovers and culture seekers, Omoide Yokocho is a fun, flavorful stop where you can eat, explore, and experience Tokyo’s traditional charm.
