Recently, drinking alleys in Japan have become a hot topic. Places like Shinjuku’s “Golden Gai” and Ueno’s “Ameya-Yokocho” are prime examples. Just a step away from the bustling main streets, you can find yourself in an alleyway that feels like a time warp, offering a nostalgic and unique atmosphere.

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A Surge in Young Female customers and International Visitors

In recent years, these drinking alleys have seen a significant increase in young female customers and foreign tourists. The charm and allure of these spots are drawing a diverse crowd eager to experience the unique cultural ambiance.

Discover the Various Types of Drinking Alleys in Japan

Japan boasts a wide range of drinking alleys, from historic and traditional ones to cozy local favorites known only to residents, and even popular tourist spots welcoming to women and foreigners. Let’s introduce some of the main ones.

How about exploring the heart of Tokyo, Ginza, with a guide?

Hokkaido Hakodate: Hakodate Hikari no Yatai Daimon Yokocho

Located in the bustling Daimon district in front of Hakodate Station, this food stall village features a variety of establishments including izakayas, yakitori joints, and jingisukan (grilled mutton) places along its glittering streets.

Tokyo Akabane: OK Yokocho

Just a 2-minute walk from JR Akabane Station’s East Exit, OK Yokocho is always bustling with customers from early evening. This alley is home to budget-friendly and solo-friendly bars and eateries, making it a popular spot among the locals.

Tokyo Oimachi: Higashi-Koji Yokocho

Situated right next to JR Oimachi Station’s East Exit, this lively alley runs along the railway tracks. It hosts around 50-60 establishments including izakayas, snack bars, and diners.

Osaka Shinsekai: Jan-Jan Yokocho

This shopping street stretches from the Zoo Station to Tsutenkaku Tower. Renowned for its kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) eateries, Jan-Jan Yokocho is accessible and welcoming to tourists and female patrons.

Nagoya Sakurayama: Bonbon Center

A deep, retro Showa-era alley located beside the long-established Bonbon coffee shop in Sakurayama. It features charming red lantern-lit izakayas and stylish, sophisticated bars.

Nagasaki Motofunaicho: Shianbashi Yokocho

This alley is frequently featured in travel and gourmet magazines. It offers a vibrant mix of local specialty restaurants, izakayas, and snack bars, always bustling with both tourists and locals.

Kagoshima Kagomma Yatai

Kagomma Yatai in Kagoshima is another excellent example of a revitalized alley. This alley features a collection of food stalls that offer a variety of local delicacies and drinks. The lively atmosphere and friendly vendors make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Disappearing Alleys Due to Redevelopment

While drinking alleys generally feature narrow lanes packed with small, unique establishments offering delicious food, drinks, and warm, personalized service, many are disappearing due to redevelopment projects.  It’s sad to see beloved alleys like “Nonbei Yokocho” in Katsushika’s Tateishi and “Suzunari Yokocho” in Setagaya’s Shimokitazawa, which have been popular with both young and older generations, face the threat of disappearing.

Recommended Newer Alleys for Beginners

While some traditional alleys are disappearing due to redevelopment, there are many examples of once-desolate areas being revitalized by transforming them into lively drinking alleys. These new alleys are often the work of professional restaurant producers.

Tokyo Ebisu: Ebisu Yokocho

This alley is located in the remodeled old Yamashita Shopping Center, which was built 40 years ago. Given its location, it attracts a lot of female patrons.

Kanagawa Nogeyama: Yokohama Nostalgic Bar Alley, Hama Yokocho

Opened in 2010, this new alley aims to revive the charm of old Yokohama’s bars. Despite being new, it has successfully brought back the nostalgic atmosphere of classic Yokohama drinking spots.

These alleys are particularly popular with young people and tourists, making them accessible and welcoming for first-timers looking to explore the unique charm of Japanese drinking alleys.

Experience a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide tour

After you enjoy the place, you can go to Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.

Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.

When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!

Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.

New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!