While most tourists make their way to nearby Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho to get their instagram-worthy backstreet alley experience, only few know about this other, perhaps much more authentic Tokyo yokocho, which successfully preserves the gritty backstreet vibe this part of Shinjuku is known for.

Make your way down the super narrow alleyway and discover a cluster of small but authentic izakayas or check out the various little eateries inside red curtain street (which is actually a building). And don’t forget to finish off your night with a stroll through Hanamichi Dori Street, with its iconic host bars showcasing their top talent on huge billboards outside.

Local Favorites:
Bar 569 
Jorakuen (Taiwanese eatery)
Butagoya (izakaya)

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Shinjuku Sanchome Station, Shinjuku Station
︎Google Maps

When speaking about Tokyo’s backstreet alleys, it’s impossible to ignore the nighttime visual-masterpiece that is Nakano. The lantern-lit and cable-strung alleyways give this area a unique grittiness only to be found here, yet there's an undeniable warmth to it all that attracts hundreds of locals to Nakano every night of the week. Unpretentious izakayas, smoky grills, cozy bars and modern eateries line each street, inviting you to join the nightly celebration that usually lasts until the early morning hours.

When you exit the bustling JR station, head northeast and you’ll stumble upon a cluster of  streets that run North, but don’t forget to explore allalleyways to the left and right to find the true hidden gems of this area.

Local Favorites:
常笑 Tokiwarai (izakaya)
Sansai (modern izakaya)
Bar Victoria (cocktail bar)
Tototo (modern pizza and pasta bar)
Pachipachi (standing izakaya)

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Nakano Station
︎Google Maps

This off-the-beaten track backstreet alley is just a couple minutes walk from Sangenjaya station, two stops from Shibuya, and offers a very authentic glimpse into Tokyo’s local backstreet culture. Find yourself a spot in one of the small, crowded taverns, indulge in some late-night grub and mingle with local Tokyoites who spill out into the narrow streets until early in the morning.

Local Favorites:
Gyoza Shack (dumplings)
Omoriya (grilled chicken)
Kiura Sake Izakaya (izakaya)
a-bridge (rooftop bar)

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Sangenjaya Station
︎Google Maps

Just a few minutes away from Monzen-Nakacho station, Tatsumi Shindo  offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s post-war Showa era. This narrow, 50-meter stretch is lined with bars and eateries who’s buildings date back to the post-World War II period, when locals and returnees from overseas hastily established dining spots. Today, nearly all of the 30+ venues maintain their original architecture, and attract local crowds well into the late hours of the night. 

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Monzen-Nakacho 
︎Google Maps

This Yokocho in the upscale Ebisu area is a top night spot for the city’s young and creative crowd. With small food eateries serving anything from yakitori (grilled chicken on a stick), to hotpots and sashimi, this alley is also known as one of the best spots in town for “Niku Sushi” or grilled meat sushi. Beware however, that during the evening hours this back alley gets very crowded and you might have to wait for a table.

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Ebisu Station
︎ Website
︎Google Maps

A beautiful example for a Tokyo shotengai (shopping street) that has managed to preserve its old-school atmosphere while attracting young, local businesses is this small street behind Nezu station. During the day, nearby Yanaka gets crowded with tourists but once the dimly lit lanterns illuminate this backstreet at night, locals — young and old — come out to enjoy a casual drink after work or with friends.

Enter the street from near this converted old bathhouse which houses a gallery and cafe during the day, and make your way down several minutes to explore a range of small eateries and izakayas offering dinner, drinks and a chance to mingle with Tokyoites. 

Local Favorites:
Nezu Kuriya (modern izakaya eatery)
甚八 (izakaya)

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Nezu Station
︎Google Maps


Photos by Hidekazu Tsutsui

A collection of slightly shabby-looking and affordable eateries make up the charm of this backstreet alley, popular with locals for late-night snacks and drinks, especially in the summer. Since space is limited, guests sit on over-turned beer carts in cramped izakayas under the railways and out on the smoke-filled street, which is exactly what makes this Yokocho one of the most authentic backstreet alley experiences in Tokyo.

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Koenji Station
︎Google Maps

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Yurakucho Station, Ginza Station, Hibiya Station
︎ Website
︎Google Maps

Turn into a small alleyway away from the overwhelminess that is Shinjuku Station and you’ll find one of the most photogenic backstreet alleys in Tokyo, great for anyone looking for a local food experience and a yokocho with a retro vibe. With the majority of eateries specialising in kushiyaki (grilled skewers) and casual drinks, this is a an ideal spot for a night out with friends, or your next instagram-worthy photo-op. Beware however, that because of the popularity of this Yokocho, this small alleyway tends to get crowded with tourists, so those looking for a more local experience might want to opt for one of the other yokocho on this list instead.

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Shinjuku Station
︎Google Maps

Just a few minutes walk from the design loving neighborhood of Kuramae, between Asakusa and Akihabara lies Okazu Yokocho. The name, translating literally to "the alley of side dishes," perfectly encapsulates what this charming street has to offer. Historically, the area was filled with workshops and small factories whose workers’ appetites helped spawn a row of shops specializing in ready-to-eat Japanese side dishes, or "okazu."

Today, as you stroll through Okazu Yokocho during the day, you are likely to join local grandmothers on their routine shopping trips, all against a nostalgic backdrop of old Japanese melodies echoing through the alley. At night however, the street is flooded by a line of retro street lamps and turns into one of Tokyo’s most intriguing Yokocho, featuring small eateries and plenty of opportunities to catch a quieter, yet uniquely beautiful side of the city.  

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Kuramae , Akihabara , Asakusabashi
︎Google Maps

A far cry from its golden days as Shibuya’s famous “hidden” alleyway, Nombei Yokocho (aka “Drinkers’ Alley”) has been somewhat taken over by the major commercial redevelopment of Miyashita Park next door, yet still remains as a cluster of 30 or so iconic bars, many of which seat no more than 5 people. 

Because it has become so famous among tourists and influencers in recent years, there is now a strict no-photo policy in this area, so rather than experiencing this alleyway through a phone screen, head straight for one of the smoke-filled bars and take in the retro vibe of this Shibuya icon while it still lasts.

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Shibuya Station
︎Website
︎Google Maps

One of Tokyo’s best examples of a back street alley with a post-war flair, Harmonica Yokocho in Western Tokyo’s Kichijoji City is a small cluster of narrow alleyways lined with bars, candy shops and even a fishmonger who has been operating there since the Showa era. A popular place for after work drinks, join the lively crowd in the evening for the most authentic experience and mingle with the locals until the break of dawn.

Local Favorites:
龍2（RON-RON）（izakaya)
Daipandang 105 (Taiwanese dumplings)

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Kichijoji Station
︎Website
︎Google Maps

While most people head to the eateries on nearby Hoppy Street, leave the tourist crowds behind and venture into the small side streets just west of Sensoji Temple. Here, you’ll find Hatsune Gourmet Alley, a cozy street lined with about ten small eateries serving local dishes late into the night. If you visit during the warmer months, be sure to grab a table on the street corner to soak in the lively atmosphere and enjoy some of the homemade delicacies offered here.

Local Favorites:
Daruma（izakaya)

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Asakusa
︎Google Maps

Probably Tokyo’s most famous backstreet alley, Shinjuku Golden Gai has survived the city’s redevelopment craze and is one of the last places where you can experience the gritty, post-war buzz of Tokyo’s local nightlife. Located in the infamous Kabukicho amusement district, there are around 200 tiny little bars cramped into just a few narrow streets, making this district a one-of-a-kind place enjoy a slowly disappearing part of Tokyo nightlife culture. 

Due to the influx of instagram-hungry tourists, the local community has implemented a strict no-photo, no-video policy, so rather than searching for your next photo-op, take in this slice of local Tokyo culture during you next night out in Shinjuku. 

Local Favorites:
Albatross
Araku
Open Book

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︎ Hours vary depending on store
︎ Nearest Stations: Shinjuku Sanchome Station, Shinjuku Station
︎Website
︎Google Maps