Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko) – Ueno’s Bustling Street Market 🛍️🍢

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Ameya-Yokocho, nestled between JR Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, thrives as a vibrant street market under the railway tracks. This bustling lane houses an array of small shops offering everything from seafood, fruits, and vegetables to discount clothing, accessories, cosmetics, watches, and confectionery. Not to mention, it's dotted with numerous street-food stalls, affordable restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Tourists flock to Ameya-Yokocho, with over half of its visitors hailing from overseas. Let's dive into the best shopping and dining spots along this lively street.

The History of Ameya-Yokocho 📜

Post-war, the current Ameya-Yokocho site was a densely packed residential area, razed during a bombing raid. Rebuilding commenced immediately after the war, giving rise to shops and street stalls. Amidst the shortage of essential goods, a black market emerged, leading to official regulation in 1946 – marking the inception of the present-day market.

The origin of its name, Ameya-Yokocho, sparks debate. One theory links it to the post-war candy stalls selling "ame" (sweets in Japanese), "ya" (shop), and "yokocho" (alley), attributing to the scarcity of sugar. Another theory suggests "ame" refers to "America," spotlighting the stalls peddling affordable American military surplus goods. Regardless of its true origins, the street, now affectionately known as "Ameyoko", continues to host candy stores among its diverse offerings.

Dining in Ameyoko 🍴

Ameyoko is a culinary haven for sampling a variety of street foods and delicacies. Experience authentic downtown Tokyo cuisine with yakitori (grilled chicken), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes). The street also presents a rich selection of international cuisines, including Chinese, Thai, Indian, Turkish, and Korean, showcasing the global palette of Tokyo’s street food scene.