[Latest 2025 Japanese Shopping Street] Ueno Ameyoko (Taito Ward)
🏮 Explore Ueno Ameyoko: Tokyo's gourmet food and shopping paradise
Hello everyone, today I'm taking you on a tour of Ueno Ameya-Yokochō (アメヤ横町/Ameya Yokocho), one of the busiest neighborhoods in Tokyo's Taito Ward! If you've ever been to Tokyo, you've undoubtedly heard of this place. Bustling with people during the day and brightly lit at night, it's a popular hangout for both locals and tourists. This time, I'm going to show you the charm of Ameya-Yokochō in detail! 🤩
📍 Where is Ameyoko?
Ameyoko is located between Ueno and Okachimachi Stations in Tokyo's Taito Ward , right next to the JR elevated railway line. Because of its convenient location, many people come here to enjoy shopping and dining after visiting Ueno Park, museums, or the zoo.
When I first visited, I was really shocked by the crowds here. The streets were full of vendors, and the hawking sounds were heard one after another. The strong atmosphere of the common people made me feel like I was in a bustling market in post-war Japan.
🏙️ A short historical story of Ameyoko
- Post-war origins : Ameyoko was first established after the end of World War II as a black market after the US military stationed in Japan, selling candies, snacks and imported goods.
- Origin of the name : There are two interpretations of the "アメ" in "アメ横". One is that it means "candy (饴)" because there were many candy stalls in the past; the other interpretation is "America" because American military supplies were often sold there.
- Gradual development : Over time, Ameyoko has become a representative shopping street for the common people in Tokyo, with hundreds of stores covering food, clothing, cosmetics, groceries and restaurants.
🛍️ What can I buy at Ameyoko?
I think the most charming thing about Ameyoko is that it has everything!
1. Fresh Food Market 🐟🍎
- Fish Market: You can see the staff chopping fish heroically and the sounds of them shouting out their wares are super exciting!
- Fruit stalls: Strawberries, cantaloupes, grapes, etc., often with surprise prices like "a box for 500 yen."
- Dry goods and spices: For those who like to cook for themselves, you can buy Japanese specialty seaweed, shredded scallops, and tea leaves.
2. Affordable clothing and shoe stores 👟👕
Ameyoko has a ton of discount stores for sports brands like Adidas and Nike, and even sells Japanese apparel at bargain prices. I once got a pair of sneakers at a fantastic deal, and I was so happy!
3. Snacks and souvenirs 🍫🍘
Looking to bring home some Tokyo souvenirs? Ameyoko is heaven! There are many wholesale snack shops here, and they often offer special offers like "buy a few bags"—perfect for tourists.
🍢 Recommended must-try food at Ameyoko
I personally think that the soul of Ameyoko is its roadside food! Eating while walking is the real fun!
- Yakitori Izakaya : There is a whole row of izakayas under the railway viaduct, where the fragrant grilled chicken skewers are a perfect match with beer.
- Seafood Donburi : A bowl filled with fresh fish fillets, cheaper than Tsukiji, and just as delicious!
- Takoyaki and crepes : Japanese snacks are always popular and are best enjoyed while shopping.
- Exotic cuisine : Due to its multiculturalism, Ameyoko also offers Chinese cuisine, Korean kimchi pot, and other options.
My favorite is the seafood stand where you can enjoy fresh oysters and sake while standing. It's a very Tokyo experience.
🎉 Ameyoko's atmosphere
Ameyoko is not just a shopping street, it is more like a "microcosm of life".
- During the day: As lively as a traditional market, with vendors bustling about.
- Evening: The lights are bright, laughter can be heard from the izakaya, and the atmosphere becomes relaxed and happy.
- Festivals: The New Year is especially lively, and the Japanese will come here to buy New Year's goods, and the scene is spectacular!
I feel that this place is completely different from Ginza and Shibuya. Ameyoko is more down-to-earth and you can better experience the daily life of ordinary Japanese people.
🚆 Transportation
- JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line : Get off at Ueno Station or Okachimachi Station and walk.
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line : Ueno Station or Naka-Okachimachi Station are also very close.
A small reminder from the editor: It is very crowded during holidays, so it is better to go there in the afternoon on weekdays.
💡 Editor's Tips
- Bring cash : Although more and more stores support electronic payments, cash is still the most convenient.
- Pay attention to the vendors’ opening hours : most shops are open until about 8pm, so come earlier if you want to enjoy the night market atmosphere.
- Be careful when eating while walking : there will be a lot of people, so be careful not to bump into others when holding food.
- Compare prices before buying : The same product may have a huge price difference in different stores, so the editor recommends looking at several stores.
🏮 Summary: The charm of Ameyoko
Ueno Ameyoko is a place that combines food, shopping, culture and a common atmosphere . Whether you want to eat affordable food, buy cheap snacks, or experience the most authentic urban style of Tokyo, you must come here for a visit.
I honestly think Ameyoko is the kind of place you never get tired of visiting, and you'll always find new treasures. Don't forget to put this on your itinerary next time you're in Tokyo!
