🏮 Ichini's Yokocho Exploration: Sendai's Showa-themed Backstreets

Hello everyone~ Today I'm taking you to Iroha Yokocho, an alleyway in Aoba Ward, Sendai, filled with nostalgia and folk culture.
Along with Bunka Yokocho, this area is one of Sendai's two most iconic nighttime yokochos, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of the Showa era. While small, it's packed with old-school Japanese charm, izakaya cuisine, and a warm, friendly atmosphere . For travelers seeking a taste of local life, this is a must-see! 🍶

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📍 Where is Ichiban Yokocho?

• Location: 2-chome, Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, adjacent to Bunka Yokocho.
• It's a 3-minute walk from the Aoba-dori Ichibangcho Subway Station and a 10-minute walk from JR Sendai Station.
• Yokocho consists of two narrow alleys, less than 100 meters long, but has more than 50 small shops .

When I first walked in, I really felt like I was "going back in time." The dim lights, old wooden houses, and red lanterns were a perfect microcosm of the Showa era.

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🏮 The historical background of Ichiban Yokocho

1. Origin of the name

• The Japanese pronunciation of "壱弐gin" is "いろは", which is taken from the traditional Japanese fifty-syllable sequence "いろはにほへと", which means it is simple and easy to remember.
• It also symbolizes the daily "step by step" of ordinary people and is very lifelike.

2. Postwar Origins

• After World War II, in order to rebuild Sendai City, many street vendors gathered here, gradually forming Yokocho.
• From the original black market stalls, it has developed into today's gathering area of ​​izakayas and small restaurants.

3. Modern 吱弐ginsengyokocho

• Although Sendai's city center is becoming increasingly modernized, Ichiban Yokocho still retains its original Showa style.
• Today, in addition to izakayas, there are also cafes and small grocery stores, making the atmosphere more diverse.

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🌆 Ichiban Yokocho's unique atmosphere

1. Narrow but warm alleys 🎐

• The alleys are winding and lanterns are hung high, giving people the feeling of a secret base.
• Some small shops even have only 4 to 5 seats, which is very cozy.

2. A strong sense of humanity 🍻

• The boss and the guests are very close, so it is easy to chat.
• I feel that you can feel the "warmth of Sendai people" more here than in large restaurants.

3. Showa romance at night 🌙

• When the red lanterns are lit, the whole alley looks like a nostalgic painting.
• Many people say that Ichiban Yokocho is the "Sendai's Showa Museum."

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🍲 A must-try delicacy in Ibisan Yokocho

I think the right way to enjoy this place is to enjoy a glass of wine and a small dish at each restaurant and take your time exploring:

1. Skewers and Izakaya side dishes 🍢

• Grilled chicken skin skewers, pork belly skewers, and grilled vegetables go best with beer.
• Oden and fried chicken (唐洋げ) are also popular dishes.

2. Sendai Beef Tongue Cuisine

• Beef tongue is a Sendai specialty, and you can find small shops serving it in Ichiban Yokocho.
• There are beef tongue skewers and beef tongue stews, which are suitable for pairing with sake.

3. Ramen and fried noodles 🍜

• Some small shops offer salt ramen, a must-try late-night dish, and you can also find fried noodles and fried rice.
• After getting tipsy, a bowl of hot soup noodles is really healing.

4. Miyagi Local Sake and Shochu

• Many shops will recommend local sake, and even have seasonal limited editions.
• My favorite thing to do is order a glass of ice sake and chat with the boss while drinking it.

5. Exotic cuisine🌮🍝

• In addition to traditional izakayas, there are also Italian restaurants and Mexican taverns.
• Make Yokocho's atmosphere more international.

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🎉 How to experience Ichiban Yokocho

1. Wine Tour 🍺

• It is recommended not to stop at just one store, but to visit several and experience the characteristics of different stores.
• Each shop is small and exquisite, with different styles.

2. Interact with the boss 🤝

• Most of the owners are talkative and like to share cooking secrets or life stories with customers.
• The editor was once unexpectedly treated to a small glass of wine because he praised the food for being delicious!

3. Experience the "daily life of ordinary people" 🏮

• It is not only a tourist attraction, but also a daily gathering place for Sendai people.
• You will find that sitting at the bar and eating and drinking with the locals is the most authentic experience.

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🚆 Transportation

• Sendai Municipal Subway Tozai Line, Aoba-dori Ichibangcho Station : Approximately a 3-minute walk.
• JR Sendai Station : Approximately 10 minutes on foot.
  The location is right in the city center, making it easy to combine with Kokubuncho or Bunka Yokocho.

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💡 Editor's Tips

1. Best time : The busiest time is after 6pm.
2. It is recommended to travel with a small group : 2-3 people are most suitable, and it will be inconvenient for a large group.
3. Mainly cash : Some small shops do not accept credit cards, so please prepare Japanese yen.
4. Avoid peak hours : There are more crowds on weekend evenings, but you can have a leisurely experience on weekdays.
5. Keep a low profile when taking photos : The street view is beautiful, but please ask for permission before taking photos inside a store.

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🌌 Summary: The charm of Ichiban Yokocho

Ichiban Yokocho is a small, exquisite, nostalgic and humane street at night.
Here, you can feel the Showa atmosphere, taste Sendai's specialties, drink Miyagi local sake, and communicate naturally with local people.

I feel that if Kokubuncho is Sendai’s bustling stage, then Ichiban Yokocho is its “warm little theater.”
Next time you visit Sendai, remember to spend a night in Ichiban Yokocho and let yourself be mesmerized by the laughter and aroma of wine on this humble street! 🍻✨