Ameyoko (Ameya Yokocho)

Ameya Yokocho, also known as Ameyoko, is a historical shopping street that first emerged during the early postwar years. Initially opening as a black market, goods were primarily focused on American products as they were highly sought after. Nowadays, stores offer a wide variety of goods ranging from food and produce to fashion and electronics. There are approximately 400 stores that line the 500-meter street on both sides. The shops are also not only found on the main street but also in narrow alleyways that extend to the back so it may be convenient to bring a map in order to make your way around the area.

While shops in Ameyoko sell produce, they are also a provider of foreign ingredients as many resident of Chinese and Southeast Asian descent often come here to purchase familiar produce. There are also a plethora of other types of cuisine from all over the world. A popular kebab shop, Moses’s Kebab, is located in Ameyoko and is a favorite among locals as it provides a vibrant atmosphere with good food. With such a diverse array of foods to try, Ameyoko can also be considered the perfect stop for any foodie in Japan.

With so many stores calling Ameyoko home, there are bound to be well known products that many visitors go out of their way for. One such product is “Chocolate Tapping” where you can buy a bag of sweets for just 1,000 yen. The contents of the bag consist of mainly chocolate but also include various other types of candy and even cookies depending on the day. In addition to this, Ameyoko is also known for having popular fashion items such as bags, watches, and sneakers. There is more that meets the eye when it comes to exploring Ameyokocho.