Omoide Yokocho

(Source : pixta)

Omoide Yokocho, which literally means “side street of memories,” is a bar district located in Shinjuku that has a nostalgic feel of the Showa period. It started as a market right after the devastation of World War II. The district covers an area of about 330 square meters and is crammed with over 70 restaurants and bars including izakaya (Japanese-style bar), yakitori (skewered chicken), sushi, ramen, yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) places. Since it has an underground atmosphere and its prices are affordable, Omoide Yokocho is recently popular among not only business men but also women and foreign tourists.

(Source: 食べログ)

Cozy spaces

One of the appeals of Omoide Yokocho is that you can have a delicious meal and enjoy a casual conversation with regular customers and owners. The cozy spaces that is welcoming even to first-time customers will soften your nervousness. Since the seats are close to each other, it is easy to make new friends in this warm, causal setting.

(Source: 食べログ)

Authentic cuisine

An underground feel, casual atmosphere, and affordable prices tend represent Omoide Yokocho, but you can’t disregard the high quality cuisine. Specialized restaurants such as authentic seafood and motsuyaki (grilled giblets) are in this district.

(Source: 食べログ)

Kabuto, restaurant serving eel

In this restaurant, you can enjoy skewers of various parts of eel from head to tail that are grilled to perfection using binchotan (high-grade charcoal)! You will discover a new appeal of eel. Eels are a delicacy now, but here it is sold at affordable prices here (from 270 yen for one skewer).