Japan is a land of many interesting sights to see and things to do. Tokyo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and has so many sides to the city to explore. Omoide Yokocho in the Shinjuku ward is just one small area you might like to visit here.
Shinjuku Station
Let’s begin with Shinjuku Station which is also one of the busiest train stations in the world! For visitors who are into manga or anime, the scene of school kids in uniforms and the colourful LED billboards might seem like a fantasy come to life. But the place is just a rush zone for the locals here.
Omoide Yokocho
You’d never guess, after seeing the bright clean surroundings of Shinjuku station that there might be shady looking alleyways around here. Omoide Yokocho is a network of very narrow alleyways with open food stalls with steam and smoke filling the air and greasy surroundings.
Evenings at Omoide Yokocho
This place seems to become more crowded during the evenings, where the rundown buildings and shops come alive with tired workers enjoying some beer or sake. Street food like Yakitori is popular here during the evenings.
History
The word Omoide Yokocho translates to – Memory Lane. After World War II, this place was not the safest place to be. Rather it was a black market where people had no choice but to visit to get supplies. A fire in 1999 destroyed part of it as well. If you are staying at Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo or any other serviced apartments in Tokyo, visit this place and be transported to another era.
