The black market born after WWⅡ is where it all began. “Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street” whose humanity and discounts remind us of old times

Since Ueno Park was opened as Japan’s first park in 1876, “Ueno” has developed as a base to spreading culture and art where many cultural facilities such as The National Museum of Western Art and Tokyo National Museum gather. Such Ueno has lots of spots making us feel its long history. From among them, this time, we’re going to introduce “Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street,” where we can stop by here while sightseeing or taking a walk and feel the warmth of people, and its history as well.

Well known as ‘Ameyoko,’ the symbol of Ueno “Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street (上野アメ横商店街)” stretches for about 500 meters between JR Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station. On both sides of the street, there are more than 400 shops, including shops selling fish and processed products, clothes and cosmetics and eateries. In other words, it’s filled with lots of exciting elements like various reasonable items and delicious foods. This spot is crowded with many locals and tourists and a lively voice is heard.

After World War II, Tokyo was desolate and a black market, the origin of Ameyoko, was born around JR Ueno Station, which was the base of people’s movement and logistics. It seemed that those who were forced to live in poverty visit here for food and clothes because a large number of stalls and street vendors gather. At the times when sugar was a valuable item, ‘candy (Ame)’ was the most popular product. As a result, shops selling candy made from sweet potato or one using artificial sweetener imported from Shanghai opened one after another. Thus, there is a theory that the name of Ameyoko comes from ‘Candy Yokocho (Ameya Yokocho).’ On the other hand, shops selling items made from America increased because Ray-Ban sunglasses, ZIPPO lighters, and Hershey’s chocolates, etc became popular in Japan from around 1950. So, it’s also said that the name does from ‘America Yokocho.’ After that, seafood and agricultural products started to be sold, and Ameyoko grew into the current situation.

When strolling Ameyoko upon understanding its history, you’re sure to discover new attractions. Not only the photogenic streetscapes but also the discounts and giveaways did through conversations remind us of the old scenery.