Enjoy Exciting Shopping at Lively Ameya Yokocho Shopping Street

The Ameya Yokocho shopping street is featured on TV programs as a Japanese New Year’s tradition. This shopping street boasts an energetic and lively atmosphere. With its many attractive shops, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes for easy mobility. Experience the lively mood while taking your time leisurely.

Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Street is commonly called ‘Ameyoko’. It originally started as one of the black markets that were built in various places such as Shinjuku and Ikebukuro after World War II. After that, this shopping street became a famous market spot in Japan. By the way, it seems that there are 2 theories about the origin of the name: one is that there were many candy shops at the time, and the other is that there were many imported goods from America.

This shopping street boasts over 400 stores, including grocery stores, restaurants, and clothing stores. We especially recommend visiting ‘Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple’ (摩利支天 徳大寺), which is conveniently located near the entrance of the shopping street. It’s popularly known as a guardian deity of good luck and game, and there is a belief that you may find bargains if you worship. Also, try to actively talk with store staff when you go shopping. Many of the people here are knowledgeable and easy to talk to, so you can have an exciting shopping experience that can only be found in this shopping district. To enjoy the shopping district to the fullest, you can go not only to the main street but also to the back alleys where you can meet many people and products. Allow plenty of time for your visit in order to fully enjoy the experience the street!