Visiting Ameya-Yokochō is like finding treasure. You know why? Amid the bustling city that’s Tokyo – towering skyscrapers, illuminated streets, and mega-structures – lies this humble yet lively street market.
It is unique because it runs alongside the railway tracks between the Okachimachi and JR Ueno stations, but tourists love it here. Although first-timers at Ameya-Yokochō might want to be patient of the nitty-gritty nature of the place, they’ll realize the surprises that await them here.
Speaking of surprises, the street features markets selling seafood, fruits, vegetables, and general groceries, as well as discount fashion pieces, from clothes to cosmetics. However, the most widely visited in this destination are the stalls that sell street foods and restaurants so affordable they will save you more than enough money to enjoy the more sophisticated attractions of Japan. These are our top picks of the best places to eat in Ameya-Yokochō.
1. Takoyaki at Minatoya
These octopus batter-based balls are also best tasted in Ameya-Yokochō. Particularly, head over to Minatoya, a Japanese stall that will remind you of the curry balls stall in Tsim Sha Tsui, serving up affordable yet fresh, delicious takoyaki.
Hours: 11 AM-7:30 PM Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM-7 PM Monday to Friday
Contact: +81 3-3831-4350
Address: 4 Chome-1-9 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0015, Japan
2. Sushi at Magurondonya Miura Misakiko
Even if you’ve already tasted lots of sushi on your Japan trip, it still pays to try the sushi at Magurondonya Miura Misakiko. Actually, you’ll buy more since they are very affordable. You also won’t get impatient waiting for your order, standing up outside the stall because it is a rotating sushi bar. They have Misaki tuna red, Negitoro, and Misaki tuna Nakaochi, among others.
Hours: 10:30 AM-10 PM Saturday to Sunday, 10:30 AM-11 PM Monday to Friday
Contact: +81 3-5807-6023
Address: 6-12-14 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo Prefecture 110-0005, Japan
3. Fresh Fruits and Fresh Juices at Hyakkaen New Fruit
Walking around Tokyo can get really hot in summer, so what better way to refresh than to order fresh fruits and juices in Ameya-Yokochō. The best store selling these is Hyakkaen New Fruit. Fruits like cantaloupe and pineapple are served with sticks, so you can munch on them while strolling around. The best juices to pair are the strawberry milk and Mandarin orange flavors.
Hours: 10 AM-8:30 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +81 3-3831-9812
Address: 6-11-2 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0015, Japan
4. Chicken Karaage at Chicken Man
No, it’s not the famous show “Running Man,” but Chicken Man. It’s the name of the store that sells the best chicken karaage, street-style. Surprise, surprise, it’s not run by a Japanese, but by a Turkish, so expect their food to be halal-certified. Enjoy this chicken with various options for your sauces, just like at Popeyes. Chicken Man has sweet, spicy, and extremely spicy sauces.
Hours: 10 AM-10 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +81 3-3835-8089
Address: 4 Chome-7-8 Ueno, Ameyoko Center Building, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
5. Mala Hotpot at Tentenraku
Ameya-Yokochō isn’t just dotted with street food stalls, but also restaurants where you can grab a table and dine in. If the winter in Tokyo is making you feel very uncomfortable, warm your body up with some mala hotpot at Tentenraku. This spicy Chinese dish, particularly Sichuan cuisine, is the equivalent of the Korean jjampong since it is very spicy. Don’t obsess too much with the soup since you also need to enjoy the juicy meat, veggies, and noodles that come in the bowl.
Hours: 9 AM-9 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +81 80-4797-5211
Address: 4 Chome-7-8 Ueno, Ameyoko Center Building, 1F, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
6. Japanese Bread at Ueno Mori no Panya San
Where do you get your Japanese bread cravings? Perhaps at Kumori, a Japanese bakery chain with international branches, right? Well, for affordable and tasty bread and pastries, drop by the Ueno Mori no Panya San bakery in Ameya-Yokochō. Kids will love how the bread choices here come in various fun shapes. Among the must-try slices are the sweet turtle melon bread and cream cheese panda bun.
Hours: Starts at 4 AM
Contact: No available information online
Address: 4-1-8 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
7. Korean Street Food at Uncle Joe
Craving Korean street food? Try them at Uncle Joe. Thinking of indulging in authentic tteokbokki or spicy rice cakes, or maybe hotteok or Korean pancakes? You got it! You may also pair them with bubble tea, fresh smoothies, and juices.
Hours: 10 AM-9 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +81 3-6284-4219
Address: 6 Chome-10-7 Ueno, Ameyoko Plaza B Building, Unit 56, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
8. Japanese Ice Cream at Chanokiminoen
There’s no better way to end your food trip in Ameya-Yokochō than with Japanese ice cream. Actually, you must never ever leave Japan without trying the Instagram-famous ice cream here. Chanokiminoen is best known for their matcha ice cream, but flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and mixed blends are also available.
Hours: 10 AM-8 PM (closed every third Tuesday of the month, except in December)
Contact: +81 3-3831-7706
Address: 4-9-13 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
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There you have it, eight of the most popular food choices in Ameya-Yokochō. What started as a black market in Tokyo after the Second World War is now a foodie haven that’s become a favorite among travel bloggers and influencers. Affordable options will entice you.
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