Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street

Just steps from Ueno station, Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street (Ameyoko) is a lively open-air market under train tracks. With its historical roots and a vibrant mix of street food, it’s the go-to spot for bargain hunters and anyone eager to experience Tokyo’s classic shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere.

Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street

Photo by: Monty Papa

Ameyoko was born initially out of the World War II black market; it was once the go-to place for imported American goods. Today, it’s a bustling shopping district with more than 400 shops packed into its narrow lanes. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood and colorful fruit stands to bargain watches, cosmetics and vintage streetwear. The market’s energy is unmistakable—hawkers shout out deals, trains rumble overhead and the aroma of grilled seafood and meat fills the air.

Food Stalls

Photo by: iStock/ y-studio

If you love street food, Ameyoko is a feast for the senses. Stalls offer fresh kaisendon seafood bowls, sizzling yakitori, takoyaki, sweet skewered fruit and juices, plus Korean and Chinese street food. Izakayas and tachinomi (standing bars) line the streets, drawing locals and visitors with cold drinks and hearty meals. Many open early and stay lively well into the night. Ameyoko is also famous for tatakiuri (bang-selling)—vendors clap and bang on boxes while shouting out prices, drawing a crowd with their rhythm and showmanship.

Near the Ueno end, don’t miss the famous chocolate shop Shimura Shoten. Here, an energetic vendor packs chocolates and snacks into a bag, adding more as he cheers and the crowd watches. The entire bundle costs just ¥1,000—a performance and a bargain in one.

Bargain Hunting

Photo by: iStock/ y-studio

Bargain hunting is at the heart of Ameyoko. You’ll find everything from denim jeans, sneakers and cosmetics to military surplus gear and iconic embroidered sukajan bomber jackets. For those eager to explore flavors beyond Japan, the Ameyoko Center Building’s basement food market carries ingredients from Southeast Asia. Nicknamed the “Asian market,” this market transports you into a bustling marketplace in Vietnam or Thailand, right in the middle of Tokyo. Here, you’ll find spices, condiments and exotic fruits that are hard to find elsewhere in Japan.

Nearby, Ueno Nakadori Street offers a different shopping atmosphere, with stores featuring kimono, sports gear, secondhand hobby goods and electronics. For a more relaxed shopping experience, Uechun is the perfect place to browse at your own pace.