Ameyoko, Tokyo's most famous street food market アメヤ横

A multi-cultural heritage

Created after the Second World War for food storage, Ameyoko is a pleasant market. Sunglasses, lighters, chocolate, sugar, the street which only runs along a small part of the railway line is renowned for its products imported straight from the United States. A specificity that earned it the name ''Ameyoko'', or "candy side," the first part of the name also refers to the North American origin of the imports.

Read also: Markets in Tokyo.

Very popular, the market has long been seen as an essential source of income for local traders. In the 1950s, a whole new type of food even appeared on the street of pleasures: Tohoku fish!

Eager to expand their clientele, fishermen in northern Japan began to sell their products en masse on the shelves of the small market. An initiative that was then very successful since Tohoku products have been an integral part of the streetscape.

Ameyoko evolved at the rate of migration policies; other traders came to complete the list of regulars in the district during the 1970s. Initially from the four corners of the world, they then gave a new face to the market, which now extended on both sides of the railway line. . An even more sophisticated look than initially, which today makes Ameyoko one of the most popular "street food" markets in the country.

Flavors from the end of the world

Famous for its bargains, the market is a must not be missed during a trip to the archipelago. And for a good reason, you can find absolutely everything in Ameyoko!

• Japanese cuisine

Lovers of Japanese cuisine, Ameyoko is the place to go. From national specialties like kaisendon (a bowl of rice topped with hot or raw fish) to street food usually eaten at matsuri like takoyaki (octopus dumplings) or kakigori (Japanese ice cream), you'll find countless food stalls here!

The latter then offers the possibility of eating on the spot or standing in front of the stand and displaying ultra-competitive prices: 200 to 500 yen per dish ($1.50 - 4/1.25- 3.50€)!

• Foreign cusine

Due to its rich history, the district has welcomed many foreign merchants. Kebab, pizza, spring rolls, or even Korean desserts, many Japanese people come to Ameyoko to savor these dishes of distant origin. A specificity of which the neighborhood looks pretty proud since one of the most popular desserts on the street is a Korean specialty: cheese donuts to be dipped in a whole heap of savory or sweet sauces!

• Alcohol

In Ameyoko, alcohol flows freely! And whether it's foreign liquor stores or sake shops, there's always a place in the market to awaken your senses.

Find Ameyoko in Tokyo, the Ideal Guide

• Clothes and accessories

Beyond food, the market is also a mecca of fashion at low prices. Clothing, jewelry, accessories, and leather goods, you will easily find something to quench your shopping fever in the streets of Ameyoko. Please take advantage of it; the market offers reductions throughout the year!