Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho

Nonbei Yokocho, often referred to as "Drunkard's Alley," is a narrow, atmospheric alleyway located near Shibuya Station in Tokyo. This hidden gem is filled with tiny, intimate bars, most of which can only accommodate a handful of customers at a time. The area exudes a nostalgic charm, with many of the establishments retaining a retro, Showa-era ambiance. It's a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a quiet drink in a cozy, authentic setting, away from the bustling crowds of Shibuya. ### How to Get There: To reach Nonbei Yokocho, you can take the following steps: 1. **By Train**: Take a train to **Shibuya Station**, one of Tokyo's major transit hubs, served by several lines including the JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, and Fukutoshin Line. 2. **Exit the Station**: Once at Shibuya Station, head towards the **Hachiko Exit**. This exit is famous for the Hachiko Statue, a popular meeting point. 3. **Walk to Nonbei Yokocho**: From the Hachiko Exit, cross the iconic Shibuya Crossing and head towards the area beneath the railway tracks. Nonbei Yokocho is located just a short walk from the crossing, along the right side of the railway tracks (if facing the station). Look for a small entrance marked by red lanterns and signs indicating "Nonbei Yokocho." The alley is just a few minutes' walk from Shibuya Station, making it easily accessible for those exploring the Shibuya area.

Lovely place, similar to the Omoide Yokocho at Shinjuku.

Extremely rude and anti-foreigner. We approached a Male staff to inquire for 2 seats - he scowled and waved us off rudely, saying ‘no seat no seat’. Right after us, we witnessed 3 Japanese walking in , inquired if there were seats and a female staff assisted them to look for seats, after which they were seated shortly. On our way out of the restaurant, we walked past a table for 2 where the diners were paying and left shortly after. We sat down at the table and told the female staff that we found a table that is available. She came over to start to clear up the previous diners’ plates our table. However, the male staff called out to her and spoke to her in Japanese. After that, she came back to our table, and told us ‘no table no table’. We were already seated and told her we already found this table. Yet she kept repeating ‘no table no table’ and the male staff came over to wave us off again. We still nicely and smilingly told him that we found this available table , why can’t we sit there? His immediate response changed to : food service very long, waiting more than 1 hour! No service no service! We have travelled multiple times a year to Tokyo for the past 2 decades and have always been amazed at the hospitality and politeness of the Japanese. This restaurant and their staff have certainly made their lasting impression on us - rude, nasty, anti-foreigner. We will make a point never to return to this restaurant during our future visits to Tokyo.

Very Important, read before heading to Nonbei Yokocho. If you are seeing an area with a lot of outdoor seating you are in the wrong place!!! The real, authentic Nonbei Yokocho is almost right under the train tracks and their seating will be very limited and indoors. Accidentally went to the Shibuya Yokocho because it's more well lit and you can see it when you're up in the Shibuya Scramble. Saw the real Nonbei Yokocho while walking around afterwards and felt huge regret that I went to the wrong one :(

A great area of town to eat and drink in Tokyo. Most people here were in their 20s or 30s. Several places to eat. Lots of choices for small plates.

This Yokocho was a cool experience, it’s basically a foodhall with some table service. The food options are limited but the beer and lemon sours are not too expensive.

We had a great experience at a little six seater. We had several cocktails, and toasted with each new order with the owner. She made several small appetizers for us. Four cocktails and four appetizers was 6,600 and we spent a great few hours being hosted and sharing stories with fellow travellers and our host. I think it was an offshoot of Enoki which was two stalls over. Toyo only works Tuesday and she was lovely.

You can either order a set selection or choose your own from the menu. Prices are reasonable and the food is tasty, with friendly, helpful and efficient service.

Yasaiya's hidden away in the quaint Nonbei Yokocho. It's a few steps from Shibuya Station, though there aren't any signs pointing to it, so if you don't look for it, you'll miss it. Vegetable yakitori and sake is the name of the game here. As the name hints, it's a vegetable shop. The shiitake mushrooms with wasabi stood out from the other grilled vegetable dishes I tried. But the best item I ordered was the only meat option on the menu - duck breast. You can have it made 2 ways, with either ponzu sauce or salt. Since the portions are small, I elected to order both ways. The ponzu was good, but probably masked most of the taste. The salted duck, in my opinion, was much better. Yasaiya isn't cheap and the bill can add up quick with a few dishes, drinks, and the "cover" fee that a lot these small places charge. A definite recommendation for a small snack, but wouldn't suggest coming here with any empty stomach.