Yurakucho Yakitori Alley

The basics

Yakitori Alley is squeezed beneath the train tracks around Yurakucho station, so the chug and clang of trains above will accompany your meal. Small stalls here sell grilled meats, seafood, and cold beer (with a few vegetarian options, too). Space is quite cramped, with some places having proper seating and others just benches and stools in the street. The area is particularly popular with Japanese salarymen (businessmen), but adventurous eaters are in for a treat at Yakitori Alley. Most travelers visit Yakitori Alley independently but some food tours of Tokyo include it on their itineraries.

Things to know before you go

• Don’t be put off by the somewhat questionable first impressions: Yakitori Alley is as safe as most other parts of central Tokyo.
• Photography enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Yakitori Alley as the lanterns that hang outside many of the shops are very photogenic.
• Despite its name and reputation, nowadays there’s a wider variety of food on offer here than just yakitori. If grilled meat isn’t your thing you’ll be able to find something else and still enjoy the ambience.

How to get there

Yakitori Alley runs underneath the train tracks both north and south of Yurakucho Station, for about 600 yards (700 meters). Yurakucho station is on the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines, and the Yurakucho Subway line. You can also get to Yakitori Alley via the Ginza Station on the Marunouchi and Hibiya Subway lines, and Hibiya Station on the Hibiya Subway line.

When to get there

Evening is the best time to visit Yakitori Alley. Food and drink outlets are open late here. In winter or when there’s rain, be aware that at many places you’d have to sit outside.

Visit Monja Street

Tokyo is full of little neighborhoods specializing in a single type of food. Head to Monjya Street (actually a collection of streets) on the artificially made Tsukishima Island to eat monjayaki–savory fried pancakes with cabbage, meat, and seafood. Buy the raw batter and then grill it yourself at your table.

Ways to explore

Yakitori Alley is squeezed beneath the train tracks around Yurakucho Station, so the chug and clang of trains above will accompany your meal. Small stalls here sell grilled meats, seafood, and cold beer (with a few vegetarian options, too). Space is quite cramped, with some places having proper indoor seating and others just benches and stools in the street. If you choose to visit independently (as most people do), stick around until your hunger is satisfied. Some food and nightlife tours of Tokyo include Yakitori Alley on their itineraries, if you’d prefer a little expert guidance.

Accessibility

Yakitori Alley isn’t ideal for wheelchair users as it’s narrow and crowded, with seating and activity spilling into the streets.

Age limits

Bring kids earlier in the day but parental discretion is advised in the evening, when the alcohol flows freely.

What to pack

Hand sanitizer, drinking water

What to wear

Season-appropriate clothing as you may need to sit outside

Not allowed

While tipping is not explicitly prohibited, it isn’t part of Japanese culture or etiquette, and locals can find it confusing and unwanted.

Amenities

Some eateries have basic restrooms but it’s a good idea to use the facilities at nearby Yurakucho Station.

Address

Yakitori Alley runs underneath the train tracks both north and south of Yurakucho Station for about 2,300 feet (700 meters). Get here using public transportation and on foot.

Driving

Driving around Tokyo isn’t advisable due to traffic and the challenge of finding parking. You couldn’t park on Yakitori Alley if you tried, and the streets nearby are crowded.

Public transportation

Yurakucho station is on the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines, and the Yurakucho Subway line. You can also get to Yakitori Alley via the Ginza Station on the Marunouchi and Hibiya Subway lines, and Hibiya Station on the Hibiya Subway line.

Best times to visit

Evening is the best time to visit Yakitori Alley; food and drink outlets are open late here.

Best days to visit

The alley tends to be busier on the weekends, but this spot is popular throughout the week.

Best months to visit

Come during fine weather, generally spring (March–May) and fall (October–November), as much of the alley’s seating is outdoors. For this reason, it’s best not to visit during the winter or on a rainy day.

Special events

Yakitori Alley doesn’t host its own festivals but it’s a good place to go during other central-Tokyo festivals, such as the Kanda Matsuri in May and the Sanno Matsuri in June.