Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Landmark alleyway featuring a selection of food stalls for simple fare & alcoholic drinks.
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane is rated 4.2 / 5 from 15,823 Google reviews and sits about 107 m (1 min walk) from Shinjuku station.
General overview
About Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane or “Piss Alley,” is a compact, atmospheric lane of small yakitori, kushiyaki, ramen, soba, and izakaya restaurants beside Shinjuku Station. Entry to the alley is free; visitors pay individual restaurants for food and drinks. Details below are based on general knowledge and are not live-verified.
- Narrow lantern-lit lanes with traditional Shinjuku atmosphere
- Small yakitori and kushiyaki restaurants, many with counter seating
- Convenient location near Shinjuku Station’s West Exit
- Especially atmospheric in the evening
- Good for a casual food stop rather than a long sightseeing visit
Things to do here
Explore Memory Lane
Walk through the compact network of lanes, admire the lanterns and restaurant fronts, and experience one of Shinjuku’s most distinctive historic food districts.
Yakitori and kushiyaki dining
Eat grilled chicken and other skewered foods at one of the small izakaya. Seating is often limited and communal or counter-style.
Ramen, soba, and casual Japanese dishes
Several establishments serve noodles, rice dishes, grilled items, and drinks suitable for a quick meal.
Evening photography and atmosphere
The lantern-lit lanes are particularly evocative after dark. Be considerate of diners and avoid obstructing narrow passageways.
The area is immediately west of Shinjuku Station, near the West Exit, and is easiest to reach on foot using station signs toward the West Exit and Omoide Yokocho. The lanes are narrow; take care with luggage and avoid blocking entrances.
No reservation is needed to walk through the alley. Reservations are generally uncommon or unavailable at the smallest venues, but larger or more established restaurants may have their own arrangements. Expect a wait at popular times.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
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Most asked
How to reach
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane is about 107 m (~1 min walk) from Shinjuku station on the Tokyo Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane from Shinjuku station?
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane is about 107 m (roughly 1 min walk) from Shinjuku station on the Tokyo Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane rated?
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane has a Google rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 15,823 reviews.
What's near Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Haidilao Shinjuku Branch, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Shinjuku Golden-Gai.
Is Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane good for children?
Google does not list Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane as particularly suited to children — check current details before visiting with kids.
Is Omoide Yokocho free to visit?
Yes. Walking through the public lanes is generally free. You pay only for food, drinks, and any restaurant-specific charges.
Is it really called Piss Alley?
“Piss Alley” is a historical informal nickname. “Omoide Yokocho” or “Memory Lane” is the more appropriate current name for visitors.
Do I need a reservation?
Not to visit the lane. Most small venues operate on a walk-in basis, although popular restaurants may have queues and some venues may accept reservations under their own rules.
How much should I budget?
A quick meal may cost roughly ¥1,000–¥3,000, while a meal with several dishes and drinks can commonly be ¥3,000–¥6,000 or more per person. Actual prices and possible cover charges vary by venue.
Are credit cards accepted?
Some restaurants accept cards, but small establishments may prefer cash or have payment limitations. Carry Japanese yen as a backup.
Can I visit during the day?
Yes, the lanes can generally be walked through during the day, but the atmosphere and restaurant activity are usually stronger in the evening. Individual daytime opening hours vary.
Is Omoide Yokocho suitable for tourists who do not speak Japanese?
Yes, many visitors manage successfully, but English menus and communication vary. Pointing, translation tools, and checking prices before ordering can help.
Can I bring luggage?
Small bags are usually manageable, but large suitcases are awkward because the lanes and restaurants are very confined. Use station lockers if possible.
How close is it to Shinjuku Station?
It is a short walk from the West Exit area of Shinjuku Station, generally only a few minutes depending on the exact station exit and route.
What should I be mindful of?
Keep voices and movement considerate, do not block the lanes, ask before photographing people, and check whether a restaurant has a cover charge or minimum order.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated October 27, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.