Nonbei Yokocho
Posted: Thu Sep 19 2013
The former home of Liquidroom reopened under a new name in 2005, and with a rather different remit: it’s primarily used as a venue for pro-wrestling matches now.
Shinjuku Face map and details
The most curious watering hole in Asakusa (if not all of eastern Tokyo), Bonji Bar treats visitors to an extensive collection of hookah pipes and ‘strange liquor’ including snake booze and cannabis vodka.
Bonji Bar map and opening hours
In the ramshackle street of Nonbei Yokocho (‘Drunkard’s Alley’) you’ll find rows of tiny bars – some so small that they only fit four or five people at a time.
Nonbei Yokocho map and details
Assuming that you don’t go there during the New Year celebrations, Tokyo’s largest shrine is a surprisingly relaxing spot to visit – and also the site of a popular ‘power spot’, Kiyomasa’s Well.
Meiji Shrine map and opening hours
Tucked away behind Sensoji Temple is this kama (small pot) restaurant. Tatami flooring lends a relaxed mood to the place and patrons' favourite dish is the 'gomoku kamameshi', a mix of seafood, chicken, rice and more.
Kamameshi Mutsumi map and opening hours
You can start drinking from 10am at this much-loved izakaya in Ueno’s bustling Ameyoko market, and many customers do exactly that. It’s always busy, so if you see a spare table, grab it.
Daitoryo map and opening hours
They practise a special kind of retail chaos at Don Quijote, a 24-hour variety goods shop where the floors teem with everything from groceries to brand goods, fancy dress and, ahem, adult toys.
Don Quijote Roppongi map and opening hours
Add to your collection at this well-stocked hobby shop, which carries every Tamiya product you could possibly imagine. The range totals around 6,000 different items, including miniature cars, model planes and accessories.
Tamiya Plamodel Factory map and opening hours
Head north of Shinjuku and the streets take on a rather different flavour. Welcome to Shin-Okubo, Japan’s biggest Koreatown, and the go-to place for everything from K-Pop to kimchi.
Shin-Okubo Koreatown map
The old Manseibashi station complex has undergone an impressive revival and this cool café is its most recognisable symbol. Situated right in between the Chuo Line tracks, N3331 is the perfect place to take a train geek for lunch.
N3331 map and opening hours
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