Researched guide · Checked on Oct 20, 2026
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Shop and snack your way down a noisy market street under the train tracks: Ameyoko runs about 500 meters between Ueno and Okachimachi stations and packs in more than 400 shops selling dried fish, snacks, sweets, clothes and cosmetics, plus food to eat as you walk. It is one of the few shopping streets in Tokyo that grew out of a post-war black market.
Quick answer
Where: between JR Ueno Station (Shinobazu Exit) and JR Okachimachi Station (North Exit).
Admission: free to walk around. Shop hours vary by store.
Good to know: the street gets extremely busy at the end of December, when people shop for New Year food.
A street born from a black market
Right after World War II, when goods were scarce, black markets appeared around Tokyo stations such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Yurakucho. At Ameyoko, about 400 soldiers returning from Manchuria formed an association to organize the stalls. The street is one of the few that still survive from that time.
There are two stories about the name: one says it comes from the many candy (ame) shops, and the other from the imported American goods that were sold here (“America Yokocho”).
Tips for shopping
- Do not be shy about talking to shop staff. Many know their products very well.
- A little friendly bargaining is part of the fun, but do not push too hard.
- Many shops are specialty stores, so it is a good place for unusual snacks and souvenirs. See our Tokyo souvenirs guide.
- If you are carrying luggage, store it first. See our luggage guide.
How to get there
| Station | Line | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Ueno (Shinobazu Exit) | JR lines | Right by the exit |
| Ueno (Exit 7) | Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya lines | About 2 min |
| Okachimachi (North Exit) | JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines | Right by the exit |
| Ueno-hirokoji (Exits A2, A5, A7) | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line | Right by the exit |
| Naka-okachimachi (Exits A2, A5, A7) | Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line | Right by the exit |
| Keisei Ueno | Keisei Main Line | Right by the main exit |
There is no parking on Ameyoko itself. Ueno Park is just across the road. See our Ueno and Akihabara guide.
Want to eat your way through Ameyoko with a guide? A night market food tour in Ueno can be booked on Klook.
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FAQ
What is Ameyoko?
A market street of more than 400 shops between Ueno and Okachimachi stations, which grew out of a post-war black market.
Where is Ameyoko?
Between JR Ueno Station (Shinobazu Exit) and JR Okachimachi Station (North Exit).
When is Ameyoko busiest?
At the end of December, when many people shop for New Year food.
Can I haggle at Ameyoko?
A little friendly bargaining is fine, but do not push too hard.
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Sources
History, shopping tips and access come from the official website of the Ameyoko shopping street association (checked October 20, 2026).
