Ameyoko

Revision as of 15:35, 9 December 2006

Ameyoko (アメ横) is narrow shopping street which runs along the tracks from JR Ueno Station to Okachimachi Station. The area is sometimes called Ameya Yokocho (アメヤ横丁). More than 500 stores line the street and surrounding area, competing for the business of tourists and locals. Parts of the area have the feel of a street market because of the bright advertising for low prices and a number of store employees shouting about bargains to passersby. Items for sale include many kinds of fresh and dried foods and meats, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, bags, and more.

History

The name "Ameyoko" is a short form for "Ameya Yokocho" (candy store alley), as candies were sold there in the past. It has also been suggested that the name comes from a combination of the words "America" and "yokocho" (Alley in Japanese) because there was a black market for American goods in the Ameyoko area after World War II.

Access

Train and Subway

• JR Yamanote Line (Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit / JR Okachimachi Station North Exit)

Eternal Links

• Ameyoko Official Website (Japanese)