Omoide Yokocho, once a hidden gem in Shinjuku, has transformed into a tourist hotspot over recent years. I remember when this area was primarily a gathering spot for Tokyo locals—a cozy stop for dinner and drinks before they called it a night and headed home. It had an authentic charm, filled with small izakayas frequented by regulars.
On my last visit before the pandemic, I saw locals filling these tiny, atmospheric alleyways. But now, on my recent trip, the scene has noticeably shifted. English menus are more common, and tourists have taken over most of the seats. It seems that, over time, locals have moved on to other spots, leaving Omoide Yokocho to adapt to the influx of foreign visitors.
For the small business owners here, surviving in a post-COVID world likely meant catering to new clientele. As tourism returned, so did the need to keep the lights on, even if that meant a shift in the alleyway’s unique vibe. While Omoide Yokocho is still worth a visit, it’s a reminder of how places evolve, especially in the face of global changes.