What diners say
Synthesized from 19 Google reviews · tap an aspect for the detail
Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street is a vibrant and bustling market that delights visitors with its vast array of shops, from fresh seafood and produce to clothing, sneakers, and even golf equipment. The lively atmosphere and affordable prices make it a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking a quintessential Tokyo market experience.
Shopping variety
Shoppers appreciate the incredible range of goods, from daily necessities and fresh ingredients to unique souvenirs like Japanese-style T-shirts and military clothing. Many note that you can find items from head to toe at affordable prices.
Food and seafood
The market is highly regarded for its delicious and abundant food options, especially fresh seafood. Sashimi sushi is frequently mentioned as a must-try, and the many eateries, cafes, and bars add to the appeal.
Atmosphere and experience
Reviewers describe the area as fun, vibrant, and unique, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of wandering. The arcade machines and cool gift shops add to the entertainment value.
Value for money
While many find the prices affordable and the deals good—especially when exploring side streets—some feel that certain shops are overpriced. It's advisable to compare prices before purchasing.
Crowds
The street can be very crowded, even on weekdays, which some find overwhelming. However, others note that weekdays are less busy, making for a more pleasant visit.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 7 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about the meltingly tender beef guts stew nikomi, calling it a soulful umami bomb. The overall vibe is cozy, rustic, and deeply satisfying street-side comfort food.
“This is beef guts stew. It has a nice flavor and the meat is really soft. I added some shichimi (Japanese seven spice) which gives it a nice kick. It's a comforting dish.”
What creators say
5 creators have covered Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street. Most active: Luke Martin, Giovanni Fois
Un izakaya che serve piatti insoliti come fegato di razza e cuore di squalo, oltre a sashimi fresco, il tutto sotto i binari del treno.
Dishes mentioned
- Fegato di Razza
- Cuore di Squalo
- Sashimi Misto
- Luke MartinLoved
Japan’s Secret Street Food Alley Under The Tokyo Metro 🇯🇵 · @ 11:45
Bunduck is a lively izakaya in Ueno, Tokyo, famous for its excellent yakitori and a delicious beef guts stew (Nikomi). The yakitori selection includes various options like minced chicken, chicken skin (highly praised for its crispy texture), chicken cartilage (crunchy), chicken thigh (smoky and juicy), and chicken heart. The venue is popular, with a potential wait, and offers a vibrant atmosphere where patrons enjoy drinks and food. It's recommended as a great spot to experience authentic Japanese izakaya culture.
Dishes mentioned
Beef guts stew (Nikomi)
This is beef guts stew. It has a nice flavor and the meat is really soft. I added some shichimi (Japanese seven spice) which gives it a nice kick. It's a comforting dish.
- Yakitori (general)
- Sukune (minced chicken)
- Chicken skin
- Chicken cartilage
- Luke MartinLoved
Japan’s Secret Street Food Alley Under The Tokyo Metro 🇯🇵 · @ 01:18
Minatoya is a popular street food stall in Ameyoko Shopping Street, Ueno, Tokyo, famous for its delicious takoyaki. These hot, savory octopus balls are characterized by a light, creamy batter, a piece of chewy octopus inside, and are generously topped with savory takoyaki sauce, smoky bonito flakes, and seaweed. The stall is very busy, selling over 3,000 takoyaki daily, and is considered a must-try street food experience.
Dishes mentioned
Takoyaki
I love these takoyaki. The batter is very light and creamy on the inside, not cooked through, with a small piece of chewy octopus tentacle. The bonito flakes add so much umami and a smoky flavor. The sauce on the outside is tangy and goes perfectly. This is probably my favorite street food in Japan.
- Luke MartinLoved
Japan’s Secret Street Food Alley Under The Tokyo Metro 🇯🇵 · @ 06:26
UO KUSA is an izakaya located in Ameyoko Shopping Street, Ueno, Tokyo, under the train tracks. The venue offers a unique and adventurous seafood and izakaya menu, including challenging items like stingray liver and shark heart, alongside more conventional options like sashimi platters and yakitori. While the stingray liver had a peculiar texture, the shark heart was surprisingly good. The yakitori, especially the chicken skin and thigh, was highlighted as delicious. The overall experience was adventurous and enjoyable, with a lively atmosphere and the unique ambiance of being directly under the train tracks.
Dishes mentioned
Stingray Liver
The texture is really weird — it's like frozen butter, it just starts melting without even chewing. The flavor is not too bad, actually not as strong as I expected. It reminds me of foie gras a bit. But the texture is off-putting. I definitely need beer to wash it down. Not my favorite, but not terrible.
Shark Heart
This shark heart is covered in sesame oil and it's very chewy — the opposite texture of the liver. It's rubbery. Not bad, not bad. I can kind of taste the blood, like an iron flavor. But it's really fresh and the flavor is simple, not as strong as I thought it would be. It's good, actually.
- Mixed Platter (Sea Bass, Saba Mackerel, Tuna, Squid)
- Beef Guts (Nikkomi)
Yakitori (Sukune, Skin, Cartilage, Thigh, Heart)
The cartilage is crunchy, almost like a bone. It's interesting but not my favorite.
A street food fair in Ueno Park with excellent grilled crab and octopus skewers, perfect for a walk and a bite.
Dishes mentioned
Spiedino di Granchio
This crab skewer — I think it's pure crab meat, like a giant surimi on a stick. The guy grilled it right in front of us and served it with what I think is teriyaki sauce. It was so good, I needed the protein. Really tasty.
Spiedino di Polipetti
We also got a skewer of baby octopus. They looked amazing, and they were marinated — not too much, but just right. The grill gives it that barbecue flavor, like a spring picnic. So good.
