Hotels near Ameyoko

Ameyoko is a market street of around 400 shops running for about 500 metres beneath the JR railway tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi stations. It grew out of a black market after the Second World War, and its name is usually linked to the sweets (ame) once sold here. For most of the year it is a lively bargain street, but in the last days of December it becomes Tokyo's busiest year-end market.

From around 28 to 31 December, families crowd in to buy food for osechi, the traditional New Year meal: crab, salmon roe, tuna, dried squid and sweet black beans. Vendors shout prices over the noise, and some knock their prices down as closing time approaches. The street also has standing bars and stalls serving skewers, sushi and hot sake, which make a cheap lunch.

Pro Tip: Go in the morning on 29 or 30 December to see the rush without being swept along by it. Bring cash, since many stalls do not accept cards.