Hoppy-dori Street

In short

Hoppy-dori Street is a roughly 80-meter-long bar street located to the west of Senso-ji Temple. Establishments serving Hoppy line both sides, with red paper lanterns hanging in front of the shops. Also known for its nikomi (stew) dishes, it bustles with local regulars and tourists.

• ​Beef Tendon Stew (Gyusuji Nikomi)​​: The street's specialty. The street is also nicknamed Nikomi-dori, and flavors vary from soy sauce-based to sukiyaki-style.
• ​Hoppy​​: The drink that gave the street its name. It is ordered as a set consisting of "naka" (the shochu) and "soto" (the Hoppy bottle).
• ​Storefront Seating​​: Tents extending from the eaves and seats spilling out into the alley catch the eye. Sitting at these outdoor seats lets you feel the bustling energy of the street up close.

History and Highlights

​Hoppy-dori Street​ is a bar street of about 80 meters situated to the west of Senso-ji Temple. Turning off Denboin-dori Street opens up into a wide alley where about 20 dining spots stand side by side. Red lanterns hang in front of the storefronts, and local regulars and tourists enjoy drinks amid the nostalgic atmosphere of the traditional shitamachi (old downtown).

The name comes from Hoppy, a beer-flavored, low-alcohol beverage launched in 1948. Long ago, beer was considered a luxury item, and Hoppy was said to have been created as a substitute. The style of mixing it with shochu spread among the common people.

The street's name is quite recent. According to an article from 2021, it came to be called this way only within the preceding ten-odd years, and it is unknown who coined the name. In the late 1960s and early 1970s (the Showa 40s), it was simply known as "Koen Hon-dori," and there were reportedly still many shops selling clothing. As the number of places serving Hoppy increased, it took on its current form. Zainichi Koreans (Korean residents in Japan) are said to have been deeply involved in its development.

Near the street once stood France-za, a variety theater known for its striptease and comedy sketches. It is today's Asakusa France-za Engeijo Toyokan. Tsukushi, an okonomiyaki restaurant on the street, used to deliver food there. A scene where delivery was ordered from this restaurant also appears in Beat Takeshi's book Asakusa Kid.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​Beef Tendon Stew (Gyusuji Nikomi)​​: The specialty of the street. Every shop offers a stew dish, giving the street its other moniker, "Nikomi-dori." The seasonings vary widely, from a light soy sauce flavor to a sweet and savory taste made with coarse sugar in a sukiyaki style.
• ​How to Order Hoppy​​: A "Hoppy set" comes with one serving of "naka" (the glass with shochu) and "soto" (the bottle of Hoppy). Since one bottle of Hoppy typically makes about three drinks, you can order single refills of "naka" starting from your second glass.
• ​Storefront Seating​​: Seating areas set up under awnings and spreading out into the alley are a distinctive sight. Sitting outdoors allows you to soak in the lively street atmosphere up close.

Tips for Exploring

Located just a short walk from Senso-ji Temple, the street fills with merry drinkers even during the daytime. Hopping from one shop to another to compare different stews is another enjoyable way to experience it. Senso-ji Temple is about 130 meters to the east, Asakusa Engei Hall is about 110 meters to the west, and Asakusa Hanayashiki is about 200 meters to the north.