Amazake Yokocho

In short

Amazake Yokocho is a small street imbued with the atmosphere of an old downtown neighborhood, stretching about 400 meters from the Amazake Yokocho intersection right outside Ningyocho Station to the Meijiza Theater. It is said that the street received this name because an amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) shop stood at its entrance in the early Meiji period. Both sides of the street are lined with unique specialty shops and eateries, including established businesses operating for over 100 years.

• ​Shops Inheriting the Taste of Amazake​​: Even after the original amazake shop that gave the street its name closed, visitors can still enjoy amazake at shops along the street.
• ​Ningyoyaki and Food Strolls​​: Amazake and sweets line the storefronts, making it perfect for snacking while taking a walk.
• ​The Benkei Statue on Hamachogawa Green Road​​: At the entrance to the green road intersecting the street stands a statue of Benkei from the kabuki play "Kanjincho."

History and Highlights

Amazake Yokocho is a small street imbued with the atmosphere of an old downtown neighborhood, stretching about 400 meters from the Amazake Yokocho intersection right outside Ningyocho Station to the Meijiza Theater.

The name is said to have originated from an amazake shop located at the alley's entrance at the beginning of the Meiji period. The shop was named "Owariya." Owariya later disappeared, but because so many customers kept coming in search of amazake, the third-generation owner of the tofu shop "Futaba" decided to start selling amazake instead. Today, visitors can still enjoy amazake at several shops along the street.

Both sides of the street are lined with many unique specialty shops and dining spots, including long-established businesses with over a century of history. Along this route leading to the Meijiza Theater and Hamacho Park, many atmospheric historic shops and traditional craft stores dating back to the Edo period remain. Artisans who preserve these traditions continue their craft along this alley.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Amazake and Sweet Treats​​: Amazake and sweets are displayed in abundance at the storefronts. As it is a small shopping street extending from Ningyocho Station, it is ideal for eating while taking a leisurely stroll.
• ​Seven Lucky Gods Ningyoyaki​​: Several shops in the Ningyocho area sell ningyoyaki (small baked sponge cakes with filling), including shops on Amazake Yokocho. Ningyoyaki in Ningyocho are characterized by their shapes modeled after the Seven Lucky Gods. Comparing them to ningyoyaki from other areas can be an enjoyable experience.
• ​Hamachogawa Green Road and the Benkei Statue​​: The Hamachogawa Green Road intersecting Amazake Yokocho sits on the former site of the Hamacho River. At its entrance, visitors are greeted by a statue of Benkei from the kabuki play "Kanjincho." This statue conveys the history of the neighborhood, which flourished as a center of Edo kabuki. The greenway is lined with Somei Yoshino and Oshima cherry trees, creating a cherry blossom arch during the flowering season.

Tips for Exploring

The street is a 1-minute walk from Ningyocho Station, a 3-minute walk from Hamacho Station, and a 2-minute walk from Suitengumae Station. In spring, to coincide with the blooming cherry blossoms, the "Amazake Yokocho Cherry Blossom Festival" is held, during which amazake is distributed free of charge.

The history of Ningyocho's theater district and geisha quarters, as well as its karakuri mechanical clock towers, are introduced in the description for Ningyocho. Suitengu Shrine is about 290 meters to the south, Ningyocho is about 210 meters to the southwest, and Koami-jinja Shrine is about 480 meters to the southwest.