Ameyoko Market
Ameyoko Market (アメ横) is a busy and colorful shopping area under the tracks of the JR Yamanote line, near the Ueno Station and Ueno Park. If you are visiting the Ueno area to see the Ueno Zoo or museums, this is a great way to experience the less serene side of the area and find some great deals (or at least souvenirs to take back home). The name is short for “Ameya Yokocho” which means “candy store alley.” After World War II, American black market goods were sold here, giving another meaning to the sound “ame” in the name.
Ameya Yokocho
Now you can find a dazzling array of goods such as candy, clothes, fresh fish, seafood spices, and jewelry. Large numbers of luggage stores can be found and shorts stores ranging from designer business to touristy ‘I luv Japan’ type of t-shirts.
Shopping @ Ameyoko
Closer to Okachimachi Station, quite a few stores sell athletics goods. There are name brands, Nike, Adidas, etc. and generic goods, and you can find some fantastic deals on a lot of styles. Golf, swimming, running, and soccer goods are easily found. Some stores sell equipment such as baseball gloves and bats, golf clubs, sports balls, etc. Check out the different stores as some stores sell the same goods at much lower prices, and some stores seem to specialize in one sport. Other stores multiple floors with different sports on each floor.
Fish Vendor @ Ameyoko
There are also some good little restaurants mixed in with the stores in Ameyoka Market. Seems strange to come to Japan and try something different but the Turkish kebab stores that are very popular.
Ameyoko Food
Most shops in Ameyoko Market are open from 10 am to 7 pm, and many are closed on Wednesdays.
photos by: Hikosaemon & michaelvito, Hikosaemon, Hikosaemon
