In this guide
Choose the experience you want
GO TOKYO describes Omoide Yokocho as a cluster of small restaurants, including yakitori places, on the west side of Shinjuku Station. Think of dinner at a close-set counter, rather than a spacious restaurant where everyone can spread out.
If you are carrying airport luggage, leave it at your accommodation first when possible. For a larger group, a nearby restaurant with more room may make for a more comfortable evening. You can still enjoy the atmosphere of the alley on a considerate walk through.
Read before you sit
Pause outside and look for the menu, prices and payment information. Ask whether there is a seating charge or required order if these are unclear. The best time to settle that question is before you take a seat.
Wait for a member of staff to welcome you in. An empty stool does not always mean it is available. If the place is full, ask where to wait and keep neighbouring entrances clear.
Order a manageable first round
Choose a dish you recognise, confirm the quantity, and start with an order you are comfortable finishing. Yakitori means grilled chicken skewers, but menus and cuts vary. Ask what you will receive instead of guessing from a small photograph.
Keep bags off spare stools and allow the staff space to serve. If you want a photograph of the cooking or people around you, ask first. A quick picture should not interrupt someone else’s dinner.
Make the return simple
Before entering the alley, save the station entrance and return route you intend to use. Shinjuku has many exits, so a precise meeting point is more useful than “outside the station.”
There is no need to fit several counters into one evening. One good meal, followed by a short walk if you feel like it, is a complete first-night plan.
Quick questions
Is it a good choice for a large group?
Sources & updates
Official references reviewed 15 September 2026. The planning suggestions are editorial advice. Check the operator or venue for current hours, services and availability.
