Tokyo Ueno Guide: Ameyoko Food, Drugstores, and Ueno Park

Ameyoko

Overview

Ameyoko, located between JR Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, stretches about 500 meters and features around 400 shops. Seafood, dried goods, clothing, cosmetics, snacks, and dining options are concentrated under the elevated railway, making it ideal for shopping and souvenir hunting in Ueno.

Store hours vary, so when planning your visit to Ameyoko, adjust your itinerary based on shop locations and official announcements. The year-end market attracts larger crowds, while weekdays allow for a leisurely exploration of the market, snacks, and everyday items.

Name Origin and District Background

The origin of "アメ" has two theories: one relates to the pronunciation of America and post-war American goods, while the other is similar to the Japanese word for candy, "飴." This history of black markets and candy streets gives today's shopping district a market-style atmosphere and a downtown vibe.

Curry Specialty Store Crown Ace Ueno (クラウンエース)

Restaurant Features

Crown Ace Ueno opened in 1973 and is located under the Ueno elevated bridge, featuring a Showa-style curry specialty menu. The menu focuses on selected curries, hamburger curry, and pork cutlet curry, with the pork cutlet curry priced around 650 yen; the selected curry comes with braised pork belly.

The restaurant has only 16 counter seats and operates on a meal ticket system, making it suitable for quick solo dining. The curry sauce is slightly thin and mildly spicy, paired with firmer rice, presenting a simple and direct flavor reminiscent of classic Showa-era establishments.

Yamashiroya

Store Introduction

Yamashiroya is located across from the JR Ueno Station's Hirokoji Exit and was established in 1882 as a multi-story toy store. From the Central Exit, walk straight to the Hirokoji Exit to find the store; it's about a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station's 5a and 5b exits, and there is no parking available. Please refer to the table for the address and phone number.

Floor Features

• 1st Floor: Trendy toys.
• 2nd Floor: Anime and overseas character merchandise.
• 3rd Floor: Puzzles, game characters, and trading cards.
• 4th Floor: Children's toys.
• 5th Floor: Models and figurines.
• Basement 1: Character merchandise.

The store also features multiple gacha machines, offering the latest toys, character goods, models, and collectibles, making it a great addition to your shopping route around Ueno Station.

GALANT

Restaurant Features

GALANT opened in 1977 and is a Showa-era retro café near Ueno Station. The chandeliers, leather sofas, and dark wooden interior maintain the grandeur of a traditional café; the venue has around 100 seats, all of which allow smoking, and payment is cash only.

The menu includes green cream soda, Neapolitan pasta, chocolate sundae, and fruit sundae. For a heartier meal, check out the classic café dishes available; actual offerings may vary on-site.

Yondaime Oonoya Hyoumuro

Restaurant Features

Yondaime Oonoya Hyoumuro is a shaved ice shop directly operated by an ice block specialty store, located about a 1-minute walk from Ueno Station. The shop offers free "ice refills" as long as there is syrup left in the bowl; there are only 10 counter seats, and the fourth-generation owner and his wife personally welcome guests.

The strawberry milk and freshly squeezed lemon are popular items, with the option to upgrade to double lemon for an extra charge. In summer, a numbered ticket system is used for queuing, allowing one person to wait in line while others can relax in a cool area. It's advisable to check the day's business status before heading out.

Ueno Marui

Features
Ueno Marui (0101) is located across from the JR Ueno Station's Hirokoji exit and is connected to the Ueno Subway Station. The mall focuses on lifestyle and youthful fashion, featuring MUJI on B2F, NITORI on 8F, and a scenic restaurant street on 9F; shopping, home goods, and dining can all be arranged in one visit.

Floor Guide
B2F to B1F focuses on lifestyle goods, coffee, and food; 1F to 7F features cosmetics, clothing, shoes, bags, men's and women's fashion, sports goods, and lifestyle items; 8F is NITORI, and 9F is the restaurant street. Operating hours may vary by floor, please check the information table and official announcements for confirmation.

Historical Background

Ueno Marui opened on August 24, 1985, on the site of the former Keisei Department Store. It will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, evolving from a fashion department store to a complex commercial facility with dining, experiences, and lifestyle offerings near Ueno Station.

STORY STORY UENO

Product Features

STORY STORY UENO is a lifestyle bookstore operated by Yurindo, offering not only books but also selected design stationery, lifestyle items, artisan works, and local factory products. The store values the story behind each item, making it a great place to find books, gifts, or leisurely browse through goods.

Store Introduction

Located on B1F of Ueno 0101 (Ueno Marui), the shop combines books, miscellaneous goods, and experiential spaces. In addition to the book and goods sections, there is a Factory Market that periodically hosts workshops and curated events; details of actual events can be checked on the official website.

OSドラッグ

Store Introduction

OSドラッグ Ueno store is located at 6-11-5 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo, selling medicines, daily necessities, and cosmetics. The store is small but well-organized, and its prices and discounts attract many travelers. Currently, the store only accepts cash, so please prepare yen before shopping.

The store is about 190 meters from JR Ueno Station, a 3-minute walk, making it suitable for a shopping route in Ueno or Ameyoko. Business hours and restocking status may vary, so please refer to on-site and official announcements.

Shimura Store

Product Features

Shimura Store is famous for its chocolate selling method. After paying a 1,000 yen bill, the staff shouts "One more!" while putting chocolates and snacks into a bag; the contents are random and usually include both domestic and international brands of chocolate or cookies.

Store Introduction

Located in Ueno Ameyoko, the store has a history of over 40 years. The elevated selling and on-site interaction preserve the market atmosphere of the Showa era, making it a great option for snacks and souvenirs while strolling through Ameyoko.

Chinchinken

Restaurant Features

Chinchinken is located under the JR elevated tracks in Ueno, with seating both inside and outside, creating a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere close to the street. Signature dishes include fried rice, salt wonton noodles, and gyoza; the wonton noodle soup has a mild chicken flavor, and the gyoza is characterized by its thick skin and generous filling.

The restaurant offers straightforward and simple dishes, maintaining a clean environment. There can be queues during peak dining times, so it's advisable to avoid busy hours to minimize wait times; actual payment methods and business conditions are subject to on-site announcements.

Shoryu

Restaurant Features

Shoryu, located under the Ueno Ameyoko elevated bridge, is a representative town Chinese restaurant and has been selected as one of Tabelog's Top 100 Gyoza Shops. The signature giant gyoza is about twice the size of regular gyoza, filled mainly with cabbage and other vegetables, paired with thick skin, making it distinctive in taste and portion.

Fried rice and mixed fried noodles are also popular choices. The restaurant does not accept reservations and only takes cash, so it's advisable to allow time for queuing when visiting.

Niku no Ohyama

Restaurant Features

Niku no Ohyama is located in Ueno Ameyoko, directly operated by a premium meat wholesaler. The entrance has a standing area for quick bites and drinks; further inside, there are izakaya-style seats offering steak, Japanese and Western dishes, and other meat options.

The fried meat patty is a signature dish, along with steak, Tokyo wagyu prosciutto, and other meat preparations. The standing area is suitable for a quick meal alone, while the dining area is perfect for friends to enjoy drinks or a leisurely meal.

Ueno Yabu Soba

Restaurant Features

Ueno Yabu Soba is a long-established soba noodle shop in Ueno, often with queues on weekdays. The soba noodles are thin, and the dipping sauce has a spicy flavor; it's recommended to dip only the tips of the noodles to enhance the buckwheat aroma. The tempura soba with shrimp is also a popular choice, and you can finish your meal with soba broth.

Note: Reservations are accepted starting at 17:30 on weekdays for dinner; please check with the restaurant for actual seating and business status.

Coffee Oujyou

Restaurant Features

Coffee Oujyou, located near Ueno Station, is a traditional kissaten with Showa-era decor and a no-smoking policy throughout. Popular dishes include Neapolitan pasta, sundaes, and pancakes served with ice cream; breakfast sets feature thick toast or ham sandwiches, boiled eggs, and hot coffee.

Be prepared to queue during weekends and busy hours. To experience Tokyo's Showa-era café culture, consider stopping by while shopping in Ueno or strolling through Ameyoko.

茶之君野園 (茶の君野園)

Product Features

Tea no Kiminoen's matcha soft serve is made with Uji matcha and Hokkaido fresh milk, perfect for enjoying while strolling through Ameyoko. The shop also offers special deep-steamed tea (torori tea), and the second floor features teapots and tea sets, ranging from everyday items to works by renowned artisans.

Store Introduction

Founded in 1918, Tea no Kiminoen is a wholesale and retail store for Japanese tea located in Ameyoko, Ueno. The shop has certified tea instructors and masters who can assist with tea selection and brewing methods; you can take your time choosing tea leaves, teaware, or Japanese-style souvenirs here.

ALBUQUERQUE (アルバカーキ)

Product Features

ALBUQUERQUE is located in Ameyoko and specializes in leather goods and silver jewelry with a Western American style. The store offers Native American jewelry, saddle leather wallets, belts, motorcycle bags, and leather carvings, with some items sourced directly from American artists by the owner.

Store Introduction

Established in 1992, the shop is situated under the elevated bridge in Ameyoko Plaza. Although the space is small, it boasts a wide variety of products. In addition to ready-made leather items, it offers custom wallets and belts, as well as leather care and repair advice, making it ideal for those seeking vintage American accessories.

Sankouen

Product Features

Sankouen is located in Ueno Ameyoko, specializing in Japanese tea and seaweed. The tea selection includes sencha, gyokuro, and everyday drinking tea, while the seaweed is perfect as souvenirs or for home cooking; products can be chosen based on gifting or personal use.

The shop has a simple exterior, and the staff are knowledgeable about tea and seaweed, providing a quiet space to select Japanese foods amidst the bustling shopping street.

Nakata Shoten (Ameyoko Shop)

Product Features

Nakata Shoten was established in 1950, selling surplus military goods, new stock, replica uniforms, military boots, tactical backpacks, badges, and patches, as well as flight jackets and leather jackets from brands like Alpha Industries, Schott, and Avirex.

Store Introduction

The shop is located near Ameyoko in Ueno and Okachimachi Station, and it once sold U.S. military supplies after the war, witnessing the transformation of Ameyoko from a black market into a shopping street. The store is densely packed, making it perfect for travelers interested in military-style fashion, historical collectibles, or unique clothing accessories to explore.

Meshiya Ichinose Ueno Branch

Restaurant Features

Meshiya Ichinose Ueno Branch is located near Ueno Okachimachi Station and opened on February 21, 2025. The restaurant primarily features private rooms, with a total of 90 seats, making it suitable for family gatherings, friends' get-togethers, and banquets.

The menu includes izakaya dishes, skewers, and seafood, with highlights such as grilled black-haired wagyu beef, salmon roe chawanmushi, seared shirako with sea urchin, and a tiered sashimi platter. The restaurant also offers sake, shochu, and wine, and smoking is permitted throughout the venue; it's advisable to confirm seating conditions before making a reservation.

Ramen Kamo to Negi

Restaurant Features

Ramen Kamo to Negi is located in Ueno Okachimachi, serving soup made from duck, green onions, and water without chemical seasonings. The noodles are specially made whole wheat, and diners can choose two types of seasonal green onions to enhance the flavor of the duck broth.

The restaurant accepts cash only and does not support credit cards or electronic payments. Although it is marked as open 24 hours, it may close early if the soup runs out; please check the queue and serving status on-site.

Aidaya

Restaurant Features

Aidaya, located in Ueno Okachimachi, specializes in dipping noodles paired with black wagyu sirloin rice. The beef is cooked or seared in front of guests and served with a special sauce and egg yolk over rice; the noodles are straight and offered with two types of dipping sauces to alternate tasting.

Ingredients include various char siu such as pork shoulder, pork belly, and duck. The space is limited and can have long waits, but it accommodates family dining, allowing children to join based on available seating.

Niki no Kashi BIC-kan

Product Features

Niki no Kashi BIC-kan is located in Ameyoko, offering around 5,000 types of snacks and food products. In addition to snacks like KitKat and Pocky, it also features Japanese seasonings, instant curry, cooking packs, kelp, dried seafood, tea leaves, and Niki's original sweets; it's a great place to compare if you're looking to buy gifts or cooking ingredients in bulk.

Store Introduction

BIC-kan, along with the first sales office, is part of Niki no Kashi. The aisles maintain the lively atmosphere of Ameyoko, while the shelves are organized like a food department store. BIC-kan focuses more on food and dry goods, while the first sales office specializes in candies, cookies, and snacks; the store offers tax-free services, and actual products and prices are subject to change on-site.

Niki no Kashi First Store

Product Features

Niki no Kashi First Store has a two-story sales area, specializing in candies, cookies, and snacks, with about 5,000 products available. You can find dagashi, KitKat, Pocky, Kororo gummies, dried scallops, and squid strips on the shelves, with many items sold in bulk or by the box, and tax-free services are offered.

Store Introduction

Niki no Kashi was established in 1947 and is a well-known snack shop in Ueno Ameyoko. The First Store focuses more on casual snacks, distinguishing it from the BIC building, which sells cooking packs, sauces, and grocery items; for Japanese snack souvenirs, you can plan your purchases across both stores based on quantity and variety.

Tokyo Tonkatsu Gabuu

Restaurant Features

Tokyo Tonkatsu Gabuu is established by a chef from "Tonkatsu Keita," located in the area concentrated with fried pork cutlet shops in Ueno Okachimachi. The restaurant has a simple environment with less oil smoke, suitable for formal attire.

The restaurant uses pork from Iwate and San Uemon, with custom-made bread crumbs, first slow-fried at low temperature and then quickly fried at high temperature. The set meal includes Tsuyahime rice from Yamagata Prefecture, shredded cabbage, and miso soup, all of which can be refilled, with fried seafood also available.

Showz 生水商店

Product Features

Showz 生水商店 is located in Ueno's Ameyoko, specializing in men's bags and accessories. The BRIEFING series includes business briefcases, casual backpacks, and BRIEFING GOLF bags, along with wallets, keychains, and metal clips.

The shop is situated under an elevated bridge, modest in size but focused in selection; if you can't find the desired model, you can inquire about special ordering, making it ideal for durable work bags or gifts for men.

Yumei

Store Introduction

Yumei is located in Ueno Ameyoko, established in 1950, with over 70 years of history. Initially selling surplus U.S. military goods and American-made underwear, it now focuses on American casual wear, including T-shirts, button-down shirts, printed shirts, jeans, jackets, and baseball jackets.

The store features brands and lines such as IKE BEHAR, LACOSTE, Mackinaw Cruiser, Southwick, Ike Behar, SPECIAL, SUGAR CANE, and UH. If you enjoy vintage American and Ivy League styles, be sure to stop by while shopping in Ameyoko for unique finds.

Please refer to the table for the address and phone number; business hours are 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM, closed on the second and fourth Monday of each month.