Amongst the towering skyscrapers of Shibuya, this area seems to exist in a different era, with the nostalgic Showa atmosphere of the late 20th century preserved in space and time. Nonbei Yokocho is not just recreated nostalgia, it is genuinely retro. At night, when the lanterns slowly start to light the space, regular customers start pouring down the crowded streets.

The history of this street dates back to post-war times when, under government orders, the black markets were all forced to relocate to one place: Nonbei Yokocho. This is why all of the shops here are small and cramped, like street stalls.

It might seem a little intimidating to enter the space at first, but this is also an area of Shibuya. Let’s gather our courage and press onward. Once you enter the narrow alleyway, you might find yourself shoulder to shoulder with passing customers, and sit at a small stall where the cheers immediately fill the room and the laughter of the patrons is enough to shake the small space. This is an area where you can literally feel transported back in time.

Shibuya has a public face but there are also many hidden gems like this. As you walk around, we hope you discover places we haven’t put into this guide, places that you can call your own. As you enter the shops of Nonbei Yokocho, you might open the door to your very own world.