Shinjuku travel guide
Best Street Food in Shinjuku: Where & What to Eat
Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”) is a narrow alley of tiny yakitori grills and izakaya near Shinjuku Station’s west exit, dating to the post-war 1940s. Around 60 stalls seat 6–10 people each, serving charcoal skewers for ¥150–300 in a smoky, lantern-lit atmosphere.
Eating in Shinjuku: what you need to know
Shinjuku never stops eating. Smoke curls out of Omoide Yokocho’s yakitori grills from 5pm, ramen counters serve until 4am, and the department-store basements of Isetan and Takashimaya are food destinations in their own right.
Must-try dishes in Shinjuku
| Dish | What it is | Where to try it | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakitori | Charcoal chicken skewers in smoky post-war alleys | Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”) | ¥150–300 per skewer |
| Late-night ramen | Rich bowls served until the first train | Kabukicho and around the east exit | ¥900–1,300 |
| Kaiseki | Multi-course seasonal haute cuisine | Park Hyatt and west-side hotel restaurants | ¥15,000–30,000 |
The best food spots in Shinjuku
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Omoide Yokocho stalls · West exit
Cuisine: Yakitori · Expect to pay: ¥2,000
Must order: Motsu-nikomi stew and skewers
1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
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Fuunji · Yoyogi
Cuisine: Tsukemen ramen · Expect to pay: ¥1,100
Must order: Dipping ramen with fish-powder broth
2-14-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo
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Isetan depachika · East exit
Cuisine: Food hall · Expect to pay: ¥1,500
Must order: Seasonal bento and wagashi sweets
3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
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best street food in Shinjuku — FAQs
What is Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku?
Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”) is a narrow alley of tiny yakitori grills and izakaya near Shinjuku Station’s west exit, dating to the post-war 1940s. Around 60 stalls seat 6–10 people each, serving charcoal skewers for ¥150–300 in a smoky, lantern-lit atmosphere.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.