Travelogue Ueno Ameyoko Flea Market | Street Food and Bargain Shopping
 

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Ueno Ameyoko Flea Market | Street Food and Bargain Shopping
Written by Shirley T   
Saturday, 02 October 2010 00:00



Wish to experience a typical daily market of South East Asia countries in Tokyo? Hop on a subway or train and head to Ueno. Claimed to be one of the best bargain places in Tokyo, Ameya Yokocho is perhaps the last and only surviving flea market or bazaar in Tokyo.
Crowded and packed
Ueno Ameyoko flea market
Ameya Yokocho or briefly known as Ameyoko is a bustle market street paralleling Yamanote Line tracks between Okachimachi and Ueno Station. Shops, restaurants, outdoor food stalls or what the local called as 'Yatai' are practically operating from sunrise till dark takes over under a stretch of concrete train track.
Fresh or dried seafood
Almost everything under the sun!
Interestingly, there are two versions on how the name Ameya Yokocho came about. First, it was explained that plenty of candy stores were found here in the old days. 'Ame' which means 'sweets', 'ya' means 'shops' and 'Yokocho' is translated as 'alley', thus gave it the name 'Candy-stores alley'. Another version defines that this market alley started from a post-war black market and numerous American goods were sold here. Therefore, 'Ame' stands for American.
Fashionable goods
Fruits of the spring
Intermingled with the sound of train gushing and people trading, the sight of shops and restaurants spill out into alley, selling fresh seafood, fruits, dried seaweed, clothing, shoes, bags, cosmetics and spices is a scene of unusual charm of Japan. This is also the place to shop like the locals and bargain!
Ameyoko is just opposite Ueno Station
Easily locate from south exit of Ueno Station or north exit of Okachimachi Station, Ameyoko is a stretch of 400 meters alley with open air-market and fabulous spot to hunt for Japanese delicacy. Another plus, this is also the place to rewind some of Japanese culture of people flocking and drinking after a long day at work.
A venue for happy hours!
Business hours: Varies by shops, usually between 10 am through 8 pm.
Coordinates: 35.7112°N 139.7748°E
Google Map: Refer here


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written by Michelle , October 10, 2010

Hey

I'm going to Tokyo in November and I would like to go to the Ueno flea market. May I know if it is open daily or only on specific Sundays?
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written by Shirley T , October 10, 2010

Michelle, Great to hear that! Yes, it is open daily but the business hours may vary by shops, usually between 10 am through 8 pm. Have a great trip smilies/smiley.gif
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