My first trip to Japan was at the Ameyoko market after watching your videos 5 years ago when u featured this market on your other channel and till this day remains one of my favourite places to shop for candies.
So glad we could include a visit to Ameyoko on one of our recent visits to Japan. Your livestream was just like getting to revisit again. Because of your prior introduction we made sure to pay a visit at Shimura San's candy shop and even seeing the front of the Don Quijote took me back inside where I had grabbed a cold drink and picked up some strawberry mochi candies that were being promoted. I will have to bookmark this episode to replay as reminders of the places to check out on our next visit to Japan in May if we can fit in another Ameyoko visit, (My wife's mother used to come to Ameyoko when she was a college student in Tokyo just after the war so through her past shared experiences there is a connection for us to the days of its being a true Black Market as well).
Definitely bookmark it on Google maps! I put a star on it, helps me remember. Put this in a playlist. I do that too to keep episode that inspired me. :) you can’t miss this place!
I walked around there couple years ago when I visited Ueno. There are lots of interesting shops there to see, and I'll have to reload on Kit Kats as usual. Thanks for sharing, as you know where the interesting places are.
Hi there my bro. Aiyah! I missed your livestream but love that replays are available. I always enjoy going on these walking tours in places where it looks vibrant especially when the weather is so beautiful like it is there. I agree with you that as a foreign visitor I would rather buy things from Japan that isn't so "touristy". Which is why when you travel to the countryside and we see the local artisans selling their creations that's the kind of souvenirs I would love to spend my money on. Always love seeing Shimura-san and his smile. Loved this livestream! Mahalo my braddah!
Ameyoko shopping street looks great to me despite whether it’s a tourist trap or not 🤔I probably could spend an hours over there ,so i would like it there for sure😎Thank you for sharing this 🙂👍!!!
I'll be doing this walk in early March next year John, thanks for your videos, they are very informative. Just hoping for good weather 2nd March to 18th March. I didn't realise the Tokyo Marathon was 2nd March so i'm hoping it's not too busy when I arrive.
From my perspective as an older Japanese person, Ameyoko has largely remained the same, though I feel it has been changing little by little over the years. Traditional shops like Mr. Shimura's, where John received the chocolate, are still around, but there are also some stores nowadays that one needs to be cautious of. While many long-established and reputable shops like Mr. Shimura's continue to operate, there has been an increasing number of stores taken over by foreign owners, particularly in places where there are no Japanese successors. This can be a double-edged sword. It may be difficult for those who weren't born and raised in Japan to tell which stores are trustworthy.
@@onlyinjapanGO Thank you, John. Personally, I believe it would be desirable to establish a system where young people in Japan can start businesses with innovative ideas at places like Ameyoko.
I've been there once in Feb 2023...the old couple were a bit grumpy when I arrived but when I told them "I saw them on John Daub's vlog on TH-cam" they changed and brighten up..
They are part of the only in japan family. Something as simple as 1000 yen and getting a bunch of candy can leave an impact on your experience in Japan.
Hi John ! I was just there to have Tsukishima Okonomiyaki few days ago ! Whenever I come to Japan, Ameyoko is my favorite place to visit ! My father told me when he was a small kid time ( 70 years ago ) his father brought him to “ じゅらく” restaurant to have lunch when they visited from Morioka. Good memories… Thank you for all you do for us enjoy your videos 🥰
great shops - our family randomly discovered this place because we were specifically looking for ABC Marts (you walked by it around 15:49), Book Offs, etc. Thankfully, came across this place so we could see so much more than the blinders of retail shopping we had on! Unfortunately, we do have younger kids so still got stuck eating at Matsuya near that ABC Mart, not complaining, but didn't get to experience new food.
I was in Japan for the first time for two weeks and I just got back a week ago. I spent an afternoon wandering around Ameyoko and then up to Ueno Park and it was one of my most memorable days. I would love to return to Japan and go to this shopping street again!
Loved the Shimurasan shop visit. That's the kind of shops Ameyoko used to be full of 30 years ago...Totally agree, you can develop some nice relationships if you keep going back all the time. I have found the people around Chuo city have been pretty kind and helpful.
the glico running man in Osaka is one big LED screen now, very cold and bright, you can't get a good photo at night .. when it was neon it was warm and charming. there are still some streets in Gion Kyoto where at dusk when the neon lights and signs come on it makes you feel like you are back in the 50s or 60s, very beautiful.
Out of the touristy area in Tokyo, I think Ueno and especially Ameyoko is the least touristy one. The food is very good and very affordable, you get this felling of walking and shopping with the locals. Even the Kit Kat are cheaper than Donki there. Love the atmosphere, and also the night life. But I believe you are right. I was in Japan in 2019 and came back in 2023. I remembered more old style restaurants around Ueno, that I didnt see the second time. Ohhh, and I totally forgot about this candy stall.... Perfect for souvenir candy. Next time for sure. Also the kaisedon place, next to the big takoyaki one, has the BEST fish miso soup in Japan
This makes me so homesick. We have markets like this in Malaysia too. You can wander around and shop for items...an eclectic mix of products. Definitely adding this to places that I want to visit in Japan. And above all, stopping at Shimura San's candy store for some chocolates. 😋 PS: Speaking of taste tests...for the smores ramen. Did you ever do a taste test?🤔 Wait. You got your tooth replaced?
Although they may have a new sign at the front, the sign where there is a fork (at 10:30 in the video) is my favorite - can't wait to see it in person!
I loved the tempura restaurant you recommended there. We went twice while we were there in June and since then my son and his girlfriend visit every couple of weeks.
I'm in Tokyo this week, hope I bump into you. Shimura san's stall is what Ameyoko needs more of and less of the cheap Chinese made trinket shops. However I do like Ameyoko and do think it's worth a visit - but not on a weekend !!
Is that the katsuo bushi shop where the guy used to stand out and hollar to attract customers? There used to be tables with the katsu bushi fish whole if I remember correctly.
Hmm, I remember that guy - I don’t think so but can’t recall 100% - this shop is pretty well established. Not sure they need to call customers to come there … I wonder. I’ve got some old videos going back 15 years. I’ll check when I have some time.
No, they’re all okay, perhaps this one with near the takoyaki. To be honest. I don’t eat kaisendon here often. I mean, it’s not really a fish market … but it’s cheap. Toyosu Market or that new tourist trap next to it is probably the best. I prefer getting it at fish markets around Japan, local places and for breakfast!!
I walked through Ameyoko during my first trip to Japan in spring 2023, but I didn't know what to do with myself there! Perhaps because it was more on the authentic and under-the-radar side, I didn't feel super comfortable approaching the shops. Still, I don't want to see all of Tokyo's commercial spaces become fully tourist-forward. That low-level discomfort is a good thing for travelers to experience, I think.
im almost at ameyoko at least every other weekend. a lot of shops i enjoy stopping by. unfortunately some of my favorite places have closed which is sad.
As long as they still have those hole in the wall restaurants, like the one that has the grilled soup dumplings or the one with the to-go menchi katsu. Maybe it was croquettes, not katsu? Forget. Ameyoko is a must go everytime I vacation in Japan. Still have yet to go do the 1000 yen candy bag stuff though lol.
Right! Not the new “fake” old vibe. They’re trying to bring back Edo in earthquake proofed structures because they legally have to I think 😉 that balance between authenticity and necessity.
I would love to meet your friend Shimurasan (not sure on the spelling) and get me some candy. And it's ok to eat chocolate just don't eat too much. Dark chocolate does have antioxidants.
You got to watch out for your bills on the chinese owned sidestreet foodstalls. Specifically the ones right beside the Yodabashi building 0:03 They will overchage if you dont pay attention to your bill
Thanks for the tip, I wouldn’t ever eat there anyway … too may good places inside. Always check out the place on Google maps reviewed first here, many new places do not have good standards.
You don't want them to go full tourists mode, life is tough, and business is slow all over the world, so chill down John. Japanese people are not doing well financially and been like that for a long time.
My first trip to Japan was at the Ameyoko market after watching your videos 5 years ago when u featured this market on your other channel and till this day remains one of my favourite places to shop for candies.
So glad we could include a visit to Ameyoko on one of our recent visits to Japan. Your livestream was just like getting to revisit again. Because of your prior introduction we made sure to pay a visit at Shimura San's candy shop and even seeing the front of the Don Quijote took me back inside where I had grabbed a cold drink and picked up some strawberry mochi candies that were being promoted. I will have to bookmark this episode to replay as reminders of the places to check out on our next visit to Japan in May if we can fit in another Ameyoko visit, (My wife's mother used to come to Ameyoko when she was a college student in Tokyo just after the war so through her past shared experiences there is a connection for us to the days of its being a true Black Market as well).
Definitely bookmark it on Google maps! I put a star on it, helps me remember. Put this in a playlist. I do that too to keep episode that inspired me. :) you can’t miss this place!
I walked around there couple years ago when I visited Ueno. There are lots of interesting shops there to see, and I'll have to reload on Kit Kats as usual. Thanks for sharing, as you know where the interesting places are.
Hi there my bro. Aiyah! I missed your livestream but love that replays are available. I always enjoy going on these walking tours in places where it looks vibrant especially when the weather is so beautiful like it is there. I agree with you that as a foreign visitor I would rather buy things from Japan that isn't so "touristy". Which is why when you travel to the countryside and we see the local artisans selling their creations that's the kind of souvenirs I would love to spend my money on. Always love seeing Shimura-san and his smile. Loved this livestream! Mahalo my braddah!
Going to Ameyoko Shopping Street looks Vintage to me and i liked it. 👍 Thanks John for your walk today. I'll catch your next live real soon.
Stayed here during our trips to tokyo thanks to john frequent videos on ameyoko. A good place to stay as relatively lesser crowd & easy access
Ameyoko shopping street looks great to me despite whether it’s a tourist trap or not 🤔I probably could spend an hours over there ,so i would like it there for sure😎Thank you for sharing this 🙂👍!!!
I totally agree!
I'll be doing this walk in early March next year John, thanks for your videos, they are very informative. Just hoping for good weather 2nd March to 18th March. I didn't realise the Tokyo Marathon was 2nd March so i'm hoping it's not too busy when I arrive.
From my perspective as an older Japanese person, Ameyoko has largely remained the same, though I feel it has been changing little by little over the years. Traditional shops like Mr. Shimura's, where John received the chocolate, are still around, but there are also some stores nowadays that one needs to be cautious of. While many long-established and reputable shops like Mr. Shimura's continue to operate, there has been an increasing number of stores taken over by foreign owners, particularly in places where there are no Japanese successors. This can be a double-edged sword. It may be difficult for those who weren't born and raised in Japan to tell which stores are trustworthy.
Little by little, but it’s a special place and I hope it finds a way not to change too fast for our sake ❤️
@@onlyinjapanGO Thank you, John. Personally, I believe it would be desirable to establish a system where young people in Japan can start businesses with innovative ideas at places like Ameyoko.
John, you are so lucky 🍀 to have all these freebies from that shop owner 😁😆😄. Seldom in Japan 🇯🇵 customers get so much freebies. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Ah, Leo’s trick or treat goodies! 🎃
He didn’t have to do that, very kind :)
I've been there once in Feb 2023...the old couple were a bit grumpy when I arrived but when I told them "I saw them on John Daub's vlog on TH-cam" they changed and brighten up..
They are part of the only in japan family. Something as simple as 1000 yen and getting a bunch of candy can leave an impact on your experience in Japan.
Hi John ! I was just there to have Tsukishima Okonomiyaki few days ago ! Whenever I come to Japan, Ameyoko is my favorite place to visit ! My father told me when he was a small kid time ( 70 years ago ) his father brought him to “ じゅらく” restaurant to have lunch when they visited from Morioka.
Good memories…
Thank you for all you do for us enjoy your videos 🥰
great shops - our family randomly discovered this place because we were specifically looking for ABC Marts (you walked by it around 15:49), Book Offs, etc. Thankfully, came across this place so we could see so much more than the blinders of retail shopping we had on! Unfortunately, we do have younger kids so still got stuck eating at Matsuya near that ABC Mart, not complaining, but didn't get to experience new food.
OMG so much for the diet! It's like the candy part of Halloween with out the scary part
I was in Japan for the first time for two weeks and I just got back a week ago. I spent an afternoon wandering around Ameyoko and then up to Ueno Park and it was one of my most memorable days. I would love to return to Japan and go to this shopping street again!
The guys at the candy shop got my up vote for this stream. Such nice, happy guys!!
Agree on the sign. The new one with the moving banner doesn't quite fit. Enjoyed the walk thank you.
Thanks for sharing it. ✌️
Loved the Shimurasan shop visit. That's the kind of shops Ameyoko used to be full of 30 years ago...Totally agree, you can develop some nice relationships if you keep going back all the time. I have found the people around Chuo city have been pretty kind and helpful.
the glico running man in Osaka is one big LED screen now, very cold and bright, you can't get a good photo at night .. when it was neon it was warm and charming. there are still some streets in Gion Kyoto where at dusk when the neon lights and signs come on it makes you feel like you are back in the 50s or 60s, very beautiful.
Out of the touristy area in Tokyo, I think Ueno and especially Ameyoko is the least touristy one. The food is very good and very affordable, you get this felling of walking and shopping with the locals. Even the Kit Kat are cheaper than Donki there. Love the atmosphere, and also the night life. But I believe you are right. I was in Japan in 2019 and came back in 2023. I remembered more old style restaurants around Ueno, that I didnt see the second time. Ohhh, and I totally forgot about this candy stall.... Perfect for souvenir candy. Next time for sure. Also the kaisedon place, next to the big takoyaki one, has the BEST fish miso soup in Japan
This makes me so homesick. We have markets like this in Malaysia too. You can wander around and shop for items...an eclectic mix of products. Definitely adding this to places that I want to visit in Japan. And above all, stopping at Shimura San's candy store for some chocolates. 😋 PS: Speaking of taste tests...for the smores ramen. Did you ever do a taste test?🤔 Wait. You got your tooth replaced?
Beautiful Japan 🤩
the older candy man looks like he loves his store soo much
Hi John. I have been watching your video 2 years ago. Hopefully 1 day I can meet you in Japan and take a selfie with you 😊
I’ll be here ^_^ 🤳
John knows where to get free candy. Give that man a few bucks. He’s got a business to run. That was a lot of snackies. Cool to see that!
It has been so long since I have gone to this street..will go give Shimura san some business, definitely love this kind of friendship!
Please do! He appreciates every customer, it’s fun! 🤩
Although they may have a new sign at the front, the sign where there is a fork (at 10:30 in the video) is my favorite - can't wait to see it in person!
I loved the tempura restaurant you recommended there. We went twice while we were there in June and since then my son and his girlfriend visit every couple of weeks.
Shh! Don’t mention that one, I can’t image it getting more crowded! 😂
@@onlyinjapanGOokay so won’t mention that cheese tempura is the bomb. 😍
I'm in Tokyo this week, hope I bump into you. Shimura san's stall is what Ameyoko needs more of and less of the cheap Chinese made trinket shops. However I do like Ameyoko and do think it's worth a visit - but not on a weekend !!
Is that the katsuo bushi shop where the guy used to stand out and hollar to attract customers? There used to be tables with the katsu bushi fish whole if I remember correctly.
Hmm, I remember that guy - I don’t think so but can’t recall 100% - this shop is pretty well established. Not sure they need to call customers to come there … I wonder. I’ve got some old videos going back 15 years. I’ll check when I have some time.
John do u have any names for kaisendon places reccomendations in amyeoko?
No, they’re all okay, perhaps this one with near the takoyaki. To be honest. I don’t eat kaisendon here often. I mean, it’s not really a fish market … but it’s cheap. Toyosu Market or that new tourist trap next to it is probably the best. I prefer getting it at fish markets around Japan, local places and for breakfast!!
I walked through Ameyoko during my first trip to Japan in spring 2023, but I didn't know what to do with myself there! Perhaps because it was more on the authentic and under-the-radar side, I didn't feel super comfortable approaching the shops. Still, I don't want to see all of Tokyo's commercial spaces become fully tourist-forward. That low-level discomfort is a good thing for travelers to experience, I think.
im almost at ameyoko at least every other weekend. a lot of shops i enjoy stopping by. unfortunately some of my favorite places have closed which is sad.
As long as they still have those hole in the wall restaurants, like the one that has the grilled soup dumplings or the one with the to-go menchi katsu. Maybe it was croquettes, not katsu? Forget. Ameyoko is a must go everytime I vacation in Japan. Still have yet to go do the 1000 yen candy bag stuff though lol.
Yup, a must visit for sure. It’s a slow change but I can manage it since it’s slow slow slow. Too many good people there!
Tourists are looking for that old vibe.
Right! Not the new “fake” old vibe. They’re trying to bring back Edo in earthquake proofed structures because they legally have to I think 😉 that balance between authenticity and necessity.
Can't wait for the release of the groundbreaking ''Triangle Pear''
Shitamachi people have always been more friendly than a modern shopping area.
That’s the #1 reason I wanna go visit Amiyoko market, to meet Shimudasan stand. He was closed when I was there last year.😢
Oh no! He’s back and open now, a good man, good family! ❤️ he’s so happy to be the candy man!
I would love to meet your friend Shimurasan (not sure on the spelling) and get me some candy. And it's ok to eat chocolate just don't eat too much. Dark chocolate does have antioxidants.
Mr Shimura! He’d love that! I’ll share it with friends (and sneak a little too, don’t worry 😉 it’s almost Halloween! 🎃)
I wonder if the residents prefer the older signs and buildings more than the new ones.
You can call it "Sponge Water, Square Melon"
😊😊🏆🏆🏆
Aokigahara and Inunaki
You got to watch out for your bills on the chinese owned sidestreet foodstalls. Specifically the ones right beside the Yodabashi building 0:03 They will overchage if you dont pay attention to your bill
Thanks for the tip, I wouldn’t ever eat there anyway … too may good places inside. Always check out the place on Google maps reviewed first here, many new places do not have good standards.
Unless you love crazy crowds, dont go on a Sunday.
I’d agree with this, it’s crowded but okay before 12:00.
Soooo many tourists. Oh no!
If you haven’t heard Florida has two more hurricanes
It’s very sad what’s happening, and the federal government response too. Please stay safe.
Put back the old sign . New sign doesn’t fit well , old sign do carry the history of this market. 😮
😂 that’s not gonna happen but I’m with you! 🤘 Out with the new, bring back the tried and true!!
You don't want them to go full tourists mode, life is tough, and business is slow all over the world, so chill down John. Japanese people are not doing well financially and been like that for a long time.
I ate in Ameyoko and it made me sick for the rest of my Japan trip. Would not recommend