Walking the Nostalgic Higashi-koji Alleyways in Oimachi, Tokyo: Showa-Era Charm

By Wow! Japan

This 4K walking video takes viewers through the heart of Oimachi (大井町) in Tokyo, focusing on the atmospheric Higashi-koji (東小路飲食店街) restaurant district. This area, situated near Oimachi Station, is renowned for retaining the deep charm of Showa-era Japan. The roots of Higashi-koji trace back to the postwar black markets, a period known for its makeshift eateries and bustling local commerce after World War II.

As you stroll through the narrow alleyways, you’ll see a tapestry of small izakayas, traditional restaurants, and shopfronts, many of which have kept their retro facades and original signage. The ambient lighting, wooden storefronts, and labyrinthine layout impart a sense of nostalgia, evoking the feeling of wandering through a 1970s Japanese back alley. The video provides a firsthand perspective of the unchanged streetscape and vibrant, lived-in energy of this lesser-known Tokyo neighborhood.

Higashi-koji remains a living piece of history where locals and visitors alike come to sample authentic Japanese cuisine and drinks. The Oimachi area is also conveniently located in Shinagawa Ward and serves as a key junction for several train lines, making it an accessible spot for urban explorers. For those interested in retro Tokyo, food culture, and the lingering echoes of the Showa period, a walk through Oimachi’s alleys is an immersive experience.

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