Overview

Higashi-Ueno is a captivating area near Ueno Station, blending historical charm with diverse cultures. Step off the main streets, and you'll find alleyways reminiscent of old downtown Tokyo and traditional shops, offering a nostalgic atmosphere. Let's begin our Higashi-Ueno stroll at 18:00 PM, meeting at Okachimachi Station North Exit.
While it presents itself as a business district with numerous office buildings, Higashi-Ueno also boasts well-developed commercial facilities supporting daily life. Local, long-standing shops remain alongside larger stores, offering everything from daily necessities to specialized goods. The mix of offices and residences means the area changes its character from day to night. Despite the bustling business activity, quiet residential areas stretch along the backstreets, maintaining a calm living environment in the heart of the city.
Given these characteristics, the dining options in Higashi-Ueno are abundant. A wide range of genres line the streets, from traditional Japanese izakayas, sushi restaurants, Italian and Chinese eateries, Korean and Indian restaurants, to authentic bars. Business professionals, local residents, and tourists can all find meals that suit their every need. On this tour, you'll experience the charm of local food in Higashi-Ueno by visiting various restaurant and bar.

① Meet at Okachumachi Station, North Exit (18:30)
Your guide is waiting for you at the North Exit with a signboard.

② Higashi Ueno Korea Town
One of this area's defining features is its Koreatown. Its history dates back to the chaotic period after World War II, when many Koreans who chose to remain in Japan settled here. They formed a community and opened shops supporting their lives, including specialty food stores and restaurants. Another characteristic of this area is the concentration of pachinko-related businesses. In post-war Japanese society, it was often difficult for Koreans in Japan to find opportunities in existing industries. The pachinko industry, however, had relatively low barriers to entry and was one of the fields where individuals could more easily start their own businesses. Consequently, many people of Korean descent ventured into pachinko parlor management, contributing significantly to the industry's development. While the concentrations of Koreatown and pachinko-related businesses in Higashi-Ueno aren't necessarily directly caused by each other, their close geographical proximity likely fostered an environment conducive to human interaction and information exchange. You won't be stopping at the restaurants in this area, but your guide will give you a quick introduction since it's a small neighborhood.

③ Gashue
Gashue is an establishment dedicated to preserving, promoting, and evolving Japanese sake culture, aiming to create moments of pure bliss for its guests. Here, you can indulge in four different sake tasting sets perfectly paired with four complementary food items, all while enjoying the owner's insightful English explanations of sake. During a tasting, the owner will select the ideal ochoko (sake cup) to complement the sake, allowing you to more deeply appreciate its evolving flavors. This enhances the experience, allowing you to appreciate both the visual nuances and the evolving flavors of the sake. Should you desire, additional alcoholic beverages beyond sake and other food items from the à la carte menu are available for an extra charge. Before you leave, you can take a commemorative photo wearing a happi coat.
Address: 2-13-5 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

④ Bar Najirane
Tucked away quietly in Higashi-Ueno, Bar Najirane is a shot bar named after the Niigata dialect word for "How's it going?" – a nod to owner and bartender Mr. Murayama's roots in Niigata Prefecture. This cozy establishment warmly welcomes visitors, offering a tranquil space where you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Mr. Murayama's friendly personality, combined with a carefully curated selection of fine beverages—from Japanese and international whiskies to local Niigata sake—creates a comfortable atmosphere that will surely put your mind at ease. It's truly a hidden retreat for adults.
Address: UENO BLDG. 101, 3-14-12 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 19:00 PM to 3:00 AM

⑤ End at Ueno Station (21:30)