My Favorites

My Tokyo Guide

See something interesting? Click on the heart button in the article to add a page from this site to My Favorites.

Main content starts here.

Updated: October 6, 2023

Harmonica Alley ハモニカ横丁

1 Honcho Kichijoji - 2 Honcho, Kichijoji, Musashino City, Tokyo

Atmospheric alleyways where Tokyo plays to a different tune

A tiny stretch of crisscross, covered lanes on the north side of Kichijoji Station, Harmonica Alley, otherwise known as "Harmonica Yokocho," is at once a symbol of Japanese reinvention and nod to its origins as a flea market early after World War II.

Named for the way in which this narrow warren of restaurants, shops and bars resembles harmonica reeds, Harmonica Alley boasts a day versus night personality. Tenants such as cozy clothing stores, a fishmonger trading since the Showa era, and traditional sweets maker operate during the former. Harmonica Alley also runs a monthly Sunday early morning farmer’s market.

But it's at night, when red lanterns swing brightly overhead, that Harmonica Alley comes into its own. Popular for after work drinks, its trendy standing-only bars and small but excellent eateries, most of which popped up after the 1990s, quickly become crowded, but never uncomfortably so.

How to Get There

  • Kichijoji StationJR LineNorth Exit1 min on foot

Your current location:

For updated information on opening hours, closings, prices, and more, please check the official website or ask the facility directly.