Yurakucho is a neighborhood of just a few blocks in central Tokyo accessed by Yurakucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Yurakucho Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. It’s a special mix of old-fashioned relaxed dining and modern shopping.
Where to eat and drink in Yurakucho
The place to eat your fill is Gado-shita, a cluster of eateries under the train tracks (hence the meaning of the name: ‘below the girder’). On weekday nights you can see many business men crowding these shops. Here you can find all kinds of options like izakaya, yakitori, bars, etc.
And if you stop by Muji (and why wouldn’t you?), there is a super hipster and delicious Muji Cafe we think you should try.
What to do in Yurakucho
There are lots of good shopping options here whose price tags don’t murder your wallet as much as neighboring Ginza. But don’t get us wrong, there are plenty of classy department stores like ITOCiA, Hankyu Men’s, Lumine, and Loft.
Other notable shopping includes the eight-floor Bic Camera electronics store and the largest Muji in the world. Another home goods store we love, 3 coins, has a store here as well. Think a better 100-yen shop that’s only a tiny bit more expensive.
The Tokyo International Forum is real architectural eye-candy. An art and convention center, it’s the site of many events like our favorite antique market.
And if you want to get a good photo of the Shinkansen sliding into Tokyo Station, then head to the roof (or one of the lower floors) of the Kotsu Kaikan building (the building right next to Yurakucho with a revolving restaurant on top).
Where to stay in Yurakucho
Despite the charms of the area, it is also 1) small and 2) not geared to hotels/living. We recommend staying in other parts of Tokyo instead. See our full list of recommended accommodations here.
