View of one of the alleys inside Harmonica-yokocho, West Tokyo.

©Rebecca Milner/Lonely Planet

Harmonica-yokochō

Tokyo


This covered market, with low ceilings and lots of aka-chōchin (red lanterns), began as a black market in the post-war days. these days the tenants are mostly cool contemporary boutiques, restaurants and bars. Hours vary enormously, but on weekends even the restaurants are usually open by mid-day. Events happen regularly; check the website for details.