Ameyayokocho is a narrow shopping street between Okachimachi and Ueno Stations. Takeshita is famous for trendy clothes, Asakusa’s little streets are famous for temple tchotchkes and Japanese touristy goods, and Ameyayokocho apparently is famous for being cheap. The shops that line the street sell nuts and dried fruit, fish, produce, and hot food, and all at awfully affordable prices for the notoriously expensive Tokyo.

My friend told me that on weekends it’s packed, and that week before New Year’s, when everyone is trying to cook up days worth of food for the long holiday? Forget about it.

We went on a weekday in the middle of the day, so it was positively pleasant. Vendors also sold shoes, sunglasses, umbrellas, bags, and American-style t-shirts and other clothes. I left with a new umbrella and bags upon bags of dried fruit and nuts.

…but I’ve already eaten everything, so I’ll be back, Ameyayokocho. Just you wait.