Tatsumi-shindo — Attraction in Tokyo

​Stepping into Tatsumi Shindo is like taking a time machine back to the 1950s. This narrow, lantern-lit alleyway is a genuine slice of old Tokyo, a world away from the gleaming high-rises of the city. As you walk down the street, you're enveloped in the warm glow of tiny izakayas, each one packed with locals. ​The atmosphere is incredibly authentic. You won't see many tourists here—it's a place where mostly Japanese people, from middle-aged to older, come to relax and enjoy a drink and some yakitori. The air is filled with the sizzle of grills and the low hum of conversation, creating a vibe that's both cozy and lively. It truly feels like you've entered a different era, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the past that's hard to find in...

While nostalgic for some, I found this neighborhood charmingly retro! Imagine an alley with over 30 tiny bars - keeping Showa period aesthetics very much alive.

Each izakaya seats a small number of people - at the counter, where you are served various small bites and drinks.

Don’t be surprised if you are handed a microphone at one of these places. Unlike modern private karaoke rooms, performing in front of your fellow izakaya-goers was the norm in Showa times, so you’ll hear singing & laughter spilling out from the various micro bars here.

Thank god, the small size of the izakaya guarantees a small...

! Avoid if you’re a foreigner ! Walked down here around 2:30 pm so everything was closed up and took a couple of photos only for an old woman to run out of her place and yell at us. Incredibly unpleasant. I apologized deeply but she seemed to care less. Won’t be returning here, and probably the most contentious interaction I’ve had since being here. A bit heartbroken. If there’s a strict no photos policy, just...