What it is
Spreading from JR Shin-Okubo Station along Shokuan-dori and Okubo-dori, this shopping district is known as Koreatown for its many Korean restaurants, food shops, and cosmetics stores. It's said to have grown from Zainichi Korean-run shops that increased from the 1980s onward, and in recent years shops run by Vietnamese, Nepali, and Myanmar communities are said to have grown alongside them.
Tips for getting around and eating
Many shops sell street-food items such as cheese dakgalbi, tteokbokki, and Korean-style fried chicken by the portion. Some are stall-style spots where you can order for one, while others serve hot pot dishes meant to be shared, so the range of styles is wide. Weekends tend to get very crowded, so visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day is said to make for a calmer visit.
When to visit
Most restaurants open from midday, and the area tends to be busiest from evening into night. Pop-up shops and events tied to the popularity of K-dramas or music groups appear from time to time, though what's on offer changes often, so it helps to check current shop information before you go.
Side alleys off the main street are said to be dense with cosmetics shops and K-pop goods stores, so it's worth peeking down the smaller lanes, not just the main strip. Many streets are said to have few restrooms or rest areas, so if you're planning a long session of street food, it helps to plan ahead. Along nearby Okubo-dori, an area sometimes called "Islam Yokocho" is said to gather halal grocery stores and restaurants.