IZAKAYAS | GADO SHITA

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

One of the most interesting places to eat in the heart of Tokyo is right next to the Yurakucho Station on the JR Line. Under the train tracks lie brick arches where storage space and warehouses use to lie. Those storage spaces were converted into restaurants in the mid to late Showa period (1950s-1980s). It’s one of the most lively restaurant districts, particularly at night when all the izakayas and restaurants open up.

These restaurants under the railroads are known as Gado Shita in Japanese. It literally means “below the girder” and has been a favorite for Japanese businessmen to come to loosen up after a long days of work. Many restaurants occupy most of the 700 meters of free space running on both sides of the train tracks from Yurakucho to Tokyo Station.

While izakayas and yakitori eateries are famous in the area, there are many other places to eat such as European bars (French, Italian, German), sushi restaurants and several noodle joints.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• East side of the railroad tracks for all the different izakayas

• European style bars

• Tokyo International Forum building for unique architecture

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

How to get there

Area surrounding the Yurakucho Station. Yurakucho Station is on the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku Lines. it’s one station away from Tokyo Station.