A Guide to Asakusa's Hatsune Koji: 12 Spots in a Back Alley Where You Can Drink from Midday

West of Senso-ji Temple, behind the WINS Asakusa off-track betting center, lies Hatsune Koji, a short alley crammed with tiny eateries. It sits between the Nishisando shopping street and Hanayashiki-dori, just a short walk from Hoppy Street.

An alley born from postwar food stalls

This area was once home to Hyotan-ike, a gourd-shaped pond. After the war, the pond was filled in to raise funds for rebuilding Senso-ji's main hall, which had burned in the air raids, and food stalls that lined up on the new land are said to be the origin of Hatsune Koji. The wisteria trellis over the alley is a remnant of the pond, once famous for its wisteria, and in spring the flowers bloom above the red lanterns.

The retro arch sign that once stood at the entrance was removed around 2020, but the Showa-era atmosphere lives on. Many shops set out tables in front from midday, and regulars can be seen enjoying a drink while watching horse racing broadcasts. It is less crowded than Hoppy Street, and with the shops right next to each other, it is ideal for bar hopping.

Main spots in Hatsune Koji

Izakaya and pubs

• Asakusa Hanamoto: A long-established izakaya founded in 1964, serving motsunabe and seafood.
• Matsuyoshi: A casual pub with outdoor tables open from midday. Beef tendon stew and yakitori are the staples.
• Oike: An izakaya that opens in the early afternoon for daytime drinking.
• Chanbaraya: An izakaya that opens before noon.
• Mimasu Yaneko: An izakaya serving Japanese dishes to go with drinks.
• Asakusa Kushiage Ageman: An izakaya for kushiage (deep-fried skewers) and drinks.
• Kimagure Eriko: An izakaya run by a female owner, offering creative dishes.

Bars and international food

• Midoriya: A bar marked by its green exterior. Popular with music lovers, with terrace seating out front.
• Gajumaru: An Okinawan izakaya with a wide selection of awamori, open until late.
• Tensai Brasil: A Brazilian bar and restaurant that opened in 2023.

Street food and light meals

• Asakusa Unana: A takeout shop specializing in Japanese eel. Famous for grilled rice balls topped with charcoal-grilled eel.
• Asakusa Tencha: A shop serving tencha—tea-over-rice topped with freshly fried tempura. Open from the morning.

Access

Hatsune Koji is in Asakusa 2-chome, Taito-ku, about a 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express and 7–8 minutes from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line and Tobu Line. Opening hours and closing days vary by shop, and many are closed on Tuesdays, so check each shop's information before visiting.