Under The Tracks In Yurakucho

Surrounded by the extravagance of areas such as Marunouchi, Ginza, Hibiya and Shimbashi, this old-school neighborhood is something of an island extending in a narrow strip beneath the Yamanote line. But it does have a few modern surprises up its sleeve…

- Paul McInnes

GRUB’S UP

Yurakucho is a foodie’s paradise. There are plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants catering for those with both tight and expansive budgets. Under the tracks there is the (in)famous Yakitori Alley serving up chicken skewers and watered down beer to locals and tourists alike. You can even indulge in authentic Korean barbeque, cheap ramen from ramshackle huts and pick up some fruit and veg from the wee market stalls that dot the area.

The really good stuff in the form of sweaty and gargantuan burgers, however, can be found just outside Tokyo International Forum (more on TIF later). American hamburger chain Shake Shack serves up all kinds of juicy goodness, shakes and treats at its newish restaurant. Lines are to be expected but if the thought of hamburger juice running down your chin and arms turns you on then it’s a no-brainer.

The slightly more refined diner should head to the legendary