Our jigsaw puzzle for Friday the 13th is an alley in Tokyo I thought you might like to explore.
Step just a few paces off Tokyo’s neon-lit boulevards, and you will enter a completely different world: the city’s historic alleyways.
Known locally as yokocho (side alleys) or roji (narrow lanes), these tight, pedestrian-only corridors trade towering skyscrapers for glowing paper lanterns, wooden facades, and an intimate, nostalgic atmosphere that feels untouched by time.
For a first-time visitor, exploring these backstreets is one of the best ways to experience authentic daily life in Japan.
In famous food alleys like Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho or Shibuya’s Nonbei Yokocho, the air is thick with the savory smoke of charcoal grills.
You can pull up a stool at a tiny counter to savor sizzling yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), steaming bowls of ramen, or comforting oden hot pots while sitting elbow-to-elbow with local office workers.
As night falls, districts like Shinjuku Golden-Gai come alive with hundreds of micro-bars.
Many of these quirky, multi-story wooden dens seat fewer than ten people and specialize in niche themes like vinyl jazz, punk rock, or classic cinema.
During the day, Tokyo’s alleys offer a quieter charm. You can wander down cobblestone lanes in neighborhoods like Kagurazaka to discover hidden Shinto shrines, traditional tea houses, and artisan workshops.
In areas like Ueno’s Ameyoko or Yanaka Ginza, bustling market alleys invite you to browse stalls selling handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and freshly baked street snacks.
If you should go there, keep a few local customs in mind: carry Japanese yen, as many historic stalls are cash-only; expect a small cover charge (otoshi) at tiny bars, which usually comes with a complimentary appetizer; and always ask permission before taking photos of bartenders or fellow diners.
Getting lost in these cozy backstreets is often the highlight of any Tokyo adventure.
(I was stationed in Japan from 1985 to 1995 and spent my fair share of time exploring these alleyways.)
Enjoy today’s jigsaw puzzle!

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Here's more jigsaw puzzles about Japan from our earlier days.