1.
side street; alley; lane
A narrow street branching off from a main road, especially in older neighborhoods. Often lined with small shops, bars, or restaurants. The word evokes a nostalgic, lively atmosphere of traditional urban Japan.
横丁に小さな居酒屋がある。
There's a small izakaya in the alley.
この横丁は昭和の雰囲気が残っている。
This alleyway still has a Showa-era atmosphere.
新宿の思い出横丁は観光客にも人気がある。
Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku is popular with tourists too.
横丁 refers to a narrow side street, typically lined with small shops, bars, or restaurants. It evokes a nostalgic, lively atmosphere of traditional urban Japan. Also written as 横町.
FAMOUS EXAMPLES:
- 思い出横丁 (Memory Lane) in 新宿
- 恵比寿横丁 in 恵比寿
- ハモニカ横丁 in 吉祥寺
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 路地: narrow alley, often residential and quiet
- 小路: small road or lane
- 横丁 typically implies a lively commercial area with eating and drinking establishments
OFTEN USED IN:
Place names for entertainment districts with densely packed small venues.