The word 'yokocho' refers to little alleyways that branch off the main streets. The suffix 'cho' is usually used to identify a town but in this context it carries nuances of 'to encounter' and 'to go and buy'. Hence, yokocho are the type of sidestreets where people congregate to socialise. The yokocho that still exist in every district of Tokyo today contain rows of little bars in old buildings, making them fun spots for bar hopping. Two of the most famous alleys are Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard’s Alley) in Shibuya where you’ll find tiny traditional taverns selling oden and yakitori along with hip wine bars, and Sangenjaya’s Sankaku Chitai (pictured here), which is a chaotic but charming maze of pubs.