Something new is happening in Tokyo’s Shirokane neighbourhood, located between Ebisu and Tamachi stations. On weekend evenings, the Clock Tower Plaza of the Shirokane Shotengai shopping street transforms into a lively alfresco food court.
The event takes advantage of a new temporary law allowing restaurants to use public sidewalks for seating to help venues encourage social distancing during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The Shirokane open-air food court is the first of its kind in Tokyo’s Minato ward.
You’ll find six tables carefully spaced, as well as two sinks for hand-washing. You can enjoy meals from a trio of eateries nearby: Yakiniku Jumbo Shirokane, chicken specialist Toritei and Kyushu-focussed restaurant Masahiro Tokyo. In front of each store, you’ll find a special counter, where the staff will take your order and serve food and drinks directly to your table.
The space gets crowded quickly, with diners ranging from young families with children to office workers, so you’ll want to arrive on time to snag a seat. If all six tables are taken, you can ask to use Yakiniku Jumbo Shirokane’s two separate terrace seats.
The outdoor dining event will take place every Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 8.30pm until September 21, as well as on Sunday September 20 and Monday September 21. The footpath dining law is in place until November 30, so organisers are currently discussing whether to extend the Shirokane alfresco event.
Before you go, remember to read our guide on how to go out safely in Tokyo.
Based on original reporting by Genya Aoki.
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