Waikiki Yokocho (which is "alley" in Japanese) recently opened this past December.
I'm a bit late, but finally made it down to check it out.
I'm a bit late, but finally made it down to check it out.
By checking it out I mean my other half convincing me
it's a good idea to exercise our way there and then eat. Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose?
I wasn't expecting much, but once you step inside the basement floor of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza,
it really does feel like you're inside a Japanese Department store (albeit...a small version but still great).
If I had to compare it with the Shirokiya Village Walk in Ala Moana, I would say its a lot smaller (and has less vendors), but way more authentic. While the actual space for this food alley isn't that big, it's thoughtfully laid out with restrooms and ATM machine near a convenient area.
So after "exercising," we treated ourselves
to some Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream at Nana's Green Tea.
While in line, I can't help but notice one of their staff had "Azuki"
on their name tag.
Too cute!
it's a good idea to exercise our way there and then eat. Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose?
I wasn't expecting much, but once you step inside the basement floor of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza,
it really does feel like you're inside a Japanese Department store (albeit...a small version but still great).
If I had to compare it with the Shirokiya Village Walk in Ala Moana, I would say its a lot smaller (and has less vendors), but way more authentic. While the actual space for this food alley isn't that big, it's thoughtfully laid out with restrooms and ATM machine near a convenient area.
So after "exercising," we treated ourselves
to some Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream at Nana's Green Tea.
While in line, I can't help but notice one of their staff had "Azuki"
on their name tag.
Too cute!
Matcha Ice Cream Parfait with Azuki beans.
Side view of the dessert.
There's Agar Agar, Corn Flakes, Azuki Bean Paste, Matcha Green Tea, Green Tea Chocolate, and cream.
Nana's Green Tea Ice Cream shop is located in the smack middle of the gourmet alley
(mini Japanese paradise to me).
It's actually a chain throughout Japan (there's over 70+ shops).
- Some of Nana's Soft Cream's Cones -
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Even if you aren't into Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream, they do sell regular (hot Japanese food):
They are proud of their organic rice which contains no pesticides and is imported from Japan.
While we were standing in line, I can't help but noticed they had boxes of Corn Flake cereals.
When I got my order, then it hit me.
What an odd combination but holy cow.
In the words of Tony the Tiger..."they're...great!!!"
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NOMU BAR
Japanese Whisky display (look only).
You can see their awesome wall of Japanese Whiskies
right as you enter from the Royal Hawaiian Avenue side.
I can't help but stare and I have to admit,
it makes my heart race a little.
And yes, I do have a "slight" fascination with Japanese Whiskies.
Ever since coming back from the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
my life has not been the same.
(I highly recommend a visit if you are ever around the Osaka/ Kyoto area;
all of the visiting info is in my link).
NOMU has a darn good collection on display
(Hibiki 30 years, special editions, etc.).
I'm quite jealous.
Though the displays are not for sale.
There's 2 areas you can choose to sit-- at or near the bar,
or across at the more private lounge area (where they offer free live entertainment).
Lounge it is!
Their happy hour and comfy chairs were calling our names.
or across at the more private lounge area (where they offer free live entertainment).
Lounge it is!
Their happy hour and comfy chairs were calling our names.
One of the seating areas inside NOMU lounge.
Dewar's ginger high ball.
Ok, I admit their Dewar's highball isn't the tastiest.
But since it's almost a DIY affair, I guess I'm partly responsible too.
We ordered fries, but since they don't exactly have a kitchen at or near the bar,
it took quite a while to finally arrive.
it took quite a while to finally arrive.
Dewar's high ball, Kona beer, and fries.
We thought the fries were under seasoned and for $7 it could have been better?
Since I wasn't too impressed with the highball, my Fiance got me a Margarita.
I'm generally not a Margarita fan, but this Lychee one with Li Hing Mui was pretty good so I would order this again.
I think it's better to eat dinner at one of the restaurants inside the food alley,
then come here with a group to grab drinks after.
The atmosphere at the Pour Lounge was very conducive to relaxing I must say.
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- NOMU Pour lounge Menu -
(includes Happy Hour)
[NOTE]- NOMU's actual bar has a longer drink list that starts from $6+.
Just to name a few:
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You can check our their monthly performing schedule posted on the side near the bar.
Live entertainment on Friday and Saturdays from 9-11pm :
Performer schedule (from April 2017 re-visit).
- Other photos of Waikiki Yokocho -
You can find Takoyaki, Ramen, Wagyu beef, Okonomiyaki, Crepes, Curry, Sushi and more.
List of other famous Yokocho (Alleys) in Japan.
- Parking -
Paid parking is available in the Waikiki Business Plaza (in purple below),
right across from Waikiki Yokocho.
Parking varies from ~$2.50 per hour, to $7 flat rate (valid on certain times at night).
Please refer to their official rates.
right across from Waikiki Yokocho.
Parking varies from ~$2.50 per hour, to $7 flat rate (valid on certain times at night).
Please refer to their official rates.
 If you park at the Waikiki Business Plaza, just cross the street and the entrance to Waikiki Yokocho is right there (on Seaside Avenue). |
Waikiki Yokocho
- Entrances -
Waikiki Yokocho has 2 entrances:
 Armani Exchange is to the left side. | 1. SEASIDE AVENUE Entrance |
 Gourmet Alley Entrance on Royal Hawaiian Avenue. | 2. ROYAL HAWAIIAN AVENUE Entrance (Waikiki Strip sidewalk side). |
Waikiki Yokocho | |
"Waikiki Yokocho" in beautiful Japanese calligraphy.
We look forward to returning to try out other restaurants here next time!
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