Yoshihara is a red-light district dating back to the Edo period, and neighboring Sanya is known as a former flophouse district—a lingering slum of sorts. While traces of this history certainly remain in places, overall it is simply a down-to-earth, working-class neighborhood typical of northern Tokyo.
What elevates this area beyond an ordinary rural town or provincial city is, of course, its long tradition as an entertainment and dining hub that has welcomed visitors for centuries. If you look closely, you’ll find small, delightful eateries scattered throughout the neighborhood that serve fantastic food with warm, welcoming hospitality.
Koka, a small Chinese restaurant located right next to Yoshihara, may look a bit shady at first glance, but both its food and service are thoroughly impressive. It’s also a perfect spot to grab a beer and enjoy various small plates such as century eggs.
In this area, I can also recommend you Yayoi, Pork-Cutlet Kawakin (河金), and Kachou-Shuka (花彫酒家), as well as Fukuya, Nakajima, and Yamaguchi-ya.