Koenji, a bustling town filled with young people, offers a unique atmosphere created by its mix of diverse cultures. This distinct vibe continues to attract countless visitors. From this one-of-a-kind area in Tokyo, here are seven must-visit spots for your exploration!
1. Koenji Awa Dance in Tokyo
When you think of Koenji, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is the Awa Odori dance. The Awa Odori dance started in the shopping district in 1957 as part of a town revitalization effort. Today, it is one of Tokyo's most famous summer festivals, attracting over one million people every year.
The performance of 10,000 dancers with bright, beaming smiles is a spectacular sight! It's a highly recommended tourist event that gets both locals and tourists excited at the same time.
Name: Tokyo Koenji Awaodori
Address: Koenji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Official and related site URL: http://www.koenji-awaodori.com/
2. Za Koenji
Za Koenji has now become a symbol of the city. It is a theater facility built in 2009, and serves as a base for the city's performing arts and local culture. In Koenji, which is bustling with various cultures, it is a place that can be said to be like a town square. Be sure to visit it at the start of your sightseeing trip.
Name: Za Koenji
Address: 2-1-2 Koenji Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Official and related site URL: http://za-koenji.jp/home/index.php
3. Koenji Junjo Shopping Street
One of the elements that makes Koenji a town with a unique atmosphere is the various shopping streets. Among them, Koenji Junjo Shopping Street, located at the north exit of the station, became famous after the novel of the same name by Shoichi Nejime won the 101st Naoki Prize.
Restaurants, daily necessities stores, general stores, beauty salons, second-hand clothing stores, etc. Junjo Shopping Street, with about 200 stores lined up, is a charming shopping street loved by people of all ages and genders, from old-fashioned shops with a unique atmosphere to shops popular with modern young people! It is a spot that you should definitely not miss when sightseeing.
Name: Koenji Junjo Shopping Street
Address: 2-7-13 Koenji Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Official and related site URL: http://www.kouenji.or.jp/
4.LIVE MUSIC JIROKICHI
Koenji is also famous as a music town. With a full range of live music venues, studios, record stores, and instrument shops, it is a must-see tourist spot for music lovers. LIVE MUSIC JIROKICHI, founded in 1975, has been supporting the town's music culture. This live music venue is affectionately known as “Jirokichi”.
While enjoying a drink, you can enjoy live performances by artists that change daily. It is a charming shop that serves as a social gathering place where anyone can casually experience music. It is the perfect place for those who want to fully experience the town's music culture while sightseeing!
Name: LIVE MUSIC JIROKICHI
Address: 2-3-4 Koenji Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Official and related site URL: http://jirokichi.net/
5. UNDER700
UNDER700 is a store that collects second-hand clothes from Japan and abroad. It is one of the most popular second-hand clothing stores in Koenji, which has a strong image of being a town with many second-hand clothing stores.
The best thing about this store is, without a doubt, its prices! As the name of the store suggests, most items are priced at 700 yen (plus tax), and this is said to come from the desire to make fashion accessible to people who normally don't spend much on clothes! It is also recommended as a souvenir for tourists. With such a wide selection, you may end up buying too much.
Name: Under 700
Address: 3-37-23 Koenji Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo (Look store)
6. Kosugiyu
Public baths are places of relaxation where ordinary people gather. Nowadays, with the number of homes with baths increasing, many people may not use public baths very often. However, Kosugiyu is a public bath that is still frequented by many people and is filled with a lively atmosphere every night. It is a long-established bathhouse that boasts a history of over 80 years since its establishment.
In addition to daily baths such as mugwort, yuzu, and chamomile, the most famous bath is undoubtedly the milk bath. The slightly sweet-smelling water warms your body from the inside and leaves your skin smooth. They also offer an empty-handed set, so it is recommended to drop in in the evening when you are tired from sightseeing.
Name: Kosugiyu
Address: 3-32-2 Koenji Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Official and related site URL: https://kosugiyu.co.jp/
7. Koenji Underpass Drinking District
Author Jun Miura called Koenji Under-the-railroad drinking district "Japan's India." It's lined with lively bars and food stalls with fragrant aromas, creating a perfect mix of hustle and bustle and a sense of openness.
You can't go wrong with any of the establishments! You'll be greeted with delicious and reasonably priced drinks and food. How about ending your day with a bar crawl in the Under-railroad drinking district? What a great way to end your sightseeing. By the time you finish sightseeing and head home, you'll surely be immersed in the richness of Koenji.
Name: Koenji Station West Shopping Association
Address: Koenji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Official and related site URL: https://koenjichara.com/ekinishi/
◎Summary
What did you think? From Awa Odori to theater and music, shopping streets, vintage clothing, public baths, bars, and more. Koenji is a city where various cultures mix together to create a unique atmosphere. If you walk around the area, you will be able to feel its charm for yourself.
If you want to see some particularly interesting and interesting sightseeing spots among the Tokyo sightseeing spots, this is the town for you. Please take a stroll around.