Koenji

A short train ride from Shinjuku drops you at the front stoops of Koenji, Tokyo’s star neighborhood with an expanding creative scene and a center of alternative youth culture.

This cozy hood exudes a laid-back attitude of the kind where shoppers endlessly browse in pursuit of vintage gems, and local izakaya stay filled with the sounds of clinking glasses, hearty cheers, and buzzing conversations till the wee hours of the night.

Koenji leans toward the mature-yet-edgy end of the spectrum which is perhaps explained by the fact that it was once home to Tokyo’s punk scene in the 1970s. These roots are very much alive in today’s Koenji and reflect on the vibrant suburban underground culture.

From an array of retro stores to cool live houses and traditional venues, Koenji is a place worth a day (or two) visit — and you’ll never get bored.

Visit local shrines

Koenji is well known for its numerous historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines that have a cozier vibe and are very photogenic. Mabashi Inari Shrine stands out with tranquil atmosphere and beautiful setting. Three grand torii gates lead to the shrine grounds. It’s believed that if you make a wish while touching the rising dragon on a stone dragon, it will deliver your wish to heaven to be granted.

Shopping

There is an abundance of thrift stores you can rummage around in for bargains, particularly around the so-called “Look Shopping Street” where the young come to look for cool, cutting-edge second-hand, clothing. Koenji is also a music collector’s paradise stocking a lot of rare items in numerous vintage record shops.

Awa Odori Festival

Koenji is largely known for one of the major summer events in the city called the Awa Odori Festival. Locals and tourists flood the area to enjoy the dance tunes during the season, with over 10,000 dancers and over 1 million spectators.

“Live houses”

“Live houses,” the Japanese name for music venues or live bars, are one of Koenji’s main attractions. From alternative rock to free-form jazz, most tastes are covered, and the setting definitely trumps your usual faceless concert venue.

For lots to do in a cool scene, pop over to Tokyo’s Koenji.