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There is a lot of nightlife in Tokyo and one area in particular is retro and edgy. It is the Koenji neighborhood and it has everything from vintage clothing stores to old-school vinal record shops to punk rock bands to more live music to – relative to other places in the city – cheap food and drinks.
It’s in the area around Koenji Station with shotengai arcades and narrow alleys with an abundance of shopping, dining, and bars. Punk rock is particularly popular here, tho nearly all kinds of music can be heard. There are many live music venues (called “live houses” in Japan) in Koenji. They play different genres of music on different nights from J-pop to heavy metal. Niman Denatsu is a top punk rock bar, ShowBoat has all kinds of bands, 20000 Den-Atsu is a popular bar for bands and Jirokichi bar has been a live music venue featuring the blues and jazz for more than 45 years.
Tokyo Izakay Bars
It has numerous izakaya bars (a traditional Japanese bar where alcoholic drinks are served with affordable snacks and dishes). The izakaya and restaurants here offer both Japanese and eclectic foreign cuisine. The narrow alleys and hidden streets are full of tiny bars featuring specific subcultures and art/music scenes.
Vintage Clothing Stores In Toyko’s Koenji Neighborhood
Unlike other epoch clothing stores in Tokyo, the items here are inexpensive and in great condition. They can be found on Koenji Junjo Shopping Street, Koenji Nakadori Shopping Street, Koenji Pal Shopping Street and Koenji Look Shopping Street.
Koenji Awa Odori Dance Festival
In the summer, the Koenji Awa Odori Dance takes place in Koenji. This festival first began in 1957, with the aim of revitalizing the small shopping streets of the town, but has now grown to be the largest Awa Odori festival outside of Tokushima Prefecture where the dance originated. Held on the last weekend of August, this is one of Tokyo’s largest summer street festivals, with more than 10,000 dancers and a million visitors.
Transportation To The Koenji Neighborhood
The closest access point is Koenji Station on the JR Chuo Line. Shin-Koenji Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is a 15-minute walk from the main attractions.
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