Tokyo Tour for Solo Guests❤️ Koenji Day Trip**
#2024Travel Review
Located in Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Koenji is an area full of personality and culture, perfect for a day trip. It is famous for its diverse shopping streets, vintage culture, music scene and unique subculture atmosphere. Here is a suggested itinerary for a day trip to Koenji that will allow you to fully experience the charm of this place.
## **One-day tour in Koenji**
### **Morning: Explore shopping streets and vintage stores**
1. **Junjo Shopping Street and Look Shopping Street**
Koenji is famous for its many shopping streets, including Junjo Shopping Street and Look Shopping Street. These shopping streets have a nostalgic atmosphere and are home to a wide variety of cafes, sundry shops and restaurants. In particular, the Junjou Shopping Street, whose name comes from the Naoki Shang novel "Koenji Junjou Shopping Street", is of great historical significance.[6][8]
2. **Vintage Treasure Hunt**
Koenji is known as Tokyo's "Vintage Paradise" and is more unique than Shimokitazawa. We recommend visiting "Bernet" (American retro style), "umber" (denim fabric), and "mepontego" (Japanese hipster style). The vintage clothing here is very affordable, making it a must-see for fashion lovers.[8][9]
3. **Weather Shrine**
Located in the Hikawa Shrine, it is the only weather shrine in Japan and the filming location of "Weathering with You". Here you can find cute sunny doll amulets and unique red seals, which are perfect for collecting amulets or praying for good weather.[8][9]
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### **Lunch: Enjoy local delicacies**
1. **Tensuke Fried Egg Tempura (天すけ)**
This small restaurant located at the north exit of Koenji is famous for its fresh and crispy tempura, especially the fried egg tempura. It is recommended to arrive early as seating is limited.[8]
2. **Coffee and light meals**
If you want to relax, you can go to the "コーラル" cafe, taste the handmade pancakes and chat with the mama-san who has been running the business for many years, and feel the strong human touch [8].
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### **Afternoon: Cultural and Artistic Exploration**
1. **Amateur Rebellion and Underground Culture**
Koenji is an important base for subculture and underground music in Tokyo. You can find many independent bookstores, vinyl record stores, and art galleries such as the Uptown Koenji Gallery[7][8] in the alleys.
2. **Experience the Sento culture at Kosugi-yu**
Kosugi-yu is a historic public bathhouse that offers a traditional Japanese Sento experience, perfect for relaxing.[9]
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### **Evening: Izakaya and Nightlife**
1. **Izakaya Tour**
There are many small izakayas in Koenji. For example, the alleys at the north exit are full of small bars that offer affordable food and drinks, making them a great place to experience the local nightlife[6][8].
2. **Live Music**
In the evening, you can go to "Tokyo Koenji 20,000 Voltage" or other live music venues to enjoy punk rock or J-Pop live performances and experience the vibrant music atmosphere of Koenji[6].
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### **Transportation Information**
- It takes about 6 minutes to reach Koenji Station by taking the JR Chuo Line rapid train from Shinjuku Station. It is very convenient.
- Most attractions in the area are within walking distance[5][6].
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Koenji is a charming area that combines nostalgia, creativity and subculture. Whether it is shopping, food or cultural exploration, you can spend a fulfilling day.