Koenji Subculture Walk Music Vintage and Hidden Tokyo
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2h
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About this experience
Visit iconic Koenji live music venues that helped define Tokyo’s underground music scene
Browse vinyl record shops specializing in punk, jazz, experimental, and Japanese indie music
Explore independent bookstores focused on politics, art, and alternative culture
Discover Koenji’s famous used clothing and recycle stores, central to its anti-consumerist identity
Walk through backstreets rarely visited by tourists
Visit a local Koenji temple that anchors the neighborhood
Stop at Kishō Jinja, a Shinto shrine dedicated to weather, fate, and resilience
Learn how Koenji became Tokyo’s enduring countercultural hub
Available options
Koenji Subculture Walk Music Vintage and Hidden Tokyo
What's included
Cultural and historical explanations throughout
Detailed itinerary
1
The plaza at the north side of Koenji station is a late-night hangout for people of all kinds, including street artists and musicians, as well as a spot for performing arts festivals and the kind of protest demonstrations, that first put Koenji on the counterculture map in the 1950s.
2
One of Tokyo’s most respected live music venues, known for jazz, blues, and experimental performances since the 1970s, Jirokichi was the leader of Koenji's live music scene when the owner began opening his basement music cafe without a state -- into a venue for weekend live performances.
3
Kisho Jinja is the only Shinto shrine dedicated to weather forecasting. Constructed for the Imperial Army so that its nearby weather forecasting station could more accurately predict the weather, and allow Japan's military to more efficiently kill its enemies, it is now where Japanese go to pray for good weather.
It is also unusual in the unique way visitors express their weather prayers.
4
EAD record, across the street from the shrine, possesses a full-on Koenji vibe in a little shoebox store with a huge reputation for its curated inventory and investment in the local music scene.
5
Godzilla-ya is a retro toy and collectible shop under the tracks, where nostalgia, pop culture, and underground art overlap.
6
Attached to the iconic S.U.B.store clothing shop, S.U.B.store Café is a tiny, no-frills hangout that captures Koenji’s underground spirit in coffee form. Popular with artists, musicians, and regulars from the neighborhood, it’s less about latte art and more about atmosphere—raw, unpolished, and unapologetically local.
7
Visit Be-In Records, a classic Koenji record shop specializing in punk, rock, and underground music. Koenji's live music scene evolved out of its 1970s vinyl culture. The owner, Aki, opened for business 25 years ago as a way of keeping that spirit alive.
8
Although a polished covered shopping arcade, PAL is home to a good sample of the vast number of used-clothing stores that have moved to Koenji over the past 20 years to flee the commercialism of other Tokyo neighborhoods.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meet outside the ticket gate of JR Koenji Station
About Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.
Top Attractions
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for some areas)
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.
Cultural
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.
Architecture
2-3 hours
¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)
Odaiba
Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.
Entertainment
Half day to full day
Varies by attraction
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sushi
Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.
Dinner
Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegan and vegetarian options available.
Tempura
Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby mountains
Parasailing at Odaiba
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Traditional tea ceremonies
Kimono rentals and photo shoots
Boat tours on the Sumida River
Beach activities at Odaiba
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Getting there
By air
- Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
- Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train
Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station
By bus
Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Shibuya
Shinjuku
Asakusa
Ginza
Akihabara
Day trips
Nikko
120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day
Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Kamakura
50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day
Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Hakone
90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight
Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.
Festivals
Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years)
Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years)
Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July
Pro tips
- Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
- Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
- Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
$40
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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