If you’re exploring Tokyo based around areas like Shinjuku and Nakano, and happen to be a fan of vintage clothing, you can’t miss out on Koenji. While there are several towns in Tokyo known for their vintage clothing stores, omitting Koenji when discussing vintage shopping towns would be a mistake. If you have some time, why not take a leisurely stroll and check it out?
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A/B. Location of Koenji Vintage Clothing Stores
If we were to name a neighborhood in Tokyo with numerous vintage clothing stores, Koenji would definitely be mentioned alongside Harajuku and Shimokitazawa. When strolling along the street where vintage clothing stores gather in Koenji, it’s challenging to come across shops dealing in new clothing.
Getting to Koenji is easy, whether by the JR Sobu Line or Tozai (Metro) Line. In addition, from Nakano Station, it’s just one station away, taking approximately 3 minutes by either the JR Sobu Line or Tozai (Metro) Line, and about a 20-minute walk. However, the cluster of vintage clothing stores in Koenji is concentrated along the road connecting Shinkoenji Station (marked as B on the map) of Marunouchi (Metro) Line and Koenji Station (marked as A on the map). You can either get off at one station and return from the opposite side’s station.
Koenji Vintage Clothing Stores
If you get off at Koenji Station (marked as A on the map) and head south from the south exit along the Koenji Pal Shopping Street arcade, you’ll find one vintage clothing store after another. If you alight at Shinkoenji Station (marked as B on the map), heading north along the Shinkoenji Street will quickly lead you to an area where vintage clothing stores line up. There are also vintage clothing stores in the side alleys on both sides of this street. However, finding vintage clothing stores in places other than these specific areas in Koenji is relatively rare.
The characteristics of vintage clothing stores in Koenji are as follows:
- Vintage clothing stores are concentrated along particular streets, such as the Koenji Pal Shopping Street arcade and Shinkoenji Street.
- As each small shop specializes in particular vintage clothing, there’s a wide array of options in Koenji.
- Even in thrift stores focusing on reuse, you’ll find a combination of vintage pieces and branded second-hand clothing. The quality of vintage and branded items in these thrift stores is notably high.
Detour Point ❶: “Weathering with You” by Makoto Shinkai: Weather Shrine
If you’re a fan of Makoto Shinkai or intrigued by his anime film “Weathering with You,” make sure to drop by Koenji Hikawa Shrine during your visit to Koenji. Inside the shrine, you’ll find Weather Shrine.
This Weather Shrine is unique in Japan, as it was built specifically for people to wish for accurate weather forecasts. However, it seems that many visitors also wish for specific weather on certain days.
Ema (wooden plaques for wishes) shaped like Geta (Japanese wooden sandals) that appears in the anime film are also up for grabs at the shrine like this. When you visit a shrine, it might be nice to offer an ema or something similar as well!
(Do you want to visit another site related to Makoto Shinkai?)
Detour Point ❷❸❹: Casual Drinking Spots
Koenji is known as a town of vintage fashion, but it’s long been a favorite hangout for young people—a place full of affordable, unpretentious eateries.
As the sun starts to wind down for the day, warm lights flicker on all around, gently inviting us out into the evening. One of the best spots to check out is under the train tracks, near the entrance of Pal Shopping Street. Grab a seat spilling out onto the street and raise a glass—cheers!
(marked as ❷ on the map)
If you’re in the mood to explore a wider range of food—from Japanese classics to flavors from around the world—head to the left from the north side of the station and follow the shopping street that runs along the tracks.
Let your instincts guide you—picking a place at random might just be your lucky move of the day!
(marked as ❸ on the map)
If you’re curious to try some classic Japanese Izakayas or old-school diners, head north from the station’s north exit—you’ll find a shopping street lined with all kinds of places.
It’s not just bars and eateries here; you’ll also come across shops selling everyday goods, and who knows—you might just stumble upon a fun little souvenir to remember your trip by!
(marked as ❹ on the map)
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