Koenji 高円寺

Koenji Awaodori 2013 and photos from 2012

2013-08-21T09:53:00.003-07:00

It's been a while since I posted, but no better chance then to announce the upcoming dance festival.

The 57th Koenji Awaodori is held this year on 24th and 25th August. This coming weekend, then!
I'm not going to bark on about it too much other than to say it's from 5pm to 8pm.
Get there early and enjoy.
Lots to see before it starts and drinking to do after it finishes.

If you haven't been to this festival before then please check out the links links from previous awaodori's here and some photos from previous years.

Here's some from last year.

Thanks for those that checked this site...

2012-10-25T20:14:00.003-07:00

I started this blog to share some things about Koenji.
Koenji is really a great place to visit, hang out, and live.
The bars, live houses, shops, restaurants, even the supermarkets are great.
The overall atmosphere is nothing like the places featured in guide books.

When I first came to Tokyo, over 10 years ago, I used to hang out in Shibuya, Harajuku,, Yoyogi, Shinjuku, and places nearby.
Whilst at first, those places seem cool, fashionable, unique, they also become stale.
For Shibuya, Harajuku, and Yoyogi, people try a bit too hard to stand out from the crowd, and I feel it's not a real reflection of the place, rather a place to go because it's supposed to "be cool".

I moved to Koenji just over 5 years ago, and it was a breath of fresh air.
No posers, like Shibuya and Harajuku.
I don't think that this blog gives a good account, but I hope that someone may have visited Koenji after taking an interest in some of the photos I've posted.

I don't have the time to add much more to this blog, so it will be put on indefinite hold.
I may or may not get around to posting some of the photos I have taken in Koenji.
I've taken hundreds, if not thousands.
Well, including 5 Awaodori's, I must have taken thousands...

There will always be the Awaodori held on the last weekend of August, and also Koenji Festival, held at the end of October.

Thanks for checking the blog.
Enjoy Koenji.

56th Koenji awaodori 2012

2012-08-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Koenji Awaodori will be held this weekend, 25th and 26th August.

Note that the English site states from 5PM - 9 PM
http://en.koenji-awaodori.com/

And the Japanese site states 5PM - 8 PM
http://www.koenji-awaodori.com/

I'd say it from 5-8 as the dancing has been always been for 3 hours in past events.

Either way, the finish time matters not, just make sure you get there around 3PM to avoid the hordes of people.

If you get there anytime around 5, you'll be caught up in the confusion of the crowds, and it does get busy in those narrow streets, and the best view you'll get 5-rows back is the top of someones head.

A lot of the regulars and Koenji residents (I'll include myself in that list) will already have claimed their spot.

It's one party that isn't cool to be "fashionably late".

First time visitors to Koenji might notice that there are two exits, north and south, but it will all be changed and roped off and as you get off the platforms, you'll be ushered out of the exit like sheep.

North or south, you say?

In a nutshell, the South has dancing taking place down the main street, which, if you get there late on, is a complete waste of time as you'll be struggling to get a decent view.
To the side of the main street is the PAL shopping arcade, which is a good spot, if you're there early enough, but it gets very hot in there.

To the north, the action takes place a few minutes away on a smaller street and also in the back streets.
If you're coming late, the north side is probably better to get a decent view.

Get there early and have a wander around as a lot of local backstreet shops will be selling some good food and overpriced beer.
Stuff your face with food beforehand and stock up on drinks.

Tailors and Vader

2012-02-16T02:21:00.000-08:00

One is of a tailors dummy, think the shop is called "Scissorhands" if memory serves me correctly.
Other is of Circle K's "Jumbo Frankfurter campaign which imaginatively borrows Darth Vader for the cause.

Transport Koenji Style

2012-02-12T04:20:00.001-08:00

Bikes and motorbikes in this one.
Let's see, from top to bottom:

- Mini motorbikes
- Women's Custom with a nice saddle
- Post Office bike
- Mini Racer
- Koenji Security Patrol
- Bad-Nice hair salon custom special

Another from Star Case

2012-01-18T03:44:00.001-08:00

Another shot from the entrance of the best shop in Koenji, and indeed Tokyo.

Insert coins to move

2012-01-18T03:37:00.000-08:00

Koenji's best street performer.

He remains motionless until you pop some money into his hat and watch him go.

Can be found day or night at random times throughout the day.

A Beacon of Rebirth Poster Project

2011-09-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

I came across this gallery in Tokyo.

The website explains it clearly, so if you have time make sure that you go to it:

http://fukkou-noroshi.jp/
http://fukkou-noroshi.jp/en/

From the North exit of Koenji station, turn left and head towards McDonalds and keep going under the train tracks next to Central Road.
You'll come across an ethnic goods shop and a record store. Go inside.
The gallery is against the far wall.

Apparently you can take a poster.

11th March 2011

2011-08-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

When the big earthquake struck in March, I was aboard a train.
Not my best memory of Japan that, but certainly one that will stick in my mind.
I was on my way back to Koenji, between Kichijoji and Nishi Ogikubo stations.
When we were finally evacuated safely from the train the only way back was on foot...

Knowing how old and rundown a lot of the buildings are in Koenji, I wondered if any of them had been unable to withstand 5 minutes of an incredibly strong quake.

To my surprise and relief, the damage was minimal.

This, from what I could tell, was the worst of the damaged bulidings.
The outer wall had collapsed.
I took the pic on the 12th March.

55th Koenji Awaodori

2011-08-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

The 55th Koenji Awaodori kicks off on the last weekend of August.

Recent years have seen the sweltering humidity beaten into submission from torrential rain, but that didn't put anyone off.

If you want some good street photos, be sure to get there early on the 27/28 August.

The actual dancing starts at 3pm both days instead of the usual 6pm. All part of Japan's continued reduction of electrcity outage

I'm posting up a pic that I took a few years ago.

One house near to my flat had put up two posters on their wall advertising the Awaodori at that time.

This wall was turned into a pile of rubble on the 11th March due to the earthquake.

Vintage shops

2011-05-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Now, it is a shame that the vintage British clothes store has closed. It was located under the train tracks and housed some vintage gear with a sixties and seventies style.

Coming from England, there was a real touch of nostalgia in that shop.

Second up, which is still about, is "Peace Face". Koenji has a lot of vintage clothes shops, but the name of this one is one of the best.

PICKUP 高円寺

2011-02-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

If, like me, you have a thing for trainers*, then the best place to go in Koenji is "Pick Up".
Located just off PAL.
Turn right past Village Vanguard and head down that narrow street.
There's a few good shops for new and used gear along this street, but that's for another time...

Pick Up has a good selection of trainers, some clothing and bags.
Trainers are deadstock, new and used.
The prices are very reasonable and they do have some vintage, which are, as to be expected, a little more pricey.
They have a website, but they have more trainers in shop than is featured on their site.

http://www.pickup-koenji.com/

*Trainers = sneakers for the US viewers

Nothing to see here...

2011-02-14T22:55:00.000-08:00

So, you're out on a Sunday drive with your wife and baby in the car...when you suddenly decide to mount the curb and flip your car onto its side.
The blokes from the delivery company, in the green jackets, were quickly on the scene to rescue this family of three, unharmed.

After a quick interview session with the driver to determine what a complete fuckwit he is, everyone will be back home for an evening of shit Japanese TV (if you've ever seen a variety show here then you'll know what I'm on about) and a cup of cold green tea.

Koenji Awa Odori 2010

2010-09-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Pics from Sunday.

Koenji Awa Odori 2010

2010-09-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

Some pics of 2010 Awa Odori.
Friday and Saturday night.

Koenji Awa Odori 2010

2010-09-22T03:54:00.000-07:00

28th and 29th August marked the 54th Koenji Awa Odori.
Plus a little smaller festival on 27th, Friday night.

If you don't know about this festival, then you can see more from previous years in the links and whatnot on the right.

The festival is important for Koenji as it keeps places in business.
There's well over a million people, not including residents, such as myself, pass through the ticket gates to see it.
They spend a lot of money on beer and food, and it really is good for the local community.
Koenji is a place that needs this sort of business.

The last two years have pissed down for the whole weekend.
This year broke that trend, and Japan's summer unleashed a sweltering 35 degree heat.
Being from England, I'm not one that minds the rain, but not when Im carrying over 120,000yen (600 pounds in real money) of camera kit around.
When the sun set, the humidity hung around like a bad dose of herpes...not that I'd know about that.

Anyway, as is the norm with the Koenji Awa Odori, it made for a great weekend.
If you're in Tokyo during the last weekend of August, don't miss it.

Some more pics to follow in later posts...for now, I'll post just the two above.

Down on the Streets

2010-08-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

Random night in Koenji.
North side hangout.

Usual spill-out after a gig, brings local musicians onto the streets to jam.

Koenji Daidogei - 1st May 2010

2010-06-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

Grimy Backstreets

2010-06-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Character-building backstreets around Koenji.
Small bars and restaurants taking up space off the beaten track.
In the third picture down, there is even a tiny bar at at the dead-end.
You can see the lantern and the sign outside.

Barracuda

2010-06-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, my friends older brother had an ongoing collection of American muscle cars.
Quite a rare sight in the streets of England at the time.
Moreso these days.
An even rarer sight in the congested streets of Tokyo.

The Hot Wheels shop in Koenji is not only home to a fine selection of toy cars, but also some real ones.
Not much finer than a Plymouth Barracuda standing shop front.
Needless to say, she's loud.
If she's not a Barracuda, then I stand corrected...but I'm sure she is.

South exit.
Turn left.
Keep walking straight along the side of the train tracks.

Cheers Shot Bar

2010-05-26T23:49:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by Chester who has opened a new bar in Koenji.
Keen to support the local businesses, so here's the link.

http://www.barcheers.jp/

Music Of the 70's, 80's, 90's.
Hip-hop, R&B, Disco, Reggae, House, Trance, and more.

"Fuck Off" aka "Welcome"

2010-05-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

This bar, "Locohead", in Koenji notches up as my first pub that I've seen, or at least recall with a smashed window like this.

Not quite "put-through" and "boarded up" as properly demonstrated in England by the English on a Saturday night, but nevertheless, a good effort.
7/10.

Koenji Daidogei 2010

2010-04-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

Doesn't seem like a year since the last round of street performances hit Koenji.
First weekend of May and it all will happen again.

http://www.koenji-daidogei.com/

Feel intimidated?

2010-01-26T04:59:00.000-08:00

So, all you want to do on a Saturday afternoon is stroll around town and do a bit of shopping.
It just so happens that your little stroll might be hampered by a bloke wearing a big-nosed mask and a girl who thinks she's a cat.
Both running amuck in the narrow street.
Oh, and don't forget the token chap tapping out a beat on his drum.

It would seem like just a regular Saturday afternoon in Koenji if it weren't for the fact that there actually was an excuse for this insanity...this time.
It was the annual Koenji Fes(festival) where street performers gather for the weekend.
This is from November 2009.

http://koenjifes.jp

On ice

2009-12-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

Should any frequent readers to this blog, and also the new ones, wonder about the lack of updates, just a quick note to let you know I'm back in merry England til late January.

You know, doing the festive thing back home...

Actually arrived back in Blighty on 4th Dec.

Flew with British Airways...what a thought.

I always buy a 1-year open return ticket to from England to Japan.

I've flown with SAS, Lufthansa, Swiss Int., KLM in the past. Those flights always required landing in the designated European city from Tokyo, then board for the final, short flight back to England. Birmingham to be exact.
This time, British Airways London-Tokyo.
Good outbound flight.
Good return flight.

Shame that the cabin crew and union don't take into consideration the struggling economy, let alone the pasengers, especially at this time of year.

It's bad news, cus I really enjoyed the BA sevice. Swiss was by far the best, but having to transfer planes wasn't fun...
Still, it might make me book with Swiss again if BA can't get its act together.

Until next month...