Tokyo Sanpo【Kouenji】

Koenji is a town of shopping streets and temples, packed with enjoyable spots that are fun to explore on foot and discover, including some wonderfully unique places.
Today, we’ll introduce a walking route that condenses all of Koenji’s charm into one delightful stroll.

Course Overview

🛍️ Koenji Junjo Shopping Street（高円寺純情商店街）
🛍️ Koenji Nakadori Shopping Street（高円寺中通商店街）
🏮 Daiichi Market（大一市場）
🌳 Koenji Kita Park（高円寺北公園）
⛩️ Yamatocho Hachiman Shrine（大和町八幡神社）
🎭 Za Koenji Theater（座・高円寺）
💧 Tokyo Waterworks Bureau Koenji Water Tank（東京都水道局高円寺貯水槽）
🍵 Flat Sugihachi Café（ふらっとすぎはち）
🛕 Koenji South Temples Group（高円寺南のお寺群）
🛕 Koenji (Jukuhosan Koenji Temple)（高円寺（宿鳳山高円寺））
🛍️ Koenji Pal Shopping Street（高円寺パル商店街）
🛍️ Koenji Look Shopping Street（高円寺ルック商店街）
⛩️ Mabashi Inari Shrine（馬橋稲荷神社）

🛍️ Koenji Junjo Shopping Street

Koenji Junjo Shopping Street is a lively, old-fashioned shopping street located just outside the north exit of Koenji Station in Tokyo.
The street retains the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era, where you can feel the warmth of local shops and the friendly people who run them.

🛍️Koenji Nakadori Shopping Street

Koenji Nakadori Shopping Street is a shopping street located just a few minutes’ walk from the north exit of Koenji Station, known for its collection of unique and quirky shops.
Located right next to Koenji Junjo Shopping Street, it’s an area where local charm blends with youth culture, offering a distinct and vibrant atmosphere.

🏮 Daiichi Market

Daiichi Ichiba is a retro-style alleyway bar district tucked away in a small backstreet of Koenji, Tokyo.
It uses the original structure of an old marketplace, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of Japan’s Showa era.

🌳 Koenji Kita Park

If you’re feeling a bit tired, take a break at Kita Park.
You might see local children playing or someone quietly reading on a bench.
The relaxed atmosphere will help you unwind and take a peaceful breath.

⛩️ Yamatocho Hachiman Shrine

This quiet shrine stands tucked away in a residential neighborhood, a short walk from Koenji Station.
Its impressive torii gate and peaceful grounds create a calming atmosphere that helps you feel centered.
The “DAIBON” Grand Bon Odori Festival held in July looks like a lot of fun!

🎭 Za Koenji Theater

Za Koenji Theater is a venue for contemporary theater and performing arts located in Koenji, Tokyo.
Opened in 2009, this facility is cherished as a cultural hub that connects the local community with the arts.
It mainly hosts performances such as theater, dance, music, and shows for children.
https://za-koenji.jp/home/index.php

💧 Tokyo Waterworks Bureau Koenji Water Tank

Walking along Kan-nana Avenue and crossing the elevated Chuo Line tracks, you’ll come across a large water reservoir.
It feels like encountering an “invisible hero” supporting the city’s infrastructure.

🛕 Koenji South Temples Group

In the southern Koenji area, historic temples such as Saisho-ji, Shoo-ji, and Sotai-in are scattered throughout the neighborhood.
None of these temples are overly commercialized for tourists, which makes them blend naturally into everyday life.
During your walk, when you turn a quiet corner and suddenly find yourself in a temple courtyard, you can experience a calming feeling that soothes the heart.

🛕 Koenji (Jukuhosan Koenji Temple)

This Soto Zen temple is said to be the origin of the name “Koenji.”
It is said that Tokugawa Iemitsu stopped here on his way back from falconry, liked the temple’s name, and decided to use it as the name for the surrounding area.
The main hall’s elegant presence and the temple grounds surrounded by trees offer a peacefulness that feels unlike being in the middle of the city.

🛍️ Koenji Pal Shopping Street

The shopping street with an arcade is called Pal Shopping Street.
It’s filled with affordable and delicious prepared foods, a nostalgic atmosphere, and a lively, everyday vibe.
In the evenings, it becomes bustling with shoppers.

🛍️ Koenji Look Shopping Street

A stylish street lined with popular shops among young people, including trendy accessory stores and vintage clothing shops.

⛩️ Mabashi Inari Shrine

The approach lined with torii gates has a slightly mystical atmosphere.
The second torii gate, known as one of the “Three Great Torii of Tokyo,” features twin dragons carved into its pillars and is quite impressive.
It’s a pure and serene place, perfect for concluding a day of walking.

🧭Coure Overview

🛍️ Koenji Junjo Shopping Street（高円寺純情商店街）
🛍️ Koenji Nakadori Shopping Street（高円寺中通商店街）
🏮 Daiichi Market（大一市場）
🌳 Koenji Kita Park（高円寺北公園）
⛩️ Yamatocho Hachiman Shrine（大和町八幡神社）
🎭 Za Koenji Theater（座・高円寺）
💧 Tokyo Waterworks Bureau Koenji Water Tank（東京都水道局高円寺貯水槽）
🍵 Flat Sugihachi Café（ふらっとすぎはち）
🛕 Koenji South Temples Group（高円寺南のお寺群）
🛕 Koenji (Jukuhosan Koenji Temple)（高円寺（宿鳳山高円寺））
🛍️ Koenji Pal Shopping Street（高円寺パル商店街）
🛍️ Koenji Look Shopping Street（高円寺ルック商店街）
⛩️ Mabashi Inari Shrine（馬橋稲荷神社）