Koenji Nights

Sound Studio Dom

Used as a rental space for bands to practice during the day, Sound Studio Dom turns into a bar and small live venue in the evening. The rooftop terrace provides fresh air and drinks are served while live music is performed. The bar is intimate and is a great space to meet some Koenji locals while partying.

SoundStudioDOM Koenji

Tokyo Suginami-ku Koenjiminami 4-chome 25-7

0333183569

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Mu Nota

Japan can be a difficult challenge for the vegetarian or vegan. Luckily, Vege & Grain Cafe Mu Nota serves a menu without meat, fish, eggs or dairy products. They take pride in their fresh and organic vegetables and grains and serve only the local best. Even the wine is organic! The atmosphere is charming and twee with wooden decor and dried flowers hanging off the walls.

Mu Nota

vege & grain cafe meu nota

Tokyo Suginami-ku Kouenjiminami 3-45-11

0359299422

[Lunch]12:00-15:30(L.O.14:30…

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Yakitori-ya

On outdoor summer nights, local yakitori joints open their front doors and have their patrons sit outside, resembling a communal barbecue. Koenji has a wide variety of yakitori restaurants concentrated along the southern side of the train tracks heading west. Each restaurant provides their standard meat on a skewer along with a drink menu of beer, shochu, sake and fruit sours. Visitors can sit out on the street and relax with their drinks and meat.

Busking and live performances

Koenji is best known for its creative scene and musicians take up a large percentage of the alternative crowd. Live houses are found everywhere around the city with genres ranging from rock and punk to noise and metal. There is a wide variety of genres and shows every night so it is easy to always find a live band to dance or mosh to. Busking is also popular around the station’s north exit. Normally located under the train tracks, local musicians provide free shows of all genres. Don’t forget to show some appreciation and donate!

Dogberry

For an intimate indoor joint, Dogberry provides all the tapas, cocktails and mood lighting for a perfect date. Decked out with plush couches and throw pillows, Dogberry has a relaxing atmosphere where customers can unwind after a long day. Just getting home after a night of hitting the bars or clubs? The cafe closes at the late hours of 3AM and is the perfect place to grab a quick bite before heading home.

Dogberry

cafe garage Dogberry

東京都杉並区高円寺北3-24-6 フォーラム高円寺2F

0333371651

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Nonobu

For a step above the standard Japanese izakaya experience try Nonobu and its large sashimi platters. Located only a few minutes from Koenji station, Nonobu is the perfect stop after work for late night drinks and dinner. Nonobu is best known for its sashimi which is purchased fresh every morning from the fish market. They also provide a variety of sake and shochu which can be paired with the sashimi of the day.

魚貝 ののぶ

東京都杉並区高円寺南4-8-5 1F

0342917875

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