Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0 (11)

(Counter) culture shock: Exploring Koenji

From old-school shopping streets to quirky music venues, cafes, and shops, you'll explore a different side of Tokyo in this artsy neighborhood

Don't forget to carry your passport with you to enjoy tax free shopping at many participating establishments!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Discover one of Tokyo’s coolest and most off-beat neighborhoods with a local host.
  • Immerse yourself in different eras of history that have shaped Koenji, and Tokyo at large.
  • Browse vintage clothing stores and quirky retro electronics stores that open a window to the past.
  • Visit Koenji’s popular and picturesque shrines, and discover quiet retreats off the beaten path.
  • Sip on craft beer or some of Tokyo’s best coffee in the area’s many bars and cafés.
  • Jam to Japan’s alternative music scene in one of Koenji’s famous live house venues.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private & personalized experience
3 hours with a host
A coffee, beer or soft drink at one of the quirky bars
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

What’s not included

Additional food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Little Mermaid Koenji - The host wiil wait in front of the bakery shop, located in Koenji Station

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Koenji is an area deeply linked to its colorful past. Off the beaten path, your host could lead you to Mabashi Shrine, near the station, where a tiny forest shrouds some truly magnificent history, or you could head straight for the quaint shopping streets that define Koenji’s culture, where crafty vendors like Yakusoku and Malto re-purpose vintage treasures.

Relax with a cup of craft coffee and the soothing sounds of classical music down at Renaissance, or find the perfect place for a craft beer that will go down so well after all the exploring. If you’re lucky, you could even catch Koenji during the Awa Odori festival, where more than 10 000 dancers celebrate the arrival of summer. 

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
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GYGRFVM7ZWAN_host_Noriko_Takata_DayTriptoKawagoe_Tokyo

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What travelers think of this experience

John, Feb 2019

We read about this tour in the National Geographic so we thought we'd give it a go. It didn't disappoint and Daniela, who also featured in the article, also didn't disappoint. She is super knowledgeable and fun and we could tell she is so passionate about this place. We loved that we were the only tourists around and that we experienced a part of Tokyo that we would have missed on our own.

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Mariana, Apr 2019

Really just awesome! Dania is the best and this tour has been the highlight of our trip so far. We are in a bit of a rush but I didn't want to forget to at least recommend this tour. Arigato-gozaimas

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Judy, Jul 2019

We were shown around Koenji by Dania and she is awesome and so much fun! Koenji was nothing like we expected it to be but it was just such an amazing place and Dania gaves us a glimpse of how trendy Japanese young people hang out and to see how creative they are. We loved Koenji and Dania! Arigato!

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Michael, Jun 2019

Wow, wow, wow! My Japanese friend back in Canada recommended that I visit Koenji, as it is his favorite neighborhood but I knew I was going to need some help to navigate around it. I was taken around by Daniela who actually lives there. It was awesome! This part of Tokyo was my favorite, just so much character. And Daniela really unlocked the place for me. I would have felt so out of my comfort zone if I had tried to eat by myself at the izakaya where we ate. I actually think they might have told me to go away! Lol! I am not a big tours person but this type of tours I think are essential to be able to discover parts of a city that are not accessible by non-locals. Totally recommended!

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Sandy, May 2019

Traveling as “”Urban Hikers” we enjoyed Tokyo’s Central Park/Giant Japanese Garden after the Cherry Blossoms and found a peaceful playground for the local residents. Then traveling quickly by train to a neighborhood with funky secondhand clothing and coffee shops was a treat. Jordyn was a pleasure to be with and provides a wonderful context for where we were and what we experienced during our time together. Her personal journey added to the richness of our visit to Tokyo.

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Viviana, Apr 2019

Dania is very fun to be around as well as being very knowledgeable. She’s married to a Japanese so she knows a lot about the culture and habits. She also speaks a bit of Japanese that’s very handy. We felt that you have to speak a bit of Japanese to make the experience worth it. We opted for this experience as we wanted to be outside the off beaten path. And sure it was. Super local and with a very curious and usual past (it was home of the rock and punk scene in the ‘60/‘70s). It still retains its charm thanks to nice independent vintage shops and cute cafes. The weather was awful, but we really enjoyed the tour. We also had a photographer with us as part their VIP experience so now we have beautiful pictures to remind us how much fun was our stay in Tokyo. Thanks Dania.

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