Koenji | A Classic Japanese Shopping Street and Vintage Clothing Paradise

Today I want to share one of my secret, lesser-known spots🤭 Koenji, also right in central Tokyo!

Koenji is a shopping area known for vintage clothing, everyday goods and unique cafés. Take the Chuo Line and get off at Koenji Station~

Right outside the station is the Koenji shopping street! I'd suggest eating at the all-you-can-eat bread café next to the station

📍"パンとビストロ 高円寺FLAT" The music they play has such a vibe~ The food is made with care and delicious, and the staff are friendly and welcoming!

I've been twice and loved it both times

Once you're full, it's time to start shopping!!!

I'd suggest starting from "PAL Shopping Street" at the station's South Exit. You could spend ages on this street alone....🔥

This is the street where all the unique vintage shops and cute knickknack stores are~~

Walking in feels like falling into some kind of time warp: before you know it, two hours are gone🤭

You'll also notice something fun here!

This street is full of stylish vintage-loving guys and girls who really know how to dress. It feels like everyone comes here to shop and hunt for treasure💖

Every vintage shop has slightly different rules: some use sticker colors to show prices~

Others just go by the price tag, and there's even an unstaffed shop where everything is ¥990 (incredibly generous)

My first stop is usually "2nd street" to hunt for finds. Their secondhand clothes are screened and managed by dedicated staff

The condition is usually pretty good, and you can even find some big Japanese brands!

My second stop is the toy and knickknack store "Village Vangard Kōenji". I never get tired of this one🪩

It sells all kinds of IP merch, toys and knickknacks. It's a great place to buy souvenirs for friends, and everything is really unique~

My third stop is my favorite vintage shop, "アルバトロス". The staff are super upbeat and chat with customers like friends

They sell lots of American-style clothing🇺🇸

I love the oversized American sports jersey look, and there's a ton to choose from here🤤

Besides jerseys, there are lots of unique hoodies, sweaters and more, with designs you rarely see elsewhere🔥

My fourth stop is an unbelievably cheap unstaffed vintage shop. You read that right: everything is ¥990

When you find something you like, you drop the money into the box

There's no staff inside, so you can keep checking the mirror while you pick out clothes you like

The one I'm wearing is Champion, and it's insanely comfortable⋯ and looks so good⋯

990 yen, I nearly lost it. So, so satisfied!!!

Finally, if you still have time, you can visit the "Weather Shrine" (Kishō Jinja), also near the station!

I haven't been yet, but people online say it's the only shrine in Japan for praying about the weather⛩️ It's well worth making a special trip to pay a visit!

I'd definitely recommend setting aside an afternoon to wander around🔥💖

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