EXPLORING JAPANESE CULTURE (in Suginami Tokyo)

Download or open our “Exploring Japanese Culture” PDF pamphlet ->HERE<- and try exploring these 9 great destinations in Suginami, Tokyo!

Kisho Shrine at Koenji Hikawa Shrine (weather shrine)

Hoping for great weather for your trip? You can pray for it at Kisho Shrine within Koenji Hikawa Shrine. Fun fact! It is Japan’s one and only weather shrine.

Here, you can also hang your own rain prevention doll (called as teru-teru bozu) to strengthen your prayer, or write your wish on some ema tablets shaped like geta, traditional Japanese wooden sandals. The reason they are shaped this way is because of a traditional game children used to play to predict weather. It is also fun to read what others write for their wishes if you can read Japanese. I hope your weather wishes come true!
-Elvira, Indonesia

Address:
4 Chome-44-19 Koenji-minami, Suginami, Tokyo
Distance from Station:
1 minute on foot from JR Koenji Station, South Exit
  • no-smoking

Koenji Vintage Street / Dai Dai (women's vintage clothing, closed Feb. 2024)

Let’s bring it back to the 80's (or older, if you like)! If you love experimenting with fashion, you will have so much fun in Koenji. Full of various vintage styles stores to explores and I absolutely love their one-of-a-kind style! Speaking of one-of-a-kind, Dai Dai, is such an amazing shop where you can basically dress in country fashion and look like Raggedy Ann come to life! The shop has such a cute vintage vibe you'll just love shopping here. I always do.
-Elvira, Indonesia

Address:
4 Chome-22-1 Koenji-minami, Suginami, Tokyo
Open:
*Dai Dai closed February 2024

Kosugiyu (public bath)

This place is a small oasis in the heart of a Koenji shopping street. Kosugiyu is one of Tokyo's most beautiful public bathhouses. Unwind and Relax in four different baths (jet tub, milk bath, hot to cold bath) while admiring the Mount Fuji mural. Afterwards, refresh yourself with a nice cold milk, like a true local!

Recharging after a long walk is a simple luxury in Koenji for only 480 yen. They also hold community gatherings and events here, so this sento is an important part of Koenji's culture.
-Elvira, Indonesia

Price:

Adults ¥480, age 6-12 years ¥180, under 5 years ¥80, bath towel rental ¥50
Address:
3 Chome-32-3 Koenji-kita, Suginami, Tokyo
Distance from Station:
5 minutes on foot from JR Koenji Station, North Exit
Phone:
03-3337-6198 (Japanese only)
Open:
Weekdays & Saturday 3:30pm - 1:45am. Sundays 8:00am - 1:45am, Closed Thursdays
Website:
https://kosugiyu.co.jp/ (external link)
Communication:
Japanese, English, and Chinese speaking staff available
  • no-smoking
  • no-credit-card

& Beer (original craft beer)

The first thing I noticed was the floor to ceiling panels of clear sliding doors which let the sunlight in and open up the space. You can sit at the bar counter and pick from one of their 6 home-brewed beers while chatting with the friendly owner, Ando-san. This is not your standard beer and there's always an original lineup!
It’s definitely the kind of place that is perfect for social gatherings. I highly recommend their yuzu flavored beer for a taste of zest and refreshment.
-Ariel, U.S.A.

Price:

3 Beer Flight: ¥1,300 (tax included)
Address:
Koenji Apartment, 4 Chome-2-24 Koenjikita, Suginami City, Tokyo
Distance from Station:
7 minutes on foot from JR Koenji Station (head west)
Phone:
080-5913-8241 (Japanese only)
Open:
11:30am - 9:00pm (Closed 3pm- 5pm on weekdays) *Regular closing at 10pm outside of COVID-19 restrictions
Website:
https://andbeer.jp/ (external link)
Communication:
Staff speak Japanese, occasionally English speaking staff available.
  • no-smoking

Kagoya (handmade basket bags & accessories)

This quaint little shop has a variety of handmade products such as baskets, accessories, and even bento boxes. The owners are very warm and welcoming, and I can see that they put a lot of care into their products while also providing excellent service at the same time. Their products are a great mixture of tradition and modern design, making it perfect for everyday use.

Items are purchasable online as well with English guidance if you access their website from Instagram in a region outside of Japan.
-Ariel, U.S.A.

Price:

Bags: from ¥20,000, Accessories from ¥900
Address:
3 Chome-44-10 Asagaya-minami, Suginami, Tokyo
Distance from Station:
4 minutes on foot from JR Asagaya Station, South Exit
Phone:
03-3393-4741 (Japanese only)
Open:
*Currently by appointment only (Closed on Weekends and holidays)
Website:
https://www.kagoya-onlinestore.jp/ (external link)
Communication:
Staff speak Japanese only.
  • no-smoking

Usagiya (Japanese confectionery, closed May 2024)

Established over 60 years ago, Usagiya is loved by the residents of the area. The lines were long first thing in the morning, and their seasonal items swiftly sold out by noon. After trying out a few items myself, like their famous dorayaki and some cute rabbit manju, I can see why they’re so popular. The pastry is not too sweet but just right so you can really enjoy the filling.
-Ariel, U.S.A.

Address:
1 Chome-3-7, Asagaya-kita, Suginami, Tokyo
Open:
*Closed May 2024

Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine (Shinto shrine)

This shrine is popular among locals and tourists alike for its Japanese shrine stamps (Goshuin) and I just had to get one for my collection! You can choose the standard one for 300 yen, or a special seal stamp for 500 yen. Usually stamps are directly written in your seal book (Goshuincho) but here, you can also purchase them separately which can be used as decorations. These ones are even more elaborate with embroidery and seasonal designs, and cost 1,000 or 1,200 yen.
-Elvira, Indonesia

Price:

Seal Stamp (in seal book): ¥300-500, Separate embroidered stamp card: ¥1,000-1,200
Address:
1 Chome-25-5 Asagaya-kita, Suginami, Tokyo
Distance from Station:
6 minutes on foot from JR Asagaya Station, North exit
Website:
http://shinmeiguu.com/ (external link)
  • no-smoking

Tokyo Polytechnic University Suginami Animation Museum

As a lover of animation, I have been to the Animation Museum many times, but I'm usually so busy checking out the current exhibits and history that I never get around to trying any of the hands-on stuff. This was the first time I actually tried the voice acting and animating, 2 things I've always wanted to do! I have to say, both of these offer a lot of insight into the respective fields. This museum is a must if you are a lover of Japanese animation with great resources if you are looking for a career in the field.
-Greg, U.S.A.

Price:

FREE
Address:
3 Chome-29-5 Kamiogi, Suginami, Tokyo
Distance from Station:
16 minutes from JR Nishi-Ogikubo Station, 5 minute bus from JR Ogikubo Station
Phone:
03-3396-1510 (Japanese only. Please email office@sam.or.jp instead)
Open:
10am - 6pm (enter by 5:30pm). Closed Mondays and New Year's Holiday Season, also the day after a national holiday and other occasions (check the website)
Website:
http://sam.or.jp/english_home (external link)
Communication:
Staff speak Japanese only,
  • no-smoking
  • no-credit-card
  • disable-access
  • family-friendly

Daigo Ishimatsu Tate Dojo (martial arts performance lessons)

Even though I had already been practicing kenjutsu when I took this trial lesson, Ishimatsu-sensei and Shimizu-sensei's guidance so easy to follow that I think even true beginners would have no problem and be able to complete their first samurai video clip by the end of the 2 hours. Just remember how to count to 10 in Japanese and you should be good to go!
(*Please note the trial lesson was not available during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current status may be irregular, so please check before visiting)
-Greg, U.S.A.

Price:

¥2,000/person (1.5 hours)
Address:
2 Chome-10-9 Momoi, Suginami, Tokyo
Distance from Station:
17 minutes on foot from JR /Tokyo Metro Ogikubo Station, 21 minutes from JR Nishi-Ogikubo Station
Phone:
please email newone@dai.nifty.jp to schedule trial
Open:
7:00pm - 9:00pm on Tuesdays & Saturdays (*discontinued during COVID-19 pandemic, please check info before visiting))
Website:
https://ishimatu-tate.jimdofree.com/ (external link)
Communication:
The Workshop is taught in Japanese. Please come with someone who can translate or be prepared to follow along without language communication.
  • no-smoking
  • no-credit-card
  • no-shoes