Koenji is not only famous for its vintage shops and vegan restaurants, but also for its yearly Awa Odori festival. These festivals happen all over Tokyo but Koenji is infamous for it’s size, dancers, and overall party-vibe atmosphere.

The festival falls in summer and it is a dance festival, characterised by the tall straw hats of the women who dance elegantly on their Geta (wooden shoes) and the upbeat music which grows to a crescendo as the dancers speed up. The outfits are distinct for each dance troupe, and the movements of the dance, although hold similarities, vary in the choreography. The dance is vibrant and perfect for the summer time!