A Massive Community Celebration
Koenji Fest is one of the largest autumn events in the Suginami area — attracting more than 180,000 people every year. Since 2007 it has gained a lot of traction with various gourmet offerings, live performances and shopping bargains. There is a lot to see at Koenji Fest, including pro wrestling matches, a curry championship and a yokai monster parade. With over 20 attractions happening simultaneously across the festival weekend, there is something for every kind of visitor to enjoy. For a full list of events happening during Koenji Fest, please visit the website.
Shop Specials and Stamp Rally
Koenji is known for its unique compilation of neighborhood businesses. Participating stores and restaurants throughout the area will have special offerings during the festival period, including sales, exclusive menus, exhibitions, workshops, games and in-store entertainment. While strolling and browsing through Koenji, visitors can look for stamps through Koenji Fest’s digital stamp rally. Digital stamps can be scanned with a smartphone using the Cocoar app. By completing the rally, participants have a chance of winning prizes and gift certificates from the raffle, which will be hosted at Koenji Mashita business park.
Koenji Kita Park will gather over 100 artists for an art exhibition and handmade goods market.
A “Guru Cup” reusable souvenir cup will be available, and visitors can get a discount on their first drink at participating bars and restaurants.
Pro Wrestling and Live Shows
Koenji’s North Exit Square will be dedicated to pro wrestling and live performances. There will be a new performance nearly every 20 minutes. Saturday’s shows include greetings by Suginami mascot Namisuke, a concert by Suginami Sairaku Wind Symphony, an appearance by idol group Dadadamuzu and matches between Tottori Daraz Pro Wrestling. Sunday performances include dances by Shinobu Ren Awa Odori group, cheers from Risshisha Cheerleading Squad, music by New Orleans musician Kirk Joseph featuring Funk Up Brass Band and matches between female wrestlers Totoro Satsuki and Aoki Itsuki versus Koyuki and Sammy Chaos. For a full list of performances and schedule times, please refer to the website.
Curry Battle
Suginami Ward Koenji Central Park will be venue for the 15th annual Curry Battle from 11:00 to 16:00. With a ¥1400 ticket, participants can sample four different types of curry; picking from 11 restaurants from Suginami. Stickers will be passed out for customers to vote for their favorite curry restaurant. The curry competition is a great opportunity to try a wide variety of different curries, each with their own roux spices, textures and toppings.
Parent-Child Workshops
There will be many family-friendly workshops for children to make cute accessories and crafts. Activities include making keychains, lanterns, replica food samples, bracelets, Halloween bags, bath salts and more.
Yokai Parade
Tthe Parade of One Hundred Yokai is the Kanto region’s largest monster parade — welcoming over 200 dedicated performers from all around Japan dressed up in yokai spirit costumes. The Koenji Yokai Parade will be hosted on October 25 from around 13:30 to 14:30 at the Koenji Look Shopping Street. The parade presents a stunning display and celebration of traditional Japanese culture and theatrics, in conjunction with seasonal Halloween festivities. The Yokai Parade features a wide variety of characters, from shapeshifting fox spirits to tengu crows, yuki-onna and even one-eyed umbrella creatures.
Beer Festivals
Enjoy a beer garden at Sesion Suginami Beer Festival, tasting the local brews of Suginami paired with delicious food and festival games. Exhibitors include Koenji Beer Factory and several types of IPAs.
Koenji Apartment Beer & Wine Festival will also open, held on the lawn of the Koenji Apartments between Koenji Station and Asagaya Station for a close community feeling. Breweries from around Tokyo and a winery from Yamanashi will be participating.
