After the craziness that was Halloween, I was looking forward to attending an event that had less people, less Minions and some personal space—also it was in my neighborhood.

Having moved to Nakano recently, I try to attend all the local events such as the Koenji Awa-odori Matsuri and Koenji Fes. These are all free to attend and only take a few minutes for me to walk to but are also easy to access via the Chuo JR line and Tozai Metro line.

I saw the posters and a little bit of information for Koenji Fes and at first I thought it was just an event to promote the local businesses. Of course it is partly for that, but it is also the big autumn festival for the area. Being a bit tired from the previous evenings, I headed there around 3 pm and was hopeful that there were some interesting activities going on.

Suggested Activity
Become a Samurai in Tokyo
Who doesn't want to swing a sword and emulate the warriors of feudal Japan? Experience being a samurai for yourself in one of the coolest activities in Tokyo. During your intimate lesson, you’ll get to dress up in a samurai outfit and train with a traditional katana (single-edged samurai sword)!
A magician performs on one of the many small streets in the area
A magician performs on one of the many small streets in the area | Photo by David Ishikawa
North side stage performance
North side stage performance | Photo by David Ishikawa
Music performances could be found on just about every street
Music performances could be found on just about every street | Photo by David Ishikawa
Amazing chalk artist
Amazing chalk artist | Photo by David Ishikawa
Of course there is food
Of course there is food | Photo by David Ishikawa
Yuru Chara Matsuri - mascot festival
Yuru Chara Matsuri – mascot festival | Photo by David Ishikawa
Real entertainment for the kids
Real entertainment for the kids | Photo by David Ishikawa
The mascots had their own wrestling matches on Saturday
The mascots had their own wrestling matches on Saturday | Photo by David Ishikawa

Then I saw them preparing the ring. I remember as kid, dressed in my onesie watching wrestling on television. I never saw a match in person so I was excited that I was going to see it live.

Cart wheeling off the top rope!
Cart wheeling off the top rope! | Photo by David Ishikawa
Hey ref! Are you seeing this?
Hey ref! Are you seeing this? | Photo by David Ishikawa
He had to make sure his dog had a good view
He had to make sure his dog had a good view | Photo by David Ishikawa
Mic sound hitting the head got the crowd laughing
Mic sound hitting the head got the crowd laughing | Photo by David Ishikawa
Looks painful!
Looks painful! | Photo by David Ishikawa
Fun show and the crowd loved it
Fun show and the crowd loved it | Photo by David Ishikawa

Unfortunately, that is all I had in me and proceeded to head home. I only managed to see a fraction of all the activities going on since this is a two-day event. Make sure to check the events guide to see what’s planned for next year!

Written by:
Filed under: Events
Ask our local experts about Tokyo

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Watch this next