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.
![A magician performs on one of the many small streets in the area](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-6979-770x513.jpg)
![North side stage performance](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-6984-770x513.jpg)
![Music performances could be found on just about every street](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7051-770x513.jpg)
![Amazing chalk artist](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7001-770x513.jpg)
![Of course there is food](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7056-770x513.jpg)
![Yuru Chara Matsuri - mascot festival](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-6997-770x513.jpg)
![Koenji Fes 2015](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7015-682x1024.jpg)
![Real entertainment for the kids](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7039-682x1024.jpg)
![The mascots had their own wrestling matches on Saturday](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7036-682x1024.jpg)
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!](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7089-682x1024.jpg)
![Hey ref! Are you seeing this?](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7111-770x513.jpg)
![He had to make sure his dog had a good view](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7091-682x1024.jpg)
![Mic sound hitting the head got the crowd laughing](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7121-770x513.jpg)
![Looks painful!](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7128-770x513.jpg)
![Fun show and the crowd loved it](https://cdn.cheapoguides.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/koenjifes-7172-770x513.jpg)
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!