If you’re looking for an underground bar or a friendly place to go drinking, then take a jaunt through Koenji’s narrow alleyways. They’re packed with tiny pubs and bars owned by quirky locals. Enjoy drinking at affordable prices and dive into the different music and art subcultures that each bar represents. In Koenji, it’s a great idea to check out every little nook and cranny — you never know what cool stuff you might find!
If you’re here in the daytime, be sure to check out all the secondhand shops in the shōtengai (商店街, shopping areas), where you can find unique, vintage clothes, furniture, art and other goods. Day or night, Koenji is a great neighbourhood full of personality!
Here are some of the places that we absolutely love in Koenji, perfect for you to relax and have a nice night out drinking in!
Bars in Koenji
Dogberry
No dogs here I’m afraid, but there’s still lots of fun to be had! There’s plenty to do at Dogberry while you’re waiting for your (very reasonably-priced) food and drinks.
Once you’re seated, one of the first things you’ll notice is a little tin on your table. You’ll find two small notebooks and some colouring pencils in it. Feel free to doodle or write in the notebooks, or flip through them and take a gander what other people who’ve previously sat in your seat have drawn or written. No Van Gogh? Grab a deck of cards from the bar and play a round or two.
Check out more information on Dogberry and get your discount coupon here!
Bar Phular
Treat yourself to a taste of the finer things in life at Bar Phular. As well as a great selection of drinks, you can fill up on delicate little snacks: chocolates, chips, peanuts and more.
You can even take advantage of Japan’s lax smoking laws with Bar Phular’s selection of cigars. They’re kept in a fancy temperature-controlled box to ensure quality. Not a smoker? No problem. At the bar, there’s plenty to pique your interest, from large jars filled with unique root-infused alcohol to little trinkets for sale, and tiny puzzles to solve. Try out the snake cube puzzle or the fun (and tricky!) 3D jigsaw.
Check out more information on Bar Phular and get your discount coupon here!
Kitchen Bar Noraya
Kitchen Bar might be small, but they certainly make up for their size with a great selection of delicious food and drinks. If you’re on the hunt for an intimate space to share an evening with friends, or you’re a real foodie, we can’t recommend this cosy little bar enough!
Check out more information on Kitchen Bar Noraya and get your discount coupon here!
A-Side Amusement Bar
A-Side Amusement Bar has hosted international foosball tournaments, so it’s no surprise that it’s a haven for people who love to get competitive while they’re drinking! Challenge a friend to a game, knowing that professionals have used the exact same table as you.
More of a sports pub than a straight-laced bar, this is exactly the kind of fun place you’d take your mates to go drinking in Koenji! Don’t miss your chance to visit this place if you love casual vibes.
Check out more information on A-Side Amusement Bar and get your discount coupon here!
Bar Impronta
Feeling romantic? Right by the entrance, you’re greeted by a steep spiral staircase leads up to a second floor in this divine hipster bar. With tables that seat a max of four people on the second floor and just a small counter that seats two on the first, it’s certainly one of the smallest joints on our list, but makes up for it with its charming interior and great selection of wine.
Along the staircase, you can admire the owner’s unique taste, with chic decor that incorporates books, glasses, jars, flowers and more. It’s a very chic place and, though it’s a little cramped around the bar, if you’re lucky you could have the whole place to yourself!
Check out more information on this Koenji underground bar and get your discount coupon here!
Click here for more underground bars and places and places for drinking in Koenji that we know you’ll love!
Want to check out different areas for Tokyo nightlife? Click on the area you want to explore and let us give you a quick introduction to a few spots!
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Azabu Juban, Nakano, Shimokitazawa, Asakusa, Koenji, Akihabara and more!
Do you like these places? Got more interesting places to recommend to us? Leave a comment below and let us know! If you have any questions about Japan travel or Tokyo nightlife, feel free to DM us on Instagram or talk to us on Facebook messenger, we are ready to answer any questions!
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