Koenji Sundries Tour | Three Unique Stores Found Here Only

Have you heard of a neighborhood in Tokyo called Koenji?
For those who do not, we would like to explain that it is an area that is currently gaining popularity as a hidden spot among overseas travelers.

Koenji is a neighborhood that, despite being just a 6-minute ride on the JR line from Shinjuku Station, retains the authentic atmosphere of a traditional working-class neighborhood, free from the trappings of a tourist destination. It is known as a hub of unique subculture, with a concentration of vintage clothing stores and record shops.
The variety stores in Koenji are also unique and feature a selection of tasteful items. I’ve been touring some of these stores in Koenji, so I’d like to introduce them to you.
(Sorry for the long introduction...!)

◆First store is "cotogoto".

This shop makes it possible for you to find products that are not just souvenirs, but items you can use in your daily life back home.
We carry only Japan-made goods—specifically, tools and items designed for everyday use.

Please take a look around this shop. The coloration is subdued, which creates an atmosphere that feels instantly comforting the moment you step inside.

It goes without saying that the layout is designed to evoke the feel of everyday Japanese living. Old desks and chests of drawers serve as display stands, and items are not merely set down but also hung up; creative touches that reflect how these products are actually used in daily life.

Please take a walk around the shop. You will find touches of Japanese daily life in the details, allowing you to experience an authentic, unpretentious Japanese atmosphere.

Here are three of our popular items.

・Japanese tableware designed by craftspeople of stencil dyeing

The patterns on the tableware have a warmth reminiscent of Japanese picture books.

In fact, the reason for this lies in the production process.

It involves a traditional decorating technique—practiced for over a century—where a design engraved on a copper plate is printed onto paper and then transferred onto the vessel.

Its charm lies in the unique qualities of hand-craftsmanship, such as slight blurring and fading effects similar to paper-cut art. It is said to be popular for its nostalgic appeal and a certain quality that tugs at the heartstrings.

・Glass tableware

Next, let’s look at these glass products. Take a close look at the photos and try to guess what I’m getting at. The clue lies in their shapes.

Did you figure it out? The answer is that each piece has a unique shape.

Yet, strangely enough, doesn't that give them a sense of warmth?
Because they are crafted by a person blowing air into the glass—rather than being made by a machine—no two shapes are exactly alike.
That is precisely what gives them that handcrafted feel and warmth.
These are very popular, too.　

・Products designed by Sori Yanagi

Do you know Sori Yanagi? He is a world-renowned designer whose work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Remarkably, he also designed the torch holder used by the torchbearers at the Tokyo Olympics (I hadn't known that either!).

Here, you will find cooking tools designed by Sori Yanagi, such as frying pans, pots, and cutlery.

These are enduring best-sellers that have been manufactured without changing their design for decades.

It is no exaggeration to call them products that will last a lifetime.

Many customers purchase them out of trust, specifically seeking out the Sori Yanagi name and the unique quality associated with Japanese craftsmanship.

I highly recommend them.

There are many other products available here that are perfect for everyday life.
The criteria for selecting these items focus on simplicity—products that are durable and never go out of style. They prioritize practicality and ease of use, aiming for items that remain useful across generations rather than being swayed by fleeting trends. The shop staff actually use the products themselves to verify their usability.

◆Second store is "GRAIN".

This shop has a dual identity: it is both a store selling Japanese handicrafts and everyday goods, and a café serving house-roasted coffee.
The interior features a stylish yet cozy atmosphere, unified by a palette of calming, nature-inspired earth tones. It is popular among young women, and many people drop by casually.

Why not quench your thirst first? You simply must try the latte here!

This is authentic coffee made from beans roasted right in the shop. I hear the owner carefully selects and roasts the green beans themselves.
I tried it, and it was delicious. It was clean-tasting—free of any harsh or unpleasant notes—and felt like it gently soothed my body. The aroma wafted pleasantly through the air, and the flavor had real depth.
It was the kind of coffee that makes you want to have another cup.
(I’m not entirely confident in my ability to describe flavors, so please forgive me if I’m off the mark.)
After enjoying the coffee, it’s time to do some shopping!

・Small plates

Apparently, this is a popular item that has been restocked multiple times.
With a variety of colors and shapes—centered around understated tones—you are sure to find one you love.
They are small and easy to carry, making them perfect as souvenirs.
In fact, many people reportedly buy them in large quantities.

・Japanese candle set

This is another popular item.
It is a candle with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, full of traditional charm.
Apparently, many people buy these in large quantities as souvenirs.
The box has a premium feel and the candle itself looks authentically Japanese, making it a gift that is sure to be appreciated.

・Products by Japanese craftspeople

"Things merely 'typically Japanese' are not enough; you want something you can find *only* in Japan."
This message is for you—someone who truly loves Japan.
The entire right-hand wall of the shop is lined with ceramics and glassware created by Japanese artisans.
Every item shown in the photo is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece—there is nothing else like it in the world.
Take a closer look. You will find many items with distinctive forms—shapes you likely haven't seen before.

Once you start looking at it closely, you'll lose track of time.

The pieces displayed here come from popular artists; in fact, it is not unusual to have to wait a full year after placing an order with some of them.
If you find something that catches your eye, we recommend purchasing it right then and there. You may never come across the exact same piece again.

◆Third store is "malt".

The moment you step inside this shop, the atmosphere changes completely.
We, too, felt as though I had entered another world the instant I walked in.
The interior has an ambiance straight out of a storybook. Perhaps the contrast with the surrounding downtown Koenji neighborhood makes it feel even more like a different realm.
We highly recommend experiencing this feeling for yourself.
When I spoke to the staff, I learned that this atmosphere was created intentionally; they prioritize the mood of the space and carefully select their merchandise to match it.

We primarily deal in European antiques and interior accessories, works by Japanese artisans, and Japanese antiques.

As many of these items are one-of-a-kind, the products shown in the photos may no longer be available. We ask for your understanding.

Particularly popular among them is ceramic ware.

We offer a wide range of items, from European-style pieces to pottery with a distinctly Japanese touch.

Some items are marked with the name of the artist who created them, so be sure to take a look at those details as well.
It is truly impressive how such a diverse array of pottery and tableware blends so seamlessly into the atmosphere of the space.

There are plenty of other unique, one-of-a-kind items to discover.

We invite you to browse the shop and enjoy your shopping experience—feeling as though you have wandered into the world of a fairy tale.

■Message to overseas tourists visiting Japan

While we focused on general goods stores this time, Koenji is home to a wide variety of other shops, such as unique boutiques and vintage clothing stores.
Its neighborhood retains a charming, old-school atmosphere, making it a place where you could easily spend the whole day; and still want more time to explore.
If you are planning to visit Shinjuku, why not venture a bit further and visit Koenji as well?