Kōenji

It was largely unaffected by the 1980s building boom and therefore many of the houses and shops in the area are small and reflect the character of "pre-boom" Japan.

It is also known for having a young population and as a center for suburban underground culture including multiple used record and clothing shops.

In 2006, when the Japanese PSE law went into effect restricting the sale of electronic goods built before 2001, Kōenji was chosen as the site for a protest due to its active "retro" culture and used equipment shops.

Between independent grocers and convenience chain stores there are also several large supermarkets, including Queen's Isetan (near Shin-Kōenji Station).

It is the second largest Awa Dance Festival in Japan, with an average of 188 groups composed of 12,000 dancers, attracting 1.2 million visitors over the weekend.

A procession of groups performing traditional music and dance weaves its way through the streets on both sides of Kōenji Station, often with a dramatic conclusion at the "finish line".