In Koenji, an area known for its vintage stores and alternative youth culture, is one of the best places to hang out with your friends. It’s a bar with a friendly and laid back atmosphere located about three minutes from Koenji Station. The bar named Dynamo takes on the culture of skateboarding and punk rock music that is manifested through the design of the interior. The walls are adorned with skate decks, punk rock vinyl covers and anything related to this subculture. You cannot miss out on seeing the bathroom walls too; they are plastered with punk rock posters from top to bottom with some great designs from an array of different bands.
Against the back wall skateboarding videos are projected onto a screen accompanied by some good alternative music. This makes it all too easy fixate your eyes on the screen and let your mind drift away. Add some beer to the mix and you have your night made. Dynamo is also a live music venue hosting local bands and DJs every so often. The bar is located far enough from the residential area which means no noise complaints from the neighbours, allowing the party to continue into the early hours. The bar is owned by Julien Arnaud, who you will often find behind the bar serving drinks and getting to know his customers.
Dynamo has been around since 2009 and is popular with locals in Koenji. One major advantage of a place like this for a foreigner like me is the multilingual facet as French, English and Japanese are spoken at Dynamo. So whether you’re a skateboarder or just someone looking to speak their mother tongue while in a foreign country, Dynamo will be able to accommodate you. There is a good selection of beer available as well as spirits and cocktails, if you’re feeling the hungry the food is also definitely worth a try.
Dynamo seems to be the perfect place for skateboarders, musicians and artists to converge. If you are ever in the area I would highly recommend a visit to this bar so you can see for yourself what a great place it is.
