Koenji: Time-slip back to those nostalgic days at "Azuma," a sweet shop offering classic menus and desserts at affordable prices

“Azuma”, a traditional eatery located in a corner of Koenji, known as a hub for subculture in Suginami Ward, Tokyo.

Upon exiting the north gate of Koenji Station and walking about 200 meters into the alley on the left, you will see “Azuma” on your left hand side. The shop exudes a nostalgic atmosphere, and in the summer, there is a curtain sign out front letting people know that they are serving anmitsu (a traditional Japanese dessert).

The menu is filled with a variety of options, centered around shaved ice, anmitsu, and soft-serve ice cream. They also provide classic menu items such as Chinese noodles and ramen. The surprise is the price range, with items offered from 400 to 500 yen (as of August 2023). It feels like taking a time slip back to the old days of Japan.

Note that in this shop, “cream” means “ice cream,” and “ice” means “shaved ice.” When you order “Ice Uji Tea Cream,” you’ll receive a dish with crunchy shaved ice topped with a perfectly round scoop of ice cream. The shaved ice was so abundant that it almost overflowed, and syrup was generously poured all the way through.

The shop is run by a kind elderly couple. When asking for permission to feature them in this article, the wife, who handles the cash register, responded with a smile, saying, “By all means, I’m delighted!” If you approach them at a less busy time, it seems you might even be able to engage in some delightful conversation about Koenji.

Sweet Shop “Azuma”
Address: 〒166-0002, 3-2-14 Koenji Kita, Suginami Ward, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3339-0583
Access: 3-5 minutes’ walk from the north exit of Koenji Station on the JR Chuo Line.