Figure 1: Vocalist Kunie Kai and pianist Yuichiro Aratake at A-Un in 2008 A-Un is a tiny hidden-away bar in the twisty alleys just north of Shinjuku, a gem in rough for those who are fortunate to find it. Walking down through the modest entry leads to a small underground bar with an upright piano and a spot for vocalists or other musicians. On a typical night, a pair of vocalists will share the stage and take turns singing jazz standards and pop classics with piano accompaniment. Adding to the convivial atmosphere in the cozy room, the performers may also spend time mingling with the customers during breaks. ...

Figure 1: Vocalist Akiko Suda performs at Bully’s in 2018 Bully’s is a jazz joint where good music and honest cooking brighten up the evening. Cheekily named for the gruff proprietor with a soft heart, the “old Edo Japanese” workingman’s hangout. As jazz music fills the main room, the owner mostly stays behind the counter mixing drinks and cooking, while his daughter (affectionately known as Bully Two) can sometimes be found working the bar here. She also plays a mean jazz saxophone and on special occasions may join in on a few bebop tunes. ...

Figure 1: Singer Tomoka Miwa and guitarist Satoshi Aikawa at Porto in 2012 Porto is an unpretentious and comfy little bar in Nippori, a hidden neighborhood spot well suited for an in-the-know experience. Many performances at Porto feature a vocalist and guitar duo who sit at the inner end of the room serving as the stage area, while a dozen or so customers sit at tables and the bar which spans the club lengthwise. Although this club is not equipped with a piano or drum set, on occasion other musicians may set up with flute, harmonica, keyboards, or other instruments. ...

Figure 1: Erisa Ogawa and Ayaha Amamiya at Cafe Beulmans in 2018 Cafe Beulmans is a charming and cheery jazz house that seems like a mix of a chamber music studio and a museum room with the comfort of a grandmother’s living room. Seats in the recital space and small bar area all have excellent views of the musician who perform in front of curtained windows. For especially full events, there is also a second viewing room, separated from the front room by a wall containing a large arch through which the rear audience can watch and hear the performance. ...

Figure 1: The Danish neo-cello duo Soma & Lil (Soma Allpass and Lil Lacy) with steelpanist Yoshio Machida at Apollo in 2018 A straight-to-the-point jazz spot, Apollo is unvarnished in a good way, a simple and deeply satisfying jazz bar in Tokyo. This place offers cool and creative jazz groups and foreign acts from overseas on occasion. What you’ll get here is cozy creativity and originality with no pretensions. This fantastic spot also hosts instrumental jazz jam sessions on select Sunday afternoons. ...

Figure 1: Vocalist Reika JJ and pianist Seiji Endo performing at Barbra in 2012 A lovely place in one of the more expensive nightlife centers of the metropolis, Barbra provides a fun balance of class and comfort, with beautiful, talented vocalists and instrumentalists and snazzily-dressed bartenders all contributing to the upscale mood. Classy cocktails are featured and light seasonal snacks are often available. ...

Figure 1: Vocalist Akiko Suda and pianist Yuichi Narita playing at The Deep in 2016. The Deep is a newer gem in Ginza that balances elegance inherited from the upscale neighborhood and comfortable coziness imparted by the staff and layout. The friendly owner Ayako-san aims to provide a sophisticated atmosphere and a down-to-earth ambience. ...

Figure 1: Saxophonist Kunikazu Tanaka and pianist Sayaka Kishi performing at Polka Dots in 2019. A tiny and welcoming jazz bar in the middle of the hustle-and-bustle of Shinjuku Sanchome, Polka Dots is a great place to listen to live music at close quarters with the musicians and other customers for a fun night of jazz and drinks. ...

Figure 1: A night of jazz standards at All of Me in 2012. All of Me is a classy and dependable jazz joint in rowdy Roppongi. Many live shows at All of Me feature a singer or several singers with a jazz band; the musicians are usually top-notch. The food is nice, restaurant-quality food, better than the average bar fare. ...

Figure 1: Kohsuke Mine plays with Akane Matsumoto at Hot House in 2012. Popularly known as “the smallest jazz bar in the world”, Hot House provides a fun and unique experience. Although the history here is long and rich, like a much-loved old car, I’m not sure how many more years are left on the engine, so it’s best to make it here while you can and experience something truly like nowhere else. ...