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Velera

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Akiko Suda (vocals) and Yuichi Narita (piano) as “Botan” at Velera (June 2019)

The Tokyo jazz club Velera features live jazz in a calm, cool room hiding amid the energetic Akasaka-mitsuke business district. Guests at this hidden music refuge are able to relax at several small tables and padded seats that face the musicians, who are bathed in calming color-changing lights and of a purplish-blue curtain. Considerate of providing a safe, comfortable environment, guests are encouraged to accept a hand-sanitizing spritz upon entering, and there are also bottles of cleaning gel available at the tables.

Klavier

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Stage area and portrait of Ron Carter painted by Klavier’s Chika Toyota (October 2025)

There’s a nice choice of small jazz bars in the bustling Asagaya neighborhood mere steps from the train station, including Manhattan, Staccato, and the recently renewed Klavier.

Just west of Tokyo and right along the Chuo line train station, Klavier is a great choice to listen to jazz in a cozy environment with a dark wood den-like atmosphere. In business since 1982, Klavier exudes a palpable sense of local jazz history and classic elegant touches in its comfortable environment, one that combines classy service levels with the friendly tone of a neighborhood hangout.

Ginza Swing

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Ginza Swing jazz club

A respected elder jazz spot in the Tokyo jazz club scene, the much loved Ginza Swing is an upscale restaurant-styled jazz room in Ginza. Swing has been serving up live jazz for nearly fifty years in a sophisticated setting that pairs jazz with gourmet food in the legacy luxury district of Tokyo.

Aketa no Mise

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Welcome to Aketa no Mise

A few minutes walk from Nishi-Ogikubo station in Tokyo lies a scruffy stairway that leads down to the entrance to Aketa no Mise jazz bar. Above the stairway lies the Japanese name アケタの店 (Aketa no Mise — more on this later) and the words LIVE, SINCE 1974, and, in small print in a corner, アケタ革 (Aketagawa), and attached to the walls are crinkled flyers, schedules, and faded pictures of jazz events. There are enough clues for first-timers who lack Japanese fluency to know that this must be the jazz bar near Nishi-Ogikubo station that they were told about. Plus, it’s another legendary jazz spot right off of the lengthy Chuo train line, aka the “jazz line”, along with Velvet Sun, Manhattan, Shinjuku Pit Inn, and others.

Cafe Cotton Club

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Cafe Cotton Club in Takadanobaba, Tokyo (November 2025)

The jazz space at Cafe Cotton Club sits below street level in a multilevel building that at first glace seems like a sparkling but otherwise normal semi-fancy restaurant in the student neighborhood of Takadanobaba in Tokyo.

Part of the legendary jazz session scene in Tokyo, Cafe Cotton Club (or just “Cotton”) is a restaurant occupying several floors with a semi-secret speakeasy-fashioned jazz floor in the basement. Despite the humble image the simple label “cafe” may imply, the exterior hints at an above average atmosphere for a building located within the surrounding student populated neighborhood, a rough-and-tumble series of cheap eats and bars that can lean towards boisterous on weekends.

Manhattan

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Jazz & Live Manhattan 3F Jazz School

The sign outside advertises “Jazz & Live | Manhattan | 3F | Jazz School” in an illuminated round sign. Coming down the street, it almost resembles a white baseball with red stitching from a distance. Manhattan is nestled along more bars and other joints on Star Road, a street running alongside the Chuo line train tracks, giving a sense of a classic, dark Tokyo neighborhood. Beyond Manhattan’s illuminated sign, the stairs up to the third floor are otherwise nondescript, until you reach Manhattan’s landing where friendly signposts and posters greet your arrival and welcome you in.

Organ Jazz Club Abecafe

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Daisuke Kawai on organ Otsuki Hidenobu Kalta Otsuki on drums at Organ Jazz Club Abecafe in 2025

Organ Jazz Club Abecafe is a special jazz bar whose defining feature is the Hammond B3 Organ, a characteristic instrument in jazz that could almost define a subgenre in and of itself. OJC highlights this wonderful tradition of jazz organ by establishing itself a place that knows what it wants to do and does it extremely well.

On A Slow Boat To…

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: On A Slow Boat To…’s entrance

“On A Slow Boat To China”, (“(I’d Like to Get You on a) Slow Boat to China”) is a popular song from the 1940s that was covered by many pop and jazz artists. Benny Goodman had a classic top-ten single, and Woody Allen used versions of the song to great effect in his films.

Bigboy

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Bigboy’s right exterior

Bigboy is a nice and clean jazz cafe in Jimbocho, a district known as “Tokyo’s Book Town” for its reputation of having many old bookshops, rare books, and literary-related institutions. This jazz cafe is nestled right off the big street intersection that sits atop Jimbocho Station, where the Toei Shinjuku, Mita, and Hanzomon subway lines meet. Bigboy is fairly close to the busy intersection, but tucked away in a shallow pocket of alleys. Wind through some turns along a few short streets to find the mostly plain exterior of a small, unassuming shop. This must be it: Covers of recognizable jazz albums peek out from the windows, and some instruments may be overlooking the entrance like over-the-door talismans. You’ve found Bigboy.

Natural

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Seiji Endo at Natural in January 2025

Music Salon Natural is a concert venue in Mitaka, a small town to the west of Tokyo. The town itself is probably most well-known by tourists to Japan for its Ghibli Museum, a widely-mentioned essential top for fans of anime and the popular Studio Ghibli movies.

In F

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Toritoritori trio with Kana Fuefuki (flute, piano), Hitomi Aikawa (melodica, percussion), and Megumi Hattori (vibraphone, piano) at In F in March 2025

Niigata sake, oden, and modern jazz: Congratulations to In F (*) for celebrating 30 years open this year (est. July 17, 1995)! The name In F refers to the key of F of music. Playing a blues in F, or certain other standard tunes in F, is common in jazz.

Thelonious

Fri, 23 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Mamoru Ishida (piano), Kenji Yoshitake (bass), and Minori Yagino (drums) at Thelonious in March 2025

“The World’s Smallest Jazz Club” was a commonly mentioned nickname for the jazz club Hot House in Takadanobaba, Tokyo. But now that that classic spot has closed, this honorable title could be given to the spot named Thelonious, another classic Tokyo haven that is a revered yet extremely down-to-earth jazz bar in Higashi-Nakano.

Oto-ya Hiroo

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Naoko Akimoto (vocals), Daisei Mii (violin), and Yuichiro Hiraoka (guitar) at Oto-ya Hiroo in January 2025

A markedly different destination in the collection of interesting jazz spots in Tokyo, Oto-ya Hiroo is an open performance space in the Hiroo Plaza shopping mall. The light-filled atrium on the second floor holds daytime jazz events, where a wide stage and folding chairs are set up right next to the mall’s central escalators.

Nardis

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: JAZZ BAR Nardis CAFÉ

Nardis is an excellent jazz spot in Kashiwa in the northwestern part of Chiba Prefecture. Kashiwa is a bit far flung from the core Tokyo neighborhoods and stations but is still considered part of the greater Tokyo area. While this live spot is a bit far compared to other centrally-located options, it is definitely worth the approximately hour-long train trip from Tokyo’s main hubs, and many jazz fans from the Tokyo area gladly make the journey to catch their favorite acts live here.

Sunny Side

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Otonai (訪ヒ) Quartet with Mitsuru Tanaka (trumpet), Fumie Chiba (piano), Yujiro Shimine (bass), and Kaoru Suzuki (drums) at Sunny Side in January 2025

Sunny Side is a neighborhood jazz joint in Takadanobaba, Tokyo, and is a place that feels comfortably familiar whether it’s your first time, tenth time, or returning to visit after a years-long absence. At Sunny Side, jazz performances are delivered in a friendly atmosphere with home-cooked food that includes pasta dishes, fried foods, salads, and Japanese taco rice.

Strings

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Maiko (violin), Yuki Ito (bass), and Shikou Ito (piano) at Strings in February 2025

Strings is a friendly jazz bar in Kichijoji, a popular neighborhood just east of Tokyo’s main center known for its beautiful park, shopping, dining, and rich cultural lifestyle. Kichijoji, besides being an attractive neighborhood in its own right, also hosts the popular and well-known jazz club Sometime, a frequent destination for new and old jazz fans alike. Yet Strings, located a bit off the beaten path, offers its own style and charm for jazz lovers.

Velvet Sun

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Stage area at Velvet Sun

Velvet Sun is a music spot in the Ogikubo neighborhood off the Chuo train line in Tokyo. This is a train route that has been called the “Jazz Line” for a number of live spots and jazz stops along its stations, such as Kichijoji’s Sometime, Asagaya’s Manhattan, Koenji’s After Hours, Nakano’s Sweet Rain, and Shinjuku’s many great spots like Pit Inn and Polka Dots.

Jazz Nutty

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Speakers guard the entrance at Jazz Nutty

Calling all jazz nuts! Jazz Nutty is a small coffee shop near Waseda University in Tokyo where the jazz records are cranked and the coffee flows hot. The shop name is undoubtedly a tribute to the Thelonious Monk tune “Nutty”, similar to other jazz spots which honor famous musicians, albums, or tunes from jazz history, like the bar Salt Peanuts for example. Also in the legume/nut theme is of course the general jazz vibe of “Peanuts jazz” with Charlie Brown and Snoopy that is ever popular and present this time of year.

Naru

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Fumio Karashima (piano) and Ryu Kawamura (bass) at Naru in May 2007 # shows NARU sign

Naru is a classic Tokyo jazz bar that opened in 1969 and has been operating for more than 50 years in the Ochanomizu district. Also going by Ochanomizu Naru or Ocha Naru, this is the sister location to the original Yoyogi Naru location established in 1966. With its renowned history, reputation, and level of excellence, Naru is a mainstay, a magnet for jazz in Japan’s capital city.

Someday

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Ryuichiro Tonozuka (flugelhorn) and Osamu Kawakami (bass) at Someday in December 2008

The jazz bar Someday in the Shinjuku Sanchome (now in Asakusa) nightlife area offers a big stage, a wide-open seating area, and an audiophile’s setup with special custom speakers hanging from the ceiling. You get the sense that the planning for Someday has all been thought out and carefully arranged to provide a satisfying and authentic live jazz experience in an American-style spacious jazz bar setting among the typically cozier Tokyo options. In the same spirit, the kitchen at Someday provides a variety of reasonably-priced snacks and dishes featured in the English-friendly menus, including some specialty rice and meat plates that are pleasant discoveries at this type of jazz bar.

Sweet Rain

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Emiko Voice’s Carta Trio with Koichi Sato (piano) and Keita Okada (drums) at Sweet Rain in October 2018

Sweet Rain offers a great room for great jazz, a small but comfortable space with enough room for jazz trios and small combos. The space is neat, cozy, and clean. The atmosphere offers the relaxing feeling of a familiar hideaway where the stimulation of exciting jazz brushes off the daily grind like sweet rain washing out the dirty grime.

Kanmachi 63

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Live jazz at Kanmachi 63 with Hitomi Nishiyama (piano), Kazumi Ikenaga (drums), and Yasuhiko “Hachi” Sato (bass) in May 2019

Clean, simple, and comfortable, Kanmachi 63 (上町63) in Kannai, Yokohama is an authentic jazz lover’s hangout. It’s especially a great choice for those times when there’s a desire to concentrate on live and unbounded jazz music with minimal distractions.

Apple Jump

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

With a pleasantly minimalist sensibility focused on creating a simple space for live jazz, Tokyo jazz room Apple Jump is easy to love. This small club is another favorite place to catch live performances from small combos featuring vocalists, violins, horn players, flutists, vibraphonists, straight-ahead piano trios, and more. Genres can also vary based on the night’s schedule.

Located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Apple Jump was a newer entry (about fifteen years ago) to the Tokyo jazz bar scene. It’s a small star in the wide galaxy of jazz bars in Tokyo, a humble joint that has continued to make an excellent impression through a calendar of steady and satisfying events.

Jazzspot J

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Jazzspot J jazz live on New Year’s Eve 2006

With low-slung couch seats and candle-lit tables, the dimly-lit Jazzspot J (aka JazzSpot J, Jazz Spot J, or just J) felt like the grandfather of jazz bars in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It’s an image that conveys an older-but-comfortable insider’s hangout, and fits this well-known bar’s over-40-year history and authentic ambience.

Gate One

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Mariko Kajiwara and Shinji Hashimoto at Gate One in 2010

Tokyo’s Gate One is a classic neighborhood jazz bar, a local favorite for jazz fans and musicians around the Takadanobaba area. This basement live spot was started by husband-and-wife pair Shinji Hashimoto and Mariko Kajiwara with assistant manager Mai twenty-five years ago. Most fortunately, Gate One is still filled with their spirit of genuine jazz appreciation and communal love of live music.

Somethin’

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: A session at Somethin’ in 2019

As far as friendly jam sessions and classes welcoming true beginners, there’s one place that stands out. With its friendly, low-stress atmosphere, Somethin’ is a blessing for those who want to learn more and are ready to try playing jazz with others.

Somethin’ Jazz Cafe in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, welcomes all amateur musicians who are interested in playing jazz, perhaps especially players with little to no jazz or group experience who may feel nervous about overcoming the initial hurdle of jumping right into regular jazz jams.

Salt Peanuts

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Salt Peanuts

Salt Peanuts is a Tokyo jazz fan’s paradise, loved by Tokyo insiders for years and formerly less well-known but now experiencing a boom with appreciation and visits from new customers.

Figure 2: May Inoue (guitar), Shunya Wakai (bass), Masayo Koketsu (sax), and Yuto Maseki (drums) at Salt Peanuts in 2012

Blue Note Tokyo

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Welcome to Blue Note Tokyo

With an ideal, near-peerless name that lines up with the legendary Blue Note Records jazz label, the Blue Note jazz club brand almost needs no introduction. Most jazz fans are familiar with this spot, and its New York location is regarded as one of the most famous and prestigious jazz clubs in the world.

Koen-Dori Classics

Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Ryoji Orihara (electric fretless bass) Group with Akemi Ohta (flute), Yuya Wakai (piano), and Manabu Hashimoto (drums) at Koen Dori Classics in 2014

Koen-Dori Classics has the air of being a subdued yet musically expansive performance art space with an adjustable layout. Distinct from many other Tokyo clubs, this nice spot features a wide variety of acts, and one can imagine coming here to enjoy anything from improvisational jazz to classical concerts and even plays or performance pieces.

Satin Doll

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Rie Taguchi’s Birthday Live with Mai Suzuki and Mayumi Miyata at Satin Doll in 2013

Satin Doll is a legendary jazz bar in Tokyo with a long history of pairing delectable French cuisine with high-quality jazz events. The case is made right upon entering and viewing their foyer window, which reads “JAZZ ET CUISINE FRANÇAISE, SATIN DOLL, SINCE 1974”.

Bon Courage

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Ami Fukui on piano and Fumika Asari on guitar at Bon Courage in 2023

Bon Courage is a simple and easy-going jazz room newly opened in 2020 in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The impetus for opening Bon Courage (aka “Bon Kura”) was to encourage and support musicians and the arts during that difficult period, thus, bon courage (have courage, good luck) was meant as much for encouraging the musicians as well as the general public and audience. It’s a sentiment that can no doubt also be directed to the brave entrepreneurs who opened such shops in the middle of unpredictable health emergencies as well.

Expression

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Heading for Expression

Jazz fans new to Japan are often surprised and pleased by the abundance of jazz in Japan. In contrast with some other regions, the jazz genre immediately seems more appreciated and can pop up in expected places. One example is the unique new business Expression in the Jimbocho district of Tokyo.

This underground space goes by “Creative Basement Expression” and “Coworking and Jazz Club Expression”. It is a typical tidy and organized multi-use room.

B-flat

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Maiko (violin), Hitomi Nishiyama (piano), Daiki Yasukagawa (bass), and Manabu Hashimoto (drums) at B-flat in 2017

B-flat is a solid jazz bar located near a Tokyo business neighborhood. This respectable live spot opened in 2001 near Tokyo’s Akasaka TBS television station “Big Hat” and Akasaka Biz Tower. Given the neighborhood, this is a great choice for the many business people and foreigners who work in and visit the area. It’s easy to imagine office workers, after a long day of meetings, popping in for the comfortable atmosphere, live music, and a round of drinks.

Kohaku

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Joe Rosenberg Trio with Kosuke Ochiai and Ko Omura in 2023

The newish and attractive jazz bar Kohaku (opened in 2019) is hidden away on the sixth floor of a nondescript building near the center of bustling Shibuya, a district known for its youthful vibe and vibrant attractions.

Pit Inn

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Yoshio Suzuki and Generation Gap at Pit Inn in 2010

Jazz Club Pit Inn in Tokyo is one of the most well-known and respected jazz clubs in Tokyo, and for good reason. In business since 1965, this authentically genuine jazz spot is very popular with local music fans, and the popular spot also gets its share of tourists dropping in. Since its original opening, the club has relocated once and also opened other branches and related businesses such as rehearsal and recording spaces. Currently, Pit Inn’s main venue for hearing live music is the club which opened in 1992 in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Lydian

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Nami Kano Quartet at Lydian in 2017

Tokyo jazz club Lydian quickly entered the list of favorite places to listen to live jazz that had opened in the past decade. This jazz spot took a listener-friendly approach and created a completely enjoyable experience with great audio and lighting. Lydian was in business for about seven years, steadily gaining traction with local jazz musicians and fans until closing down earlier this year.

Sometime

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Guitarist Yudo Matsuo with Bonanza in 2012

Sometime, one of the must-visit jazz bars in Tokyo, perhaps derives its name from an old Glenn Miller jazz standard, or perhaps from the paraphrased Mae West quote “Come up and see me sometime,” a slogan which can be found on Sometime’s t-shirts and other merchandise for sale here.

No Room for Squares

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Winding down after an energetic live jazz show at No Room for Squares.

Compared to the older and more well-known jazz rooms in Tokyo, No Room for Squares still feels like a new and fresh-faced music and cocktail bar, which actually opened in the second half of 2019 right before the pandemic. Fortunately, this worthwhile bar survived and continues to offer exciting live music and top-quality record selections for both jazz fans and those looking for a trendy, atmospheric experience.

Dug

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Note: Dug has announced that they will be closing permanently on June 27, 2026. A 65-year history is coming to an end, so swing by while you still can!

Figure 1: Relaxing with great music and atmosphere in a dark corner of Dug

Well-regarded and oft-mentioned, the dark and soulful jazz cafe Dug may be one of the first stops on a jazz seeker’s quest in Japan. For many years, Dug has been one of the few jazz bars listed in popular guidebooks and tourist information.

Knuttel House

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Tetsuji Yoshida and Mikiko Nagatake performing at Knuttel House in March 2023

Nestled in an ordinary neighborhood located between the popular Tokyo tourist sites of Ueno Park and Asakusa’s Senso-ji temple, Knuttel House is a hidden treasure for underground music and art fans. The working-class surroundings are a point of distinction for this spot, where the associated qualities of honest, hard-working folk doing business and honing their craft align comfortably in this old downtown district. At Knuttel House, the craft includes a small gallery with art on the walls and live performances of jazz, free jazz, improvisation, and experimental artists. An example is described in a previous post about a live album recorded here.

Zimagine

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Throated Sloth performs at Zimagine in April 2023 with pianist Fumie Chiba, vocalist Aya Kurosawa, Akihiro Yoshimoto on sax, and Kaoru Suzuki on drums.

Located in the fashionable area of Omotesando and Minami-Aoyama, and not too far from Shibuya, Zimagine is a precious gem in the city. Recently relocated and renovated, the stylish space is modeled in the form of an underground exposed-brick cellar with a gentle arc of a dark metal ceiling, a dark underground cathedral to artistic music and performances.

Cochi

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Hisatsugu Suzuki Quartet playing at Cochi in 2019

Cochi is a reliably satisfying jazz bar with a friendly neighborhood feel, the kind of place to rub shoulders with local folks while listening to home-ground jazz musicians. Although the room is tiny, the space is well furnished with vintage decor and ambiance, featuring a small bar and a set of tables and low couch seats where you can watch the musicians play within arm’s reach away. In fact, the nearest front table offers an up-close-and-personal experience, basically sharing floor space with the musicians, alongside a bass drum and cymbal stands on nights when drums are featured—a really nice way to get into the music.

Boozy Muse

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Vocalist Ami Hirai singing at Boozy Muse in 2013

Boozy Muse is a fresh jazz bar that hosts jazz on most nights of the week. Artists range from vocal groups to instrumental groups, and the first set usually starts at 7:40 pm, wrapping up around 10:20 pm.

Once in a while, there are daytime shows on Sundays or holidays. Drinks range from the usual beers, wine, and bottles of scotch, whiskey, and other liquors, and the food menu is typical bar-style spaghetti, mini pizza, cheese plates, and similar. If it’s still there, try to spot the big baby bottle of liquor behind the bar.

Jazz Bird

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Vocalist Mie Joké singing at Jazz Bird in 2011

As the sign describes, “Cocktails, dinner, and standard jazz live” is what you will find at Jazz Bird. This fancy yet comfortable spot is a solid jazz option in the upscale district of Omote-Sando. Jazz Bird is located in an area that is otherwise not full of jazz bars and the related underground ambience, providing a great option for a little something different for those in the neighborhood.

Independence

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Maki Fujimura with the Yuichiro Aratake Trio at Independence in 2012

Independence is a cool underground jazz bar in Ikebukuro, a long and narrow room like a tunnel with a door at one end and a stage at the other. The friendly proprietor offers small homemade appetizers and the usual drinks, bar snacks, and dishes including pizza, pasta, and rice dishes. The middle of the room is filled with small tables and chairs lined up against the long wall, with a small facing bar that also provides great views of the stage.

Intro

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Jazz jam at Intro in 2010

“Smokin’, Drinkin’, Never Thinkin’” is the motto at Jazz Spot Intro, a classic for many years in the underground Tokyo jazz scene. This is the quintessential jazz bar for jazz musicians of all stripes to gather to jam together, hone their craft, and just have a good time surrounded by jazz music and history. It sometimes seems that all Japanese jazz musicians have woodshedded here at some point, or at least know about and honor this club.

Donfan

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Jazz quartet with pianist Harumi Nomoto at Donfan in 2009

Donfan (Don Juan) is a relaxing and casual jazz bar with a family feel and neighborhood friendliness. Small dishes are served and the usual assortment of beer and liquor is available. Shows usually start a little later than normal (8:30 pm) and may last until late at night.

Soultrane

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: A friendly jazz jam at Soultrane in 2017

Soultrane is a classic jazz bar conveniently located near the famous grand shrine in Asakusa. This club is a funky hideaway den located on the second floor in a famous neighborhood filled with popular shrines and old-fashioned buildings.

The room itself is filled with various unmatched chairs and side tables surrounding a large table in the center creating the feel of a slapdash but comfortable dining room. A nicely stocked bar with a wrap-around counter sports great views out the picture windows which fill up one wall of the room.

Body & Soul

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Note: Body & Soul has announced that they will be closing permanently after September, 2026. A 52-year history is coming to an end, so swing by while you still can!

Figure 1: Guitarist Shinji Hashimoto and his band at Body & Soul in 2009

A veritable stalwart in the Tokyo jazz club scene, Body & Soul is a true jazz listening room with a respected reputation. Known for being one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz clubs in Japan, this spot checks all the boxes for both customers and jazz musicians.

JZ Brat

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The fashionably understated entrance to JZ Brat

JZ Brat is a great Tokyo jazz bar connected to the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, a luxury hotel in Shibuya. This hotel also features an upscale bar on an upper floor with an amazing view through wall-to-wall glass windows behind the bar, a great respite to stop by before or after a live show at JZ Brat.

A-Un

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Bully's

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Porto

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Cafe Beulmans

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Apollo

Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Barbra

Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

The Deep

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Polka Dots

Fri, 19 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

All of Me

Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Hot House

Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Our Delight

Sat, 13 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: A front-row corner table positioned right up near the on-stage drum set.

Our Delight is a relatively newer entry on the scene, a clean and modern jazz space with a unique characteristic: the room sports a high ceiling directly above the performance area, spanning about 5 floors and creating a large open space where the sound of the musicians can expand and flow upwards. This creates a natural reverberation effect which is especially enjoyable during solo piano concerts.

Birdland

Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Nami Kano Quartet playing at Birdland in 2014.

Well worth visiting for top-quality jazz and an enthusiastic and friendly owner Morikawa-san, Birdland is a top choice for authentic live jazz. While Birdland no longer features live jazz on a nightly basis, the shop has special live shows on occasion, typically once a week. The interior space is cozy with a nice bar which may seasonally sport a large green plant rising from the bar and spreading branches and leaves up towards the ceiling. Facing the bar is an upright piano, and snug in the corner is a drum set, in front of which an upright bass, with space for a horn player or two to just squeeze in, right up against the front bar and tables.

Into the Blue

Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The cool interior at Into the Blue with instruments on high.

Clean, neat, and organized, Into the Blue is one tidy jazz spot. The overhead vaulted ceiling is awash in the cool blue light, arching almost like a church roof, with jazz instruments set up at one end up above like statues around an altar to jazz.

P's Bar

Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Jazz musicians and customers crowd into the cozy P’s Bar for hot jazz.

A neighborhood jazz bar in Tokyo’s bustling Ikebukuro district, P’s Bar may be very small but that results in a cozy, comfortable family-feeling setting. Upon entering the bar you may be greeted and given a seat along the bar or right up in the front table area next to where the musicians perform. The stage area features an upright piano, and that’s about it. Due to the small space, the musicians are usually playing as duos (piano & horn, piano & vocals, guitar & vocals) but occasionally there is a special event with a bassist and sometimes even a drummer squeezed into the corner. Also featured here are occasional afternoon jam sessions and vocal workshops.

Paco

Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: LiLi Vocal, pianist Takuya Ozaki, and guitarist Hiroyoshi Horie sharing a laugh during their jazz set.

Paco is a tiny jazz bar in the central Hanzomon/Yotsuya area that features excellent food and comfortable jazz performances. Upon entering, one feels literally surrounded by jazz, encountering walls covered with jazz CDs and record covers. In this small room, the performers (often a singer plus a guitarist or pianist) will sit or stand right in front of the seated customers for two or three performance sets starting at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 PM. The audience area holds about 12 customers at most; at certain times for popular performers, reservations are recommended, although the gracious bar master will try to squeeze in anyone who arrives on crowded nights.

Alfie

Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: The Harumi Nomoto trio playing at Alfie in 2011.

Alfie is a jazz bar that offers a quality experience in the heart of Roppongi and is a great choice for jazz in Tokyo. The music here is excellent and delivered at a professional level, well-suited to the high level of service and atmospheric setting.

Yoyogi Naru

Thu, 04 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Figure 1: Vocalist Rie Taguchi sings jazz standards and originals with violist Noriko Satomi and pianist Seiji Endo (August 2016)

Yoyogi Naru is one of a pair of stylish jazz bars that go by “Naru” in Tokyo. Both Narus are elegant without overdoing it, clean and comfortable places that have been operating for a long time while maintaining high standards.