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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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...