Mixology (TBD)
Listening Bars/Cafe
Listening bars, hushed cathedrals for vinyl devotees—dimly lit, often wood-paneled, and reverent in their silence. The focus is sound: rare records played on high-end analog systems. These spaces often reflect the obsessions of their owners, who act as curators rather than DJs, pulling from deep collections of jazz, soul, ambient, or obscure international records.
Bar Your Song (Akasaka), A favorite, good selection of whisky, records of soul, funk, rock, 60s, 70s, 80. It feels like a place for locals, bartenders don’t speak much English, and they do look shocked as if wondering how we wandered in.
Banana Fish (Nishi Azabu), a laid-back, art-filled vibe with a deep vinyl collection spanning global 60s–80s tracks. The owner—also the bartender and an artist—sets the tone with thoughtful music picks, great drinks, and a fun, easygoing presence.
Meikyoku Kissa Lion (Shibuya), classical music only, big sound system, they are trying to replicate the experience of being in a music hall.
Little Soul Cafe (Shimokitazawa) over 15,000 vinyl records, a collection started during the owner's student days, span genres from soulful ’60s tracks to dance music and classical jazz to funk.
Jazz Inn Uncle Tom (a family-run spot where jazz takes center stage. The owner's deep passion for the genre is evident in the curation of over 3,000 vinyl records, played to match the day's mood
Grandfather’s (Shibuya), a cozy basement bar known for its extensive vinyl collection focusing on 1970s rock, pop, and soul.
Studio Mule (Shibuya), eclectic and electronic—Balearic, ambient, left-field house, depending on the night. Minimalist space run by the record label of the same name.
BYG a three-story bar known for its vintage rock and jazz ambiance,request classic rock tracks, with the bar boasting an extensive collection. Occasional live performances are hosted on 2F or B1
INC (Omotesando/Shibuya) blends a passion for vinyl records with expertly crafted cocktails, extensive collection of over 2,000 vintage records.
Karaoke
Not really my thing, so the list is short:
Kame (Shinbashi) I suspect Steve was draw to this classic “snack bar” because of its name. It’s a little divey, people are nice, and you can sing karaoke to a receptive audience.. The drinks are cheap, and the staff knows your name by round two.
Karaokekan (Shibuya) famous mostly thanks to Lost in Translation, it’s now a pilgrimage spot, but even without the film, its private rooms, massive song list, and prime locations make it a go-to for late-night Tokyo chaos or catharsis.
1Kara (Shinjuku) - karaoke for introverts, minimalists, and anyone who just wants to sing without an audience. You get a solo booth, a headset mic, and total privacy.
Live Houses
Tokyo has one of the world's best live music scenes, full of small and medium-sized venues called "live houses" in Japanese. Concerts in Tokyo start early — usually between 7 and 8 pm and often wrap up by 11pm. They generally run according to the announced schedule. There is a site Tokyo Gig Guide that lists the live houses in Tokyo. Here are some places to see live music (besides the usual big venues)
No Rock, No Life
Bauhaus is in a category of its own. One of those ‘only in Japan’ experiences: Bauhaus is the number one live rock bar in Tokyo (dare I say the world?) delivering the best of classic rock, hard rock and heavy metal since 1981. The house band are different musicians on stage in rotation, each virtuosic in their own right, playing/singing with the kind of power and precision that makes you forget you're not at an actual AC/DC concert. Between sets, they pour drinks and bring you bar snacks like it’s the most normal thing in the world. Even if you aren’t into Ozzy Ozbourne or Oasis, the spirit of rock and roll will still flow through and you will find yourself singing along, seriously, because the energy at the Bauhaus is unmatched.
Rock
Rocky Top (Ginza) Since 1980, serving up a good dose of bluegrass, over the years, its stage has welcomed both local talents and international legends. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of the city outside, lulled by banjos and a little too much bourbon.
Polka Dots (Ikebukuro) His name is Tokyo Bob, a reference to the artist he has been looking like and sounding like for the past 15 years: Bob Dylan
What the Dicken’s (Ebisu) feels like a British pub in Tokuo—dim, wood-paneled, and oddly alive with jazz, rock, or whatever the night decides.
Ruby Room (Shibuya) is a red-lit shoebox of chaos, equal parts open mic, DJ set, and accidental house party.
Heaven (Akasaka), never been here myself but I believe it is where the Bauhaus crew go to hang out after they are done with their set.
Crawfish (Akasaka) is a basement live house where local rock, indie, and folk musicians perform regularly, an intimate setting with reasonably priced food and drinks.
Moonstomp (Koenji) is a tiny, dimly lit bar where bluegrass, jazz, and folk tunes spill from the stage into your drink. Fun place.
Abbey Road
Jazz
Jazz House Allfie (Roppongi) is a time capsule, dim lighting and wood-paneled walls set the stage for nightly live performances that draw both local and international visitors.
Naru (Ochanomizu) an intimate setting where patrons can enjoy live performances by top-tier local and international musicians.
Sometime (Kichijoji) jazz club that isn’t too try hard, the stage sunk into the center like a well everyone draws from. You can drink coffee or whiskey, eat a croque monsieur, and listen to world-class jazz without anyone explaining why it matters.
Salt & Peanuts unpretentious charm and genuine dedication to live jazz, this basement venue offers an intimate setting where the music takes center stage. The owner, Hisashi Nakano, a passionate jazz enthusiast, ensures high-quality performances.
Larger Live Music Venues
Havana 1950 (Hiroo) feels like stepping through a portal into pre-revolutionary Cuba, where the air is thick with the rhythms of live Latin music. The retro-styled interior, complete with vintage decor, sets the stage for nightly performances that range from sultry jazz to vibrant salsa.
Kento’s (Roppongi) a place where the '50s and '60s are relived, night after night. The crowd is a mix of die-hard fans and newcomers, all swept up in the energy and dancing with unself-conscious joy.
Maduro (Roppongi) an elegant jazz bar —dimly lit, generous interiors, plush seating. The air hums with live jazz, the clink of rare whiskey glasses, and the occasional curl of cigar smoke, crafting an atmosphere that's both sultry and sophisticated.