Entertainment in Central Honshū
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Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre
Architect Itō Toyō has broken all the rules with this 2004 building, and we love it. Its undulating exterior walls are punctuated with frosted glass cut-outs that look like rocks - very impressive at night. Among other performances, the Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre is the key venue for the Saito-Kinen festival. Heading east on Eki-mae-dōri from the city centre, it's just off the map on the right.
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Polé Polé
In the same building (and sharing the same owners) as Legian restaurant, this dark, grungy and friendly bar has been an institution for decades for gaijin and locals – look for the signatures of foreign exchange students. The narrow floor is littered with peanut shells (proceeds from peanut sales go to charity), and the reggae music is loud.
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Baby Rick
This classy little shot bar has a billiard table, jazz and whisky (the good kind), and you can get dishes like spaghetti carbonara and homemade pizzas. It's in the basement level beneath Shidax karaoke. There's a ¥500 cover after 10pm.
reviewed
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Liberty
Nagano's most popular gaijin pub has Guinness on tap, decent pub food and a friendly crowd. From the west exit of JR Nagano, take a right on busy Nagano-Odōri and another right (at the second stoplight) on Showa-dōri.
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Electric Lady Land
An intimate concert venue purveying the underground music scene in a cool, postindustrial setting. Nationally known bands perform in the 1st-floor hall, while the 3rd floor sees more up-and-coming acts.
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Elephant's Nest
Near the Hilton, Elephant's Nest is a favourite expat haunt, with a welcoming vibe, darts and traditional fare like Irish stew (¥1000). It's on the 2nd floor.
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Coat
Directly behind Old Rock, this sophisticated little bar is home to Matsumoto's most famous bartender. Hayashi-san's inventive otomenadeshiko cocktail won first prize at the Japan Bartenders Association competition early this decade.
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Pilsen
Munich by the Katamachi Scramble, this German-style place serves lots of beers and a menu including sausages, pasta and omelettes.
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Red Hill Pub
Locals and expats gather at this welcoming bar. There are snacks such as pita bread and karai rāmen (spicy rāmen, ¥700), an excellent selection of domestic and imported brews, cocktails like Sex on the Mountain, and an eclectic mix of tunes.
reviewed
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Apre
A mix of locals and gaijin fill this large two-storey bar near Kōrinbo 109. There's free internet, a pool table, plenty of food and beer selections and a lively crowd (at least on weekends).
reviewed
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I no Ichiban
This slender izakaya serves plenty of cocktails and has ambience in spades – so much so that it's almost unrecognisable from the street. Look for the wood-panel screen and tiny stand of bamboo.
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Shooters
This US-style sports bar with over a dozen screens attracts a mostly gaijin (foreign), mostly raucous crowd. Japanese and foreign staff pour daily drink specials, and the menu includes burgers, pasta and Tex-Mex. It's on the 2nd floor of the Pola Building, diagonally across from Misono-za.
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Shu
Nagoya doesn't have a whole lot of options for gay visitors from overseas (most operate as private clubs), but this tiny, chatty bar for gay men welcomes all ages and nationalities.
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Groovy
A music spot popular with jazz lovers for its live shows; check the website for schedule info. It's upstairs on Chūō-dōri, a six-minute walk from the train station.
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Emporium
An English owner brings a bit of Brit-club culture to Nagoya. Salarimen are known to frequent the place, but don't let that put you off. The interior and sound system are primo.
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Eric Life
Minimalist, kitsch-free and a teeny bit artsy, this cafe behind Ōsu Kannon temple is perfect for chilling over a coffee, cocktail or snack (lasagne ¥1100; goma-negi udon ¥750) Being in the Ōsu district, it draws a youngish crowd.
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Misono-za
This is the city's venue for kabuki theatre in February and October, although it does not have the translation facilities of theatres in other cities.
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Ishikawa Prefectural Nō Theatre
Nōtheatre is alive and well in Kanazawa, and performances are held once a week during summer at Ishikawa Prefectural Nō Theatre.
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Bagus
This friendly reggae bar has a youthful energy. A 10-minute walk from the train station, good music and potent drinks await. It's on the 2nd floor.
reviewed
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Nagoya Dome
Baseball fans will want to visit this 45,000-seat stadium, home of the Chunichi Dragons baseball team. It's also a venue for large concerts.
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Café Doppio
For a pick-me-up, stop by this pleasant café on the edge of the river. Cappuccinos, espressos, macchiatos and waffles.
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Tonio
This English-style pub lies closer to the river, with Guinness on tap and a startling variety of imported whiskies.
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Red Rock Bar & Grill
On a Sakae side street, the Aussie-owned Red Rock has a warm ambience and plenty of pub food. Look for happy hours and specials such as 'Hump Night' on Wednesdays.
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Club JB's
Club kids (aged 20 and over) come for an excellent sound system and famous DJs.
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