Live Music entertainment in Japan
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Chakura
In the heart of Kokusai-dōri, Chakura is a celebrated 'live house' run by local music maverick Kina Shōkichi. Kina-san and his band, Champloose, perform here nightly (when not touring). Although there is a small English sign, Chakura is fairly non-descript, though it's famous enough that most locals can point it out to you if you're having problems finding it.
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Eggman
Follow the spiral staircase to the basement to hear blues, rock or light jazz musicians get down low. Most acts are local and of the lighter, sweeter variety. Show up to see whether tickets aren’t completely sold out on a given night, and be sure to take a quick listen at the door to sample before committing. Most shows commence at around 7pm.
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Club Quattro
This venue feels like a concert hall, but it’s actually more along the lines of a slick club. It books local and international bands of generally high quality. Though there’s no explicit musical focus, emphasis is on rock and roll with leanings towards world music.
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Shibuya-Ax
Shibuya-Ax has hosted big international names such as Stereophonics, the Pogues and Cyndi Lauper as well as Japanese acts such as Triceratops. It’s a large, slick venue with its own line of proprietary merchandise. Look for the logo evoking the nuclear hazard symbol.
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Liquid Room
Some of the world’s greatest performers have graced the stage of the Liquid Room, from the Flaming Lips to Linton Kwesi Johnson. This is an excellent place to see an old favourite or find a new one, but you’ll have to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale.
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Maduro
Make a dramatic entrance into Maduro from the 6th floor over the bridge and pond inside the labyrinthine Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Swanky and sleek, this is a chic spot to start your evening. There's live music nightly, but get here before 21:00 to avoid the cover charge.
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Loft
This well-respected, quarter-century-old Tokyo live house, whose chequerboard stage has hosted the feedback and reverb of many a Tokyo punk, is often grungy and smoky – with just the right level of sweaty intimacy. The music is always loud and usually good.
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Jett Rockbar
Needless to say, this basement bar specialises in rock 'n' roll, and there's a good chance that you can catch live music here on the weekends. Located next to the Washington Hotel, this place is easy to spot - just look for the English sign.
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La.mama
Just about every Japanese band from Buck-Tick to Melt-Banana has passed through here. The room is fairly spacious, but even when the place gets crowded you’ll never be far from the stage. Shows usually begin around 7pm.
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Taku-Taku
This is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric clubs, located in another old sakagura. It’s central and tends to present major acts (the Neville Brothers, Los Lobos and Dr John have all performed here).
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Shibuya O-West
Another outpost in the 'O' empire of Shibuya TV, O-West is just across the street from its eastern counterpart and tends more towards punk rock and J-pop. As with its sister club, reserve your tickets in advance.
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Peace
Diagonally across from Yokohama Stadium, this airy, stylish bistro and lounge attracts a young, attractive crowd for its extensive cocktail menu, decent food and groovy beats. Live music some nights.
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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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Windjammer
The setting feels like the inside of a yacht – all the better to listen to live jazz nightly, from 8pm; look for the English sign.
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Motion Blue
Upscale venue with a solid line-up of jazz, fusion, world music, J-pop and more.
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Nagoya Blue Note
Foreign artists such as the Platters, McCoy Tyner Trio and Bill Frisell have recently graced this jazz and pop live stage, while Japanese performers have included the likes of Keiko Lee and the great Sadao Watanabe.
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Live House Yamauta
Just a few steps down the road from the station (look for the English sign), this popular venue offers nightly performances of traditional Japanese folk music alongside locally influenced izakaya dishes. Call ahead for reservations – the staff caters well for foreign guests.
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Kamome
This is the best place in town to catch some serious live music, with a line-up that includes veteran and up-and-coming talents playing jazz, funk, fusion and bossa nova. The interior is stark and sophisticated, the crowd stylish and multigenerational. Exit 3 of Bashamichi station points towards a side road; to get here, follow it for several blocks until you see the small neon sign on your right.
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Jazz Live & Restaurant Sone
Said to be the birthplace of Japanese jazz, this famous Kitano club is still one of the best places in the city to see live music. Check with the tourist information offices about upcoming events.
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