1

you might have luck in Metropolis Magazine; physical copies can be found in many places catering to tourists/foreigners.

There's also Time Out Tokyo

2

or http://www.tokyogigguide.com/

3

when in Kyoto you may have more luck in neighbouring Osaka (about 30-40 minutes by train, Y400 or so) which has much better nightlife. only thing would be getting back to Kyoto, but you may be able to catch the last trains back depending on time of gig.

4

Spend some time in Shimo-Kitazawa in Tokyo, 5 mins by train from Shibuya and also Shinjuku. There are at least a couple of live houses where you could stumble across stumble something interesting.

However, DO have a good look at the above too - you would NOT want to miss out on something that didn't know about. Many moons ago I saw the first gig of the Stone Roses' original Japan tour plus a month later U2 twice in 3 days!

5

Thanks for all the advice. It looks like Tokyo is going to be the best bet, most probably around Shibuya.

I've had a look at suggested websites and it looks like the various o-west, -east, -nest, -crest venues could be a a god option. It looks like they have a few touring brit bands as well as local acts. Any ideas what the places are like and chances of getting a ticket on the door?

Lonely planet (2009) seems to recommend Crocodile, Eggman, Lamama & Loft. Are these still around / any good or just full of other LP clutching travellers / expats like my goodself!?

We're regular gig goers in UK so open to most kinds of music for the experience except death metal etc. Just fancy a small authentic friendly venue.

Cheers, Cris

6

A not very encouraging article on the state of Japanese nightclubs.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ed20120805a1.html