From crate diving in the day to stage diving at night, there are tons of reasons music fans are drawn to Tokyo. With one of the most eclectic music scenes in the world, the city boasts some of the most revered music venues and clubs in the country. But, for the more discerning travelers, it’s not just dedicated venues and clubs on the to-do list, the humble music bar, a home away from home for music-loving locals, is being increasingly sought after by music tourists to the capital. No matter how niche your musical tastes, if you know where to look, chances are you can find a music bar in Tokyo that will cater to it. Whether you’re a hip-hop head, a crust punk, or a city pop fan you’re sure to find your crowd amongst Tokyo’s 13,000,000 locals. With hundreds of small neighborhoods built up around their local train station, each pocket of Tokyo has its own unique vibe and culture. On top of the major go-to areas, you don’t have to walk far around some of the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods to discover hidden gems manned by owners and staff who have dedicated much of their lives to learning everything there is to know about their favorite music. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet drink or chat late into the night, Tokyo’s music bars also cater to every type of listener with specialized listening bars replete with high-end sound systems as well as more casual, social establishments.
With CD and vinyl culture alive and well in Tokyo, many music bars in Tokyo dedicate equal, if not more space to their music collection as their drinks collection. With most venue owners music fans first and foremost, once you get chatting they’re happy to show off the deep cuts and rarities in their library. If you’re keen to show off your own tastes, laid-back music bars across the city are happy for you to spin your own tracks or even get involved in a local jam session.
Beyond the music, Tokyo's music bars offer a sense of community that is often lacking in larger, more impersonal venues. Regular patrons and first-time visitors alike are welcomed with open arms, invited to share their love of music and nerd out on their favorite bands and gig experiences. Whether you're a solo traveler looking to make new friends or a local seeking refuge from city life, Tokyo's music bars provide a sanctuary and a place to meet like-minded music fans.
With almost too many music bars to count, Rolling Stone Japan has done the research for you, bringing you some of our top recommendations across the city.
FRIENDS bar & lounge
2nd floor, 2-14-21 Sangenjaya, Setagaya-Ku, TokyoCombining a diverse late-night scene and cozy neighborhood backstreets, it's no wonder that Sangenjaya plays home to a bar like FRIENDS bar & lounge. Nestled on the second floor of a renovated kominka or traditional Japanese house and dripping in neon and chandelier lighting, FRIENDS brings just the right amount of familiar warmth and unknown potential that you might expect from its location. With a four-meter-high ceiling, yellow-tinted bar (a nod to the local train station), and all manner of hand-picked decor scattered across the venue, the venue’s busy ambiance has become a go-to for local fashion shoots and late-night revelers alike.
Featuring regular music events and an ever-changing decor, FRIENDS keeps things interesting for everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned locals. FRIENDS by name and by nature, the square-shaped counter and lounge seats invite conversation, whether you’re flying solo or with a group. Staking its claim as the largest shot bar in the neighborhood, the venue also boasts a permanent DJ booth and a rotating roster of DJs, as well as the option for visitors to man the decks if they’re keen to show off their chops.
Appropriate to its location in Sangenjaya (literally “three tea houses”), ocha hai (shochu and tea) is a popular drink amongst the bar’s locals and the venue often holds collaborative events with local restaurants for those looking for a bite to eat. With many of their staff describing themselves as hip-hop fans, you can expect anything from 80s gangsta rap to modern lo-fi beats to soundtrack your night out. Welcoming a diverse clientele from all walks of life, this is one of our favorite music bars in Tokyo and one you’ll want to share with your friends, old and new.
InstagramX
Bar North Marine Drive 2nd floor, 11-2 Udagawacho, Shibuya-Ku, TokyoWith almost 16 years of operating in Udagawacho, North Marine Drive has proven itself as a Shibuya institution. Neighboring other long-standing Shibuya mainstays like Star Lounge, the venue’s unassuming presence masks one of the more boast-worthy music collections in the neighborhood.
Featuring over 2000 CDs on top of another 2000 vinyl, the venue’s staggering music library has become a draw for music nerds of all tastes from across the city. Despite its particular focus on 80s and Brazilian music, the bar’s almost intimidatingly massive collection means you’re more than likely to find an old favorite or a new discovery from any genre.
Behind the bar, Vat 69 scotch whisky highballs are a house favorite, particularly among the regular bossa nova musicians and the bar’s laid-back vibe provides a quiet reprieve from the streets outside. Visitors are also invited to jump on the in-house decks or get in on one of the bar’s regular jam sessions. Impromptu live collabs between local musicians and DJs spinning retro Showa-era tunes have become a thing of legend. If you’ve spent the day record or instrument shopping around Shibuya, North Marine Drive will welcome you to spin your newly purchased records or test out your new instrument. Similarly, if you’ve got a set later in the night, they’re happy to hear a warm-up set when the stage area is free.
Stay up to date with the bar’s music library on Instagram and Discogs and get in touch with the venue via their website if you’re keen to find out more about upcoming events or hosting your own show, jam session or DJ event.
InstagramWebsite 
