A question for music enthusiasts living in Tokyo: Have you ever been to a music bar or cafe?
A music bar is a venue where you can relax and enjoy drinks while listening to live performances or DJ sets.
It’s a place where new encounters and connections are born through music, and in recent years, the unique and emotional vibe of these bars has been attracting increasing attention. These spots are rapidly gaining popularity, and it’s not uncommon to find music bars as part of your options for a night out.
Here at TOKYO LOCAL, we’ve selected six beginner-friendly music cafes & bars in Tokyo that you won’t regret visiting.
Why not plan to visit one of these spots the night before your next day off?
A delightful night awaits you, where you can get lost in your favorite music and drinks.
Harajuku Area
Stop the Season in the Sun
A music bar located near Meiji-Jingumae Station. It has a casual atmosphere, somewhere between an izakaya and a club.
The interior has a tropical vibe and features a DJ booth. It’s a bar where a cozy ambiance and a fun atmosphere coexist, making it perfect for a date.
The decor reflects a nostalgic, warm 90s aesthetic. The music theme is “SEXY & URBAN,” with various DJs curating playlists that change daily.
The food and drinks also feature exotic flavors, making it visually enjoyable as well.
If you and your partner are fans of Southern All Stars, why not stop by?
- Stop the Season in the Sun
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- Location
- Barbizon 80 2F, 1-14-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access
3-minute walk from Harajuku Station or Meiji-Jingumae Station
- Business Hours
- 15:00〜23:30（L.O. Last orders: food 22:30, drinks 23:00）
- Closed
- Mondays
- Budget
- ￥4,000～￥4,999
- Note
- The information provided may change due to various circumstances. Please contact the facility or restaurant directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Shimokitazawa Area
NoRoom For Squares
This jazz bar, which opened in 2019, has a hidden, speakeasy-style vibe reminiscent of the Prohibition Era.
The entrance is through a cola vending machine.
Opening it leads to a moody bar setting.
This is one of the creative touches inspired by the Prohibition Era.
This bar doesn’t have a drink menu.
Instead, the bartender asks about each customer’s preferences and mood to craft the perfect drink for them.
The music is predominantly jazz, and jazz live performances are held every weekend.
This stylish and atmospheric jazz bar is a must-visit for fans of bars and music alike.
- NoRoom For Squares
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- Location
- Housing Kitazawa Bldg II 4F, 2-1-7 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 262 meters from Shimokitazawa Station East Exit
- Business Hours
- 14:00〜02:00（L.O. 01:30）
- Closed
- Irregular holidays
- Budget
- 【Night】￥3,000～￥3,999【Day】～￥999
- Note
- The information provided may change due to various circumstances. Please contact the facility or restaurant directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Shibuya Area
recordbar 331/3rpm
A bar launched by a music-loving owner who took early retirement.
It features a playlist of records, with a focus on 60s–80s rock and various other genres.
The vibe of the bar is reminiscent of a classic, old-school establishment.
The mix of vintage records and a stylish bar counter creates a unique blend of nostalgia and chic.
This bar values regular patrons, so reservations or referrals are often required for first-time visitors.
Guests in their 20s should also be cautious about their approach when visiting.
Although the bar has rules, they’re designed to preserve the concept and harmony of the space.
Take a leap and visit this compact, hidden gem of a bar.
- recordbar 331/3rpm
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- Location
- Shibuya Five Bldg B1F, 1-6-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 218 meters from Shibuya Station
- Business Hours
- 【Mon–Fri】18:00〜01:00（Last entry: 24:00）
【Sat】18:00〜00:30（Last entry: 23:30）
- Closed
- Sundays and public holidays
- Note
- The information provided may change due to various circumstances. Please contact the facility or restaurant directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Ginza Area
GINZA MUSIC BAR
Opened in 2014 by music producer Shinichi Osawa and Toriba Coffee’s Nobuhiro Toba.
The bar is known for its eclectic range of music, spanning genres and eras.
All equipment, from speakers to turntables, is vintage.
You hear the music from different times.
You’ll experience a mix of nostalgia and fresh discoveries through the carefully curated music selections.
The modern interior, accented with blue lighting, creates a stylish ambiance ideal for a mature date night.
The blue-themed decor exudes sophistication and a distinctly adult mood.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy great drinks and curated music in Ginza, this bar is worth a visit.
- GINZA MUSIC BAR
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- Location
- Brown Place 4F, 7-8-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 343 meters from Ginza Station
- Business Hours
- 【Tue–Sat】19:00〜04:00（L.O. 03:30）
- Closed
- Mondays and Sundays
- Budget
- ￥5,000～￥5,999
- Note
- The information provided may change due to various circumstances. Please contact the facility or restaurant directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Kagurazaka Area
Bar Ahirusha
A bar located near the Kagurazakaue intersection.
The interior is characterized by its commitment to lighting that is as dim as an eternal nightlight.
When you think of a music bar, you might imagine a stern and intimidating bartender.
However, the master of this bar is especially known for his courteous service, making it a popular spot.
That said, the bar has a secretive, hideaway-like atmosphere, so opening the door to an entrance where the interior is not visible from the outside may require a bit of courage…
However, once you muster the courage to open the door, you’ll be greeted by wonderful music and a warm ambiance.
The music played here ranges widely from jazz to J-pop, appealing to people of various generations.
- Bar Ahirusha
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- Location
- Kagurazaka 5, 2F, 5-26 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 10-minute walk from JR Iidabashi Station West Exit
10-minute walk from Tozai Line, Namboku Line, and Yurakucho Line B3 Exit
3-minute walk from Tozai Line Kagurazaka Station Kagurazaka Exit
3-minute walk from Oedo Line Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station A3 Exit
- Business Hours
- 【Mon–Fri】17:00〜03:00（L.O. 2:30）【Sat】15:00〜23:00
- Closed
- Sundays and public holidays
- Budget
- ￥1,000～￥1,999
- Note
- The information provided may change due to various circumstances. Please contact the facility or restaurant directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Minami-Aoyama Area
BAROOM
Opened in 2022, this bar boasts a collection of approximately 10,000 records from Japan’s oldest record company, Columbia Records.
It’s a comprehensive music bar that archives a vast array of music.
The bar’s standout feature is its circular hall located inside.
The vibe here exudes a “quintessentially adult” space, making it an ideal spot for a date.
This sense of stepping into an extraordinary world is the greatest charm of this bar.
Enjoy drinks while listening to live performances or music from records.
Given the close proximity between the performers and the audience, you’ll likely feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
- BAROOM
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- Location
- Faith Minami-Aoyama 1F, 6-10-12 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 10-minute walk from Omotesando Station (B1 or B3 Exit)
About a 3-minute walk from Aoyama Gakuin Junior High School Bus Stop (Toei Bus 01 Line to Shimbashi)
- Business Hours
- 【Tue–Sat】19:00〜0:00（Last entry: 23:00）
- Closed
- Mondays and Sundays
- Budget
- ￥4,000～￥4,999
- Note
- The information provided may change due to various circumstances. Please contact the facility or restaurant directly or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Summary
That’s all for the 6 highly recommended music bars in Tokyo. Have you found the one you’re looking for?
Each of these bars is truly a must-visit, so if you’re looking for a music bar in Tokyo, make sure to check them out!