Tokyo recommendations thread: Live music venues

5 comments

1. I don’t like their ticket prices but I do love acb.

2. Tokyo is the ultimate city in the world for music, and if you are not checking out what’s going on in the unbelievable number of livehouse music venues right under your feet, you’re missing out on some of the most unique-to-Tokyo, exciting, and rich cultural experiences around. Get involved to meet new people, and enjoy night after night of original creativity and talent that you can only experience in this city.

   [Here is my guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/14sum76/how_to_access_live_music_in_japan_and_why_it/) about how music venues work here and how to get involved in this exciting and ever-evolving scene. I also post upcoming shows that I think are worth checking out on Instagram [gigsintokyo](https://www.instagram.com/gigsintokyo/).

   These are the venues that I keep coming back to time and again:

   # Shimokitazawa

   * **Basement Bar** and **Three** are the two top venues in Tokyo and a seriously important foundation of Japanese music as a whole. Situated right next door to each other, the managers and organisers here truly care about quality, community, and giving a space to lesser-known acts with incredible potential. There are small acts, big acts, and an impressive alumni of majors who once passed through here. Any day of the week you can show up to see something unique and amazing, and if you make a few trips, it won’t be long before you’re part of the family. So much Japanese music is born and nurtured here, and you can be the first to see it. Check them out.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZCf7jgGdWruYEvQe9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZCf7jgGdWruYEvQe9)

   * **Live Haus** is a newer venue founded by the former manager of Three that also offers a wide range of quality acts and rich creativity. Many nights of the week it also operates as a small nightclub, with DJs spinning their niche from 11:30pm-5am. Alternative/EDM crossover party SUPERFUZZ on the first Friday or Saturday of every month is not to be missed.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qojmdent8ocdwW1h9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qojmdent8ocdwW1h9)

   * **Spread** is the go-to spot for artists looking to experiment. Lots of events dedicated to electronic music, experimental rock, hardcore grunge, ambient… It shouldn’t all work together, but somehow it does. Head here to be surprised and amazed.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/LCRPAiJMYEFGcAYNA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LCRPAiJMYEFGcAYNA)

   # Shibuya

   * **TOKIO TOKYO** is one of the newest venues around, and have been using that position to try new things. The event organisers here absolutely love music and the artists they put on, and are always working hard to create unique and memorable events with stunning performers. They also regularly host an event called ‘FREE!!!’ where the ticket is free once you buy two drinks (¥600×2), which is a great entry point if it’s your first time at a livehouse and don’t know what to expect. Located right in the middle of Shibuya just across from the PARCO, it’s an actual hidden gem that any tourist would be lucky to discover.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/K44bUf5N1CZwga287](https://maps.app.goo.gl/K44bUf5N1CZwga287)

   * **WWW** and **WWW X** are sizeable venues that sit on the comfortable borderline between super-indie livehouses and large concert halls. You’ll find a lot of breakout acts on their way to stardom, and indies taking their first big step to bigger stages. These venues are notable also because once in a while, they will fire up their pop-up nightclub **[WWWβ](https://www.instagram.com/wwwb_shibuya/)**, which hosts outstanding acts and DJs. The New Years party is pretty lit too.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMNc96dNL9FQBRqLA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMNc96dNL9FQBRqLA)

   * **clubasia** may be best-known as a nightclub, but they put on a lot of live acts too, with a clear vision to gather together artists and audiences who will move the subculture forwards with parties unlike any you have seen. Most outstanding of these events is ‘bedroom’, an era-defining crossover night run by post-punk band and nightlife pioneers [bed](https://youtu.be/Uwm5zEMeVyg?si=iOcO_QfwS_ZxGlgR). The next one is on the night of July 12th.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/WnyPVNYF7SJqKatW9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WnyPVNYF7SJqKatW9)

   # Shinjuku

   * **Marz**’s almost-monthly [New Action!](https://twitter.com/New_Action/) event is an amazing mix of live music, DJs, and VJ talent with a tight community that feels like no other.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/a91k1cqE71T4dAJg8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/a91k1cqE71T4dAJg8)

   * **Loft**’s regular organiser [Haruki](https://twitter.com/Harry_w_w) is always putting on excellent rock events, including a lot of late-night ones. You haven’t lived until you’ve been to a gig that starts at midnight.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/QFLMMLRzvYTde8hY6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QFLMMLRzvYTde8hY6)

   # Koenji

   * **Sound Studio DOM** is, as the name suggestions, a rehearsal studio by day, but once in a while will turn into an event space where I’ve experienced some of the most underground, unique, and creative events ever. You will feel like you’ve found ‘deep Tokyo’ when you’re in this crowd.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/itWnRmTvZyh6Fu8b8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/itWnRmTvZyh6Fu8b8)

   * **SUB Store** is a small music bar and record store, and a bastion of Koenji punk spirit. They put on a big variety of intimate music shows and DJ nights where it’s very easy to meet and get to know people.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/QV81WH4GwBP9XY4Y9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QV81WH4GwBP9XY4Y9)

   * **HIGH** is the name to know if you like shoegaze. Their monthly Total Feedback event looks to gather the defining acts of Japanese shoegaze right now.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/QTdn9A4NdehyuEch7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QTdn9A4NdehyuEch7)

   # Other locations

   * **Shindaita Fever** is another large venue where you will see successful acts crossing over with indies taking their first big steps. Some overseas fan favourites like tricot and MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS often play here.

   https://maps.app.goo.gl/sChRxstXLXJMKX3H6

   * **Nishi-Eifuku Jam** punches far above its weight, with regular top-quality lineups despite being in a slightly far-out location. Generally leans more pop.

   https://maps.app.goo.gl/xGGVsibM2hgkHPo58

   * **Sakuradai Pool** is a converted garage/workshop that’s still full of machinery and feels very ‘underground’. Lots of unique experiments taking place here.

   https://maps.app.goo.gl/orwXhiCeSi55AHfg9

   * **Ochiai Soup** is the go-to place for experimental and noise music.

   https://maps.app.goo.gl/dCRcCssSQaM9Psj56

   * **Club Heavy Sick** is so rock n’ roll that I had to go home and change into a leather jacket because I felt so out of place wearing anything else.

   [https://maps.app.goo.gl/16yeFFRhuyL2TWxw8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/16yeFFRhuyL2TWxw8)

3. [Earthdom](https://maps.app.goo.gl/NWygD61mZF3cYLLE6). Spectacular venue for Japan’s extreme music scene. Run by the drummer of legendary Hardcore band Deathside. Completely separate bar/lounge and performance space. Great access. Non-smoking. Massive sound.

   I book there frequently, can’t recommend anywhere else more highly if you’re into underground sounds.

   Plus, they’re really open to all genres. I’ve got an electronic/DJ event there on the 20th: https://lu.ma/onzfvks8

4. That one at the end of Omotesando that looks like a location from Prometheus

5. From a dude that has been playing shows in Japan for 17ish years check out

   Wildside Shinjuku

   Merry go Round Shinjuku

   Anti-Knock Shinjuku

   The Game Shibuya

   7th Floor Shibuya (where I host most of my events)

   Cyclone Shibuya

   Ni man atsu Shin Nakano

   Moonstep Nakano

   Your moms house Your moms house

   Heavens Door Sangenjaya

   Earthdom Shin Okubo

   NOB Shibuya