Tokyo Jazz Bars

Tokyo jazz bars are plentiful and almost uniformly wonderful. They are often insular places, a world created by the owner according to his or her own tastes. There are bars that play all genres of jazz and bars that play only one style. The record collections in many of these places will astound you..the wonderful Jazz Pub Michaux features nothing but hard-bop and soul jazz, with over 2000 original albums in a tiny bar..the no-nonsense JBS cafe/bar with its wall of vinyl, over 10,000 records in one regular sized bar.. Much more than just places to have a drink, Tokyo jazz bars are places to listen and learn about the music.

A lot of places will be filled with regulars but even if you don't speak Japanese they will welcome you with at least some simple chat about the music. The owners will generally not speak English but will do their best with sign language and smiles. If I have listed a place in the "Bars" section then it will generally only be open at night..but be flexible with the posted opening hours and days off of all these places, they are not Starbucks and often open at the whim of the owner..hey, it's jazz, be ready to improvise..

..and bring cash money with you! Tokyo jazz bars are not cheap..the seating/table charge will be anywhere from ￥500 (US$5) and up, with drinks starting from ￥700 (US$7). You don't tip in Japan so think of the seat/table charge as your tip..Remember, these are very special places where you can hear a lot of rare music. The US$30-40 you spend here helps keep jazz in Tokyo alive, and that is something that benefits us all!

A word about smoking; visitors to Japan who don't smoke may be put off by the excessive smoking in Tokyo jazz bars and cafes..though there are more restaurants that have No Smoking sections these days, it's almost certain that a jazz bar will be smoky to the extreme with rather poor ventilation..that combined with the six inches (at best) between tables..well, be prepared.

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