Hit up a music bar for top-quality tunes
When you need a break from the bustle of the city—or a cozy spot to hang out at with a close friend—make a beeline for one of these tried-and-tested listening bars.
▼Music Bars
For a hybrid listening experience: Spincoaster Music Bar Shinjuku
Run by the eponymous record label and music-focused publication, Spincoaster Music Bar treats musos to both high-fidelity digital tunes and analog soundscapes. You can request any track on their “music menu” and immerse yourself in the impeccable acoustics. You can even leave your analog records at the bar for safekeeping (for a fee).
Address: Daini Kuwano Bldg. 1-C, 2-26-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6823-8847
Open:7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Irregular closing days
For a soulful end to the evening: Soul Joint
Distinguished by its black-and-white signboard, this soul bar has been around since 2001. The knowledgeable proprietor plays a diverse selection of soul music, with a particular focus on tunes from the ’60s and ’70s. The cozy space consists of a 10-seat counter and a single booth with space for six or seven patrons. If you’re looking to end a bar crawl around Shinjuku-Sanchome in style, this is the spot.
Address: Maeda Bldg. 2F, 3-10-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3353-5102
Open:6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Mon-Thu)/6 p.m. to midnight (Fri-Sat)
Closed:Sun & public holidays
For the funkiest cuts in Shinjuku: Soul Stream
Soul music from the 1970s to the present plays at this stylish Shinjuku-Sanchome bar, established in 2010. The proprietor’s collection encompasses around 8,000 records, so you can expect plenty of variety. The bar combines impeccable acoustics with a conversation-friendly volume, making it a relaxing spot for dedicated musos and first-timers alike to lounge at over some quality booze.
Address: FB Bldg. 1F, 3-10-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3356-9600
Open:6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Closed:Tue
Dance until sunrise at a nightclub
Shinjuku has a long history as one of Tokyo’s buzziest entertainment districts, and the area remains the party destination of choice for revelers of all ages. You’ll find a diverse range of nightclubs throughout town.
▼Nightclubs
For the boldest beats in town: ZEROTOKYO
Extending across five floors large and small, Kabukicho’s Zerotokyo is one of the most expansive establishments for nighttime entertainment in Japan. The programming is eclectic, with appearances by some of the world’s leading DJs complemented by signature parties such as Gold Disc, which brings together Japan’s hottest track makers, and Agartha, the country’s biggest gay party. A top-of-the-line sound system featuring speakers from Adamson Systems Engineering and stunning 360-degree LED visuals help make every night here a special one.
Address: Tokyo Kabukicho Tower B1F-B4F, 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6380-2013(VIP reservations)
For enticing musical encounters: DJ BAR Bridge Shinjuku
You can expect hard-hitting, often house-leaning tunes from a dizzying variety of eras at this dedicated DJ bar. They book performers from throughout Japan and overseas, with up-and-coming spinners regularly rubbing shoulders with scene legends in the booth. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or just enjoy a chill chat over drinks, Bridge fits the bill.
Address: Kado Bldg. B1F, 2-19-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6384-1053
Open:9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
For an invigorating dose of creativity : WPÜ SHINJUKU
A spot that has a lot going for it, WPÜ Shinjuku is a hotel and residential complex complete with a gallery, sound booth, and café. It hosts a variety of events themed on art, fashion, music, and food, in addition to operating the Room 303 Radio station, which highlights cutting-edge tunes by artists from around the world.
Address: 7-10-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Open:12 noon to 11 p.m.(until 6 p.m. on Sundays)
Instagram
For a deep dive into the gay scene: EAGLE TOKYO BLUE
The ocean-themed Eagle Tokyo Blue is one of Japan’s biggest gay bars, encompassing four areas: a club, bar, and lounge, plus the Nippondanji shop. Adorned with a massive mural by iconic gay artist Jiraiya, the gorgeous space hosts shows by DJs and drag queens alike on the weekends.
Address:Casa Verde 1F & B1F, 2-11-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6876-8450
Open:Mon-Thu 8 p.m. to 4 a.m./Fri-Sun 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.
For a taste of the underground: SPACE
Opened in 2021, Space stands out with a bold black stage and top-notch sound and lighting systems. It’s one of the edgiest venues in Shinjuku, attracting musos looking for an authentic underground experience. If you’re looking to lose yourself in music, look no further.
Adress： Shinjuku Q Flat Bldg. B1F, 5-4-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone:03-5879-8145
Open:See the venue’s social media accounts for opening hours
OFFICIAL SITE /Instagram
A night of music in Shinjuku
Shinjuku after dark offers endless discoveries for music lovers. Whether you want to immerse yourself in grooves at a soul bar or break out your best moves at a club, there’s a place here for everyone to enjoy music the way they like it. So why not grab your favorite drink and dive into Shinjuku’s music scene this weekend?
Text by：Ili Saarinen
