Bar
Shinjuku Golden Gai
A tight grid of narrow lanes in Kabukicho holding around 300 tiny bars, many seating only a handful of drinkers, each with its own theme.
Blue Note Tokyo
The Tokyo outpost of New York's famous jazz club, hosting international and Japanese artists in an Aoyama supper-club setting with full dinner service.
At a glance
- Type
- Jazz club
- Area
- Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- bluenote.co.jp
Good to know
- Dinner and drinks during shows
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
Blue Note Tokyo brings the name of the Greenwich Village jazz institution to Minami-Aoyama, and it has been one of the city's leading venues for live jazz, soul, funk, R&B and related styles since it opened in 1988. Programmes feature international stars and leading Japanese artists, often over multi-night runs with two shows an evening, and the room is set up like a supper club, with tables and banquettes facing the stage, so you can eat and drink while you watch.
The kitchen offers a full menu of dishes to share or eat as a proper dinner, from salads and pasta to grilled meat, together with cocktails, many themed on the artists of the week, beer, spirits and a substantial wine list. Arriving early and making an evening of it, with dinner before the music starts, is the usual approach. Food and drinks are charged on top of the ticket.
Book through the online schedule on the official website or by phone. The box office phone line is open from 12:00 to 19:30 on weekdays and from 12:00 to 18:30 at weekends and on public holidays. Popular names sell out well in advance, and booking earlier generally gives a better choice of seats, since seating is allocated in order of arrival or booking according to the type of ticket. Check the schedule for show times, which vary by artist.
Blue Note Tokyo suits music lovers, couples on a special night out and anyone wanting a sophisticated evening, and the sound and sightlines are excellent throughout the room. It is more expensive than a casual jazz bar, but the calibre of the performers is very high. Smart-casual dress fits the setting. If you are travelling with a group, booking together ensures you can sit at the same table.
The club is at 6-3-16 Minami-Aoyama in Minato-ku, about eight minutes' walk from Omotesando Station on the Ginza, Chiyoda and Hanzomon lines, along the side streets of Minami-Aoyama. There is no parking at the venue, so come by train or taxi, or use nearby coin parking. The restaurants and bars of Aoyama and Omotesando are close by for drinks after the show.
Blue Note Tokyo FAQs
How do I book tickets?
Online via the schedule page on the official website, or by phone on +81 3 5485 0088.
Can I eat there?
Yes, there is a full food, drink and wine menu served during shows.
What are the box office phone hours?
12:00 to 19:30 on weekdays and 12:00 to 18:30 at weekends and on public holidays.
Is food included in the ticket?
No, food and drinks are charged separately.
How do I get there?
About eight minutes' walk from Omotesando Station.
Is there parking?
No, use public transport, a taxi or nearby coin parking.
What music is played?
Mainly jazz, plus soul, funk, R&B and related styles.
Should I book early?
Yes, popular artists sell out well in advance and early booking gives a better choice of seats.