Live Music JIROKICHI — Local services in Tokyo

I was wandering Koenji looking for its famed music scene and was unsuccessful for 30 minutes, until a kind Japanese soul took out her handphone and showed me the way to Jirokichi.

It's a very short walk away from Koenji Station. Take a right from the north exit and it's just a couple of alleys down.

Going in at 8+pm I was treated to some amazing Japanese bossa nova courtesy of Rika's Ukelele Swing. The bar was cosy and intimate, the venue and stage large enough to hold Rika and her band, the sound came across wonderfully, and the crowd (largely fans of Rika) was mostly young adults just enjoying the show. Entry cost 2,700 yen, drinks were between 600-1,000 yen. Looking at the brochures scattered around I figured this wasn't bar, but a live house - a legit music venue with different performances by established (and not so established) indie musicians every night.

Anyway no complaints from me, the recommended drinks were great, bartender and people amazingly friendly and welcoming to this non-Japanese person, music was fantastic. I spent about 3 hours there - it was the best night of my entire 11 days in JP.

Non-alcoholic options available as well as bar food. Note that...

50 years in business and still performing. The daughter of the founder took over this place and she is very passionate and knowledgeable about music. I actually missed the live act last night. But I will catch one before I leave. Even without the live show this place was great. I got a chance to chat with the owner and her friend. And it was a super pleasant night. I‘m sure they will have great...

The concert was great though the bar has no atmosphere. Its a creepy place. The walls are smeared with some anarcho graffiti. After I told the bartender “No ice” she fished out the ice and gave me the half full glass. In fact they don’t even have glasses it was a...