The bustling city of Shinjuku also has a vibrant music scene. In this article, we will introduce a few of the city’s most representative spots.
The DJ Mag TOP 100 CLUBS, hosted by the British music media “DJ Mag,” is the ranking of the world’s most popular nightclubs chosen by club enthusiasts from around the globe.
WARP SHINJUKU” was even selected for such a prestigious ranking.
Shinjuku Nightclub’s mission is to “make nightclubs more accessible” and they’re serious about it, starting at 9 PM. The concept is “Tokyo 100 years later.” The space design gives the impression that you are on board of a large spaceship cruising through space. In a way, it evokes retro and nostalgic Japanese scenes from movies and manga. You can experience a place where “East meets West” and “future meets past”.
Located in Kabukicho, “ZEROTOKYO” is one of Japan’s largest night entertainment facilities, with three floors and five areas, and actively welcomes international and domestic artists. In addition, Floating Point, known for their collaborations with Hikaru Utada, will perform at ZEROTOKYO.
You can also experience Shinjuku’s underground culture at places like “Ochiai Soup”, which caters to hardcore fans, and “SPACE”, where young DJs can organize events.
Melodies Echoing in Shinjuku for Half a Century
However, Shinjuku’s charm goes much deeper than that.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the cutting-edge club scene, you might prefer a quieter night but still be surrounded by music. Then “Juzz Cafe Bar DUG” is the perfect choice.
There is no doubt this is the real deal, a place full of culture, with a logo designed by illustrator Makoto Wada.
In addition, this establishment has been a long-standing institution since its founding in 1967, frequented by notable literary figures like Shuji Terayama, Yukio Mishima, and Haruki Murakami. Despite changing its name and relocating several times, it continues to liven up Shinjuku.
The founder, Hozumi Nakahira, is a renowned JAZZ photographer. Just mentioning a few of the jazz musicians he has photographed would be enough to explain his reputation.
Art Blakey
John Coltrane
Miles Davis
Bill Davis
Bill Evans
Thelonious Monk
Sadao Watanabe
In addition to photographing these “legendary” figures, he also has had much of his work used on recordings and CDs and is one of the few Japanese artists whose work is displayed in the legendary jazz club “Village Vanguard” in New York. Although Mr. Nakahira passed away on December 1, 2024, “Jazz Cafe Bar DUG” will continue to influence Shinjuku culture.
Our last issue introduced Tokyo’s art spots; this issue will focus on Shinjuku’s music scene.
This city is too much fun, to say the least.
We hope you will visit the places we suggest, not only as landmarks, but also as places to visit after you have been to Tokyo. It will open doors to new cultural experiences for you. Listening to its history and background will undoubtedly enhance your experience.
It’s time to finally visit the places we’ve been putting off for so long. Tokyo has so many things to see and do, so don’t wait!
