Intro is narrow and cramped, even by Tokyo standards where almost every bar is small and ‘intimate’. A basement jazz bar just minutes from Takadanobaba Station on busy Waseda-dori, Intro is a perfect neighbourhood hangout that always welcomes newcomers. There is live music three to four nights a week, but it’s more of a casual ‘drop in and play’ affair than a polished gig experience...
The jazz scene spread throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama and the various satellite cities) is diverse and exciting, but can be intimidating to the uninitiated and often hard to navigate. There are easily over 50 jazz gigs on any given night, while great vinyl is played at hundreds of other jazz bars across the city. Knowing where to go to find what you are looking for takes a bit of investigating. Below is a small sample of six unique, must-visit jazz spots that provide a bit of everything for the dedicated fan.
