AOYAMA NIGHTLIFE
Aoyama, an easy walking distance from Shibuya station, may not look like a music and clubbing hot spot at first glance. Appearances, however, can be deceiving. The neighborhood hosts some of Tokyo’s best small and underground venues, with parties going on until the morning even on weekdays. And if electronic music’s not your thing, Aoyama is also one of the city’s best spots for jazz.
Aoyama Cay
青山カイ
Cay is located within Aoyama Spiral and features a very eclectic mix of artists in its lineup. Both bands and DJ’s of all genres and nationalities can be seen performing here, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule before paying a visit.
Address
5-6-23 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku
東京都港区南青山5-6-23
Hours
Check Schedule
Telephone
03-3498-5790
Body & Soul
ボディ アンド ソウル
While lacking the star power of Blue Note, this is a much friendlier and laid-back jazz club in the same area that has been around since 1974. Most events cost ¥3,500 and up and drinks are also reasonably prices compared to other jazz venues in the city.
Address
6-13-9 Minamiaoyama, Minato
東京都港区南青山6-13-9
Hours
From 19:00, from 18:00 weekends
Telephone
03-5466-3348
Dommune
ドミューン
Dommune is a live-streaming internet program that airs every weeknight and is watched by people all over the world. It even predates the similar but more well-known Boiler Room. The studio itself, also just referred to as Dommune, features a bar and nice little dance floor with excellent quality Funktion One speakers. Many of the big name DJ’s touring Japan will play here in between their weekend gigs, so it’s a great place to go see your favorite DJ in a very intimate setting. The typical charge is ¥1500 at the door.
Address
Sunrise Bldg. B1F 4-6-5 Higashi, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区東4-6-5 サンライズビルB1F
Hours
Check schedule
Telephone
03-6427-4533
Oath
オース
Oath used to be one of the only music venues in Tokyo to consistently allow fee entry, but nowadays they usually charge ¥1000. Drinks here are only ¥500. Despite being small, the sound system is excellent and many of Tokyo’s veteran house and techno DJ’s play here. Depending on who’s working, the staff can either be friendly and welcoming or rude and condescending. Though it was once a must-visit for Tokyo music lovers, Oath can still be fun if a DJ you want to see happens to be playing.
Address
Aoyama Bldg., 4-5-9 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区渋谷4-5-9青山ビル1F
Hours
21:00 until morning
Telephone
03-5888-5847
Aoyama Hachi
青山蜂
This is a fun little club with 3 different dance floors with different DJ spinning on each one. The style of music can change depending on the night or which floor you’re on. Unlike Oath and Tunnel, Hachi almost always charges a cover at the door so it’s probably best to do some research on the night’s event beforehand.
Address
2 – 4F Aoyama Bldg., 4-5-9 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
東京都渋谷区渋谷4-5-9 青山ビル2 – 4F
Hours
Check schedule
Telephone
090-2303-6004
Aoyama Tunnel
トンネル
This DJ bar is located just under Oath, with the entrance being on the opposite side on Roppongi-dori. It’s just before the actual Aoyama Tunnel after which it’s named. This place has some pretty crazy decoration, including a gold-painted copy machine which is used as a drink stand. Sometimes it operates only as a bar while other nights they have dance parties. Entrance is usually free so it’s easy to hop back and forth between Tunnel and Oath.
Address
B1 Aoyama Bldg., 4-5-9 Shibuya
渋谷区渋谷4-5-9青山ビルB1
Hours
Check schedule
Aoyama Zero
ゼロ アオヤマ
This is a recently opened club started by former staff members of the now defunct Aoyama Loop. The setting is intimate and the sound system is quite nice, but they almost always charge cover for their events which makes it difficult to choose over the free parties at Oath nearby.
Address
1F Aoyama FM Bldg., 2-8-10 Shibuya
渋谷区渋谷2-8-10 青山FMビル1F
Hours
Check schedule
Telephone
03-3797-9933
