JIROKICHI (Update 6/30)

A Half Century of Live Music at Jirokichi in Koenji
[updated June 2025]

Jirokichi, a beloved live music venue in Koenji, has stood the test of time. Established in 1975 after the first owner experienced a live bar overseas, for over half a century now Jirokichi has been an exciting, up-close-and-personal place to experience live music in Tokyo. One of Koenji’s longest running venues, the atmosphere is what you want in a Koenji club, with its signature-covered walls, retro wooden floors and mood lighting. There is no stage as the artists simply set up and play on the same floor as the audience, at the back side of the room. Chairs and tables are often set up for the audience, making drinking and dining easy and relaxing while viewing a show. The menu includes a wide variety of food, snacks, and drinks, to perfectly supplement the mood of the performance. Some popular food options include pizza, chicken, omelets, rice and noodle dishes, as well as side dishes ranging from nuts to French fries and sausages. Drinks cover the full spectrum from soft drinks and beer to wine and spirits and hard liquor. The menu has English for easy ordering.

*Note that in addition to the admission fee, one menu purchase is required. Most customers buy a drink for this purpose and add to that as the mood strikes.

At Jirokichi you’ll find talented artists from various genres of music, though the focus here is primarily jazz and blues, with a bit of rock mixed in. Despite the very cozy size of this venue, it is a fairly common stomping ground for foreign artists (such as jazz guitarist Adam Levy and Belgian pianist Casimir Liberski) while on tour, with the pace of about one overseas-artist performance per month. The local talent is also worth checking out—you may find some new favorites! Feel free to check out Jirokichi for a night of music and good times. They’re very welcoming and it’s easily accessible only 3 minutes from JR Koenji Station (JC07/JB06). Jirokichi is conveniently located a short walk from both Koenji Station and the Mets and Ark Tower Hotels making it an easy place to spend a night while staying in Koenji, and that way it’s also easy to extend your night further after the show. However, as many overseas guests are used to shows starting late after 10pm, note that in Japan that’s usually when shows end. Be aware that shows at Jirokichi usually start around 7:30pm. You will have to pay the same to get in whether you arrive at the start of the show or at the end, so try to go early if you can. Lately popular Japanese bands have been performing overseas more and more. If you plan to go to Tokyo, be sure to check Jirokichi’s schedule on their website (external link).

ACCESS

Writer: Greg
Photographers: Tezuka, Mark