SHOWBOAT

The Live Music Club For Everyone
[updated October 2025]

ShowBoat is a live music venue in Koenji, Tokyo that always delivers. This venue has been a staple in the Koenji music scene since 1993, showcasing some of the finest talent in and out of Tokyo. While the majority of what you find here is rock-based or ties in to the Koenji underground music scene, there is no limit to genre, age, or professional level of the performers. All are entertaining and the majority have a good deal of chops (hence the venue title), but everyone is welcome; acoustic, pop, DJ, metal, noise– come one and come all!

The owner started ShowBoat when she was in her 20’s– she wanted to start a music venue and was told if it’s music-related it should be in Koenji, due to the long history of music culture in Koenji, from folk to punk to other genres (Read more about Koenji’s music history here, or watch our documentary—Onda-san, who runs ShowBoat, is also interviewed). Now over 30 years later, that advice proved to be spot-on. She had success with the perfect location and the perfect size– not too big or small that can fit a crowd and still always have a good view. Capacity is 220 people standing, 80 with tables, although there are always tables available, no matter the set-up. The sound system is also top-notch. It’s no wonder underground experimental music legend Keiji Haino has his yearly birthday and year-end shows every year at ShowBoat. You’ll also find Tokyo legendary underground bands like the psychedelic Marble Sheep (shown live in 2025) and other like-minded bands with blistering guitar work also taking to the stage here.

Check the live schedule on their website (external link). To book a show in advance, click the “Ticket” option, then the last option (前売り予約) through which if you provide your name, contact, number of tickets, and the band you want to see, you can get a 500 yen lower ticket price when tell the staff your name at the door.

There’s a huge alcohol menu available in English. ShowBoat also holds charity events for good causes, so along with their music policy it’s definitely a place that should be serving Koenji more many years to come. In recent years, ShowBoat has also participated in Koenji subculture events like Koenji Fest,  supporting the music scene and local identity of Koenji in Suginami, Tokyo!

ACCESS

Writer/Photographer: Greg