SOUND STUDIO DOM (Update 7/8)

Experience the Tokyo Underground Music Scene as a Koenji Local!
[updated July 2025]

Sound Studio Dom is a great spot in Tokyo to enjoy music, with rental studios and instruments, many types of music events, and even a bar! Located on Koenji Pal Street with its variety of fashion and variety shops in the Koenji area of Tokyo, Dom is a music rehearsal studio that also serves as a hub for local Koenji musicians and their music scene, with almost weekly live music events. Just a short 2-minute walk from the south exit of JR Koenji Station (JC07/JB06) in Suginami, Tokyo, the studio is available for band rehearsals, solo instrument practice, DJ practice, and DIY-style gigs. Inside Dom, a music bar called “Bar C-Studio” has opened where there is a full bar with DJ equipment and great atmosphere, so you can enjoy a drink and listening to music after playing or watching a show.

Established in 1994, Sound Studio Dom is currently the oldest music rehearsal studio in Koenji. Koenji is known as one of Tokyo’s major “music scenes”, often credited as a “birthplace for Japanese punk music” also with a long history folk artists and music cafes. According to owner Shiraishi-san, “There must be more musicians in Koenji than anywhere else in Tokyo/Japan, so even places that aren’t venues turn into venues!” The studio is big on punk/hardcore DIY-style gigs but you’ll find other underground styles and large all-night events are occasionally held. Dom is great for events because multiple rooms can be used simultaneously (for bands, DJs, etc.) and there is a roof space also usually serving food and drinks as well as Bar C-Studio. This is the place to experience the real underground scene as a local! Crowd into a studio and get blown away by speakers, drums, and local talent.

Events and gigs are usually held at Sound Studio Dom on weekends, but otherwise if you are looking for a place to play music you can go there and rent one of the rehearsal studios for a small hourly fee (550 yen for solo practice or 1000 yen for band practice). (More information is available in our Koenji “Rock Walk” walking guide). Drums are available and guitars can be rented, and if you become a member and sign up on the website you can even use the studio after hours, between 12:00 am and 2:00pm, so the studio is available 24 hours/day!

We interviewed Shiraishi-san of Studio Dom for our Koenji music documentary, so please check that out if you are interested! Part 1 / Part 2

ACCESS

Writer: Greg
Photographers: Mark, Diego