DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
Japan’s Premier Jazz Club for Music and Fine Dining
Nearest Station
BLUE NOTE TOKYO, located in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, is one of Japan’s leading jazz clubs. Top musicians, including Tony Bennett and Chick Corea, have performed here. Time spent in the calm lobby and bar, the immersive stage experience, and the authentic food and drinks all come together to create a refined experience. It is a place where you can enjoy a special night that goes beyond simply listening to music.
SHARE
BLUE NOTE TOKYO opened in 1988 along Kotto Street in Aoyama and relocated to its current location in Minami-Aoyama in 1998. As one of Japan’s premier jazz clubs, it is known to music fans around the world. Over the years, jazz legends such as Tony Bennett, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock, as well as top artists across genres including pop, R&B, and soul, have performed here. Compared to its overseas counterparts such as the New York location, it is also highly regarded for its uniquely Japanese level of attentive service and hospitality. It is cherished not only as a venue for live performances but also as a place to spend special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
As you walk along the main street with the Nezu Museum on your left, BLUE NOTE TOKYO appears ahead. The heavy entrance doors and posters of performing artists displayed on both sides serve as landmarks.
The club was founded in 1988 along Kotto Street, lined with luxury shops, fine restaurants, and bars. Its style of experiencing performances by top artists at close range attracted great attention.
Most performances are held in two stages per day with a full turnover between sets. Guests arrive according to the opening time of each stage. Popular shows often sell out early, so it is recommended to make reservations online in advance. There is no strict dress code. However, visiting in slightly more formal attire such as a jacket, set-up outfit, leather shoes, or pumps allows you to fully appreciate the atmosphere of the space.
The grand opening took place on November 28, 1988, featuring Tony Bennett. Among the star plates engraved with the names of performing artists, his plate is displayed in the showcase at the entrance.
When you open the entrance door, portraits of past performers spread across the wall above the staircase leading to the lobby. It is a spectacular sight that tells the history of the club.
At BLUE NOTE TOKYO, the time before the performance begins is also valued as part of the experience. Descending the stairs from the main entrance to the basement reveals a lobby space wrapped in calm lighting. After leaving coats and large belongings at the cloakroom, guests can relax while listening to jazz playing through the speakers until the doors open.
If you wish to make a same-day reservation, inform the front desk upon arrival in the lobby, check availability, and complete check-in.
The lobby, built around wood and brick, has a dim and relaxed atmosphere. You can sit back and spend time comfortably on leather sofas.
The tabloid published by BLUE NOTE TOKYO includes articles introducing upcoming artists and future schedules. Although only available in Japanese, it is a booklet you will want to take home as a keepsake.
The flowers decorating the check-in counter are arranged by the flower shop irotoiro in Yutenji. Seasonal flowers are used. CDs by performing artists and original goods are also sold here.
At the back of the lobby is the bar area “Bar BACKYARD.” Guests can relax while enjoying drinks, and it is also available after the live performance. It can be used even without attending a show, making it suitable for those who want to casually enjoy drinks while listening to jazz.
When it is time for entry, seat numbers are called. By showing your seat number to the staff, you will be escorted to your seat in the basement, making it easy even for first-time visitors.
In the bar area “Bar BACKYARD,” there are counter seats, three counter tables at the front, and four table seats at the back.
Drinks prepared by dedicated bartenders can be enjoyed in a space surrounded by monitor visuals and jazz-related books.
One of the greatest attractions of BLUE NOTE TOKYO is the close distance between the stage and the audience. The venue has approximately 260 to 280 seats. Centered around arena seats closest to the stage, various seating options such as pair seats, box seats, and side areas are arranged. From any seat, you are close to the performers, where the energy of a live house and the refined atmosphere of a club coexist. It is also known for being highly rated by performing artists due to its excellent acoustics and well-designed space.
In 2024, the sound system was updated so that sound is delivered evenly to every seat. You can enjoy an experience as if you are enveloped in sound.
Photography and video recording during performances are generally prohibited. If you wish to take commemorative photos, do so before or after the show.
The stage floor spreads out in the basement. Candles are placed at each seat, creating a luxurious atmosphere.
In November 2025, five-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves performed in Japan. Her skillful scat singing energized the audience. (Photo by Takuo Sato)
The Count Basie Orchestra, celebrating its 90th anniversary, filled the venue with powerful performances by more than a dozen members. (Photo by Yuka Yamaji)
The Japanese fusion band CASIOPEA. BLUE NOTE TOKYO was also the venue where CASIOPEA-P4, launched in 2022, held its first live performance.
At BLUE NOTE TOKYO, food and drinks enjoyed alongside live performances are also a major attraction. A one-order system is adopted in addition to the music charge, and it is possible to order only drinks. However, the quality as a restaurant is also high, and it is recommended to enjoy the food as well.
The menu ranges widely from light meals and desserts to full-course dining. It is prepared by a Japanese chef who trained at a three-star restaurant in France and incorporates seasonal ingredients such as vegetables from the club’s own farm. The dishes are characterized by their visual beauty and flavors that are simple yet rich. Jazz clubs that place this much emphasis on cuisine are rare even worldwide, making this a standout presence in Japan.
The drink selection includes beer and cocktails, and the wine cellar always stocks around 300 varieties of wine. Original cocktails and artist collaboration cocktails are also available, allowing guests to enjoy drinks that can only be experienced here.
High-quality music, cuisine, and a refined space come together to create an extraordinary experience.
“Course Trio” (¥6,500), consisting of three dishes—appetizer, main, and dessert—is a popular option for casual enjoyment. The main dish, Wagyu Mochibuta pork steak, is tender and light in flavor, pairing well with the rich cheese fondue sauce.
A wide selection of single dishes such as appetizers and snacks is also available. The photo shows a mélange of seasonal vegetables grown on the club’s own farm (¥2,800), served with tahini sauce and black olive purée, allowing you to fully enjoy the fresh flavors of the vegetables.
On the left is the collaboration cocktail “Double Stops” (¥1,900) with guitarist Julian Lage. The roasted aroma of tequila is balanced with citrus acidity. On the right is the original mocktail “Amanecer” (¥1,700), combining honey lemon and jasmine with berry flavors for a refreshing finish.
The wine cellar on the stage floor always stocks around 300 varieties. Wine can be ordered by the glass, decanter, or bottle depending on the label. Ask the staff for details.
A keyholder modeled after the star plates engraved with artists’ names, available at the front. Featuring the word “TOKYO,” it makes a great souvenir. ¥3,500.
A MiiR mug with the “BLUE NOTE TOKYO” logo placed at the center. Its simple design makes it easy for everyday use, and it comes with a clear lid for added practicality. ¥6,000 each.
Check the latest performance schedule on the official BLUE NOTE TOKYO website. Here are our picks for May and June 2026:
5.22 fri.
GIL SCOTT-HERON by BRIAN JACKSON & YASIIN BEY
5.25 mon., 5.26 tue., 5.27 wed.
5.30 sat., 5.31 sun., 6.1 mon.
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER & BILL CHARLAP
2026 6.17 wed., 6.18 thu., 6.19 fri.
The information contained this article was correct at the time of publication on 05/07/2026
