A Hidden DJ Bar Cherished by Music Lovers for Over Two Decades

Red Bar

Official Site

Red Bar" is a DJ bar with a history of over 20 years. The crimson-tinted walls, antique chandeliers, stuffed animals, and oil paintings line the walls, creating an extraordinary space reminiscent of an exotic secret club. From house and hip-hop to city pop, each night sounds differently depending on the DJ, attracting a crowd of discerning regulars for the second or third night of the night or after hours.

SHARE

X (Twitter) Share on Threads Facebook line

A Hidden Retreat for Adults, Just Beyond the Hustle of Shibuya

"Red Bar" first opened in 2003 at its original location behind Miyamasu Mitake Shrine in Shibuya. After supporting Shibuya’s nightlife culture for 14 years, it moved in 2018 to its current location near Aoyama Gakuin University, coinciding with the relocation of its sister bar, "DJ BAR OATH." Step away from the bustle of the city and open the red door to find a rich, immersive atmosphere that feels like a secret club in another country. Unlike the club-heavy Dogenzaka area, "Red Bar" attracts music fans who come late at night—often as a second or third stop—to truly appreciate the sound.

After passing through the hustle and bustle of the downtown area and opening the red door, what appears is a dense space like an exotic secret club. Unlike club areas such as Dogenzaka, many music fans gather here late at night for the second and third venues or as a terminus to "taste the sound" in the after hours.

The red door tucked away off Aoyama Street draws people in with its hidden-bar allure.

Through the antique lamp, the highway sign outside comes into view—where urban noise and quiet serenity coexist, defining the charm of "Red Bar."

An Otherworldly Space Bathed in Crimson — Interiors Like a Film Set

Step inside, and the walls are covered entirely in deep red, while countless chandeliers light up the ceiling. The space is adorned with taxidermy and oil paintings, creating a dreamlike setting that feels straight out of a film set. The interior design, originally created by the previous owner at the former location, isolates guests from everyday life, heightening the immersive music experience.

Chandeliers glowing in red light adorn the ceiling.

A portrait overlooking the floor, surrounded by grape-shaped lamps, red pipes, and antique medallions—every element adds to the theatrical feel of the room.

A group of seahorse sculptures evokes myths of the sea.

Gold trimmed mirrors and Art Deco-style lamps lend sophistication to the space.

Sofas in red and gold complete the interior, where vintage charm and exotic flair merge in every detail.

A Nightly Evolving Space for Those Who Truly Love Music

"Red Bar" is not a place for dancing wildly like in a club—it has established itself as a bar for appreciating music. DJs read the mood of the night and create a unique flow with genre-blending selections. From house, techno, hip-hop, and jazz to city pop, some nights move at a slow, mellow tempo, while others build into groovy sets that last until morning. The bar stays open until 3–5 a.m. on weekdays and around 9 a.m. on weekends. Some guests relax with a drink while listening to music, while others immerse themselves in sound until dawn. Everyone finds their own rhythm in this space.
It is open from 3 to 5 am on weekdays and until around 9 am on weekends. People spend their time in a variety of ways, from those who sip a glass while listening to music in a relaxed atmosphere to regulars who soak in the sound until morning.

The DJ booth is equipped with Pioneer CDJs, mainly used for digital and laptop-based sets.

The soft glow of chandeliers illuminates the DJ’s hands.

A variety of international liqueurs line the counter, along with house-made umeshu and lemon shochu.

Original, creative cocktails are also popular.

The "Lemon + Shochu" (800 yen) is a simple shochu-based drink with an impressive lemon slice floating in the glass.

The Mint Julep (1,000 yen) is scented with lime and mint. With its refreshing aroma and clean taste, this classic cocktail is easy to drink even late at night.

Learn about the music scene in Shibuya in the 90s

Photo: Ken Ogawa

The information in this article is current as of October 27, 2025 (at the time of publication)