DEEPTOKYO
magazine
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DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
A Subterranean Lounge Bar Where Music and Art Meet
Nearest Station
About a 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station, the hidden lounge bar “AOYAMA TUNNEL” sits quietly in the basement of a building. Since opening in 2011, it has offered high-quality sound and DJ sets that span a wide range of genres. The space carries the energy of a club while still offering the calm, relaxed atmosphere of a lounge where you can enjoy music comfortably. Artworks are seamlessly integrated throughout the interior, creating a unique environment where sound and visual expression interact. It is truly a cultural landmark in Aoyama where music and art converge.
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“AOYAMA TUNNEL” is located roughly halfway between Shibuya Station and Omotesando Station, tucked away in the basement of a building beside the Aoyama Tunnel. On the first floor is its sister bar “Red Bar,” and the upper floor houses the long-established club “Aoyama Hachi,” making the entire building a hub for club culture.
The entrance to the bar is found at the back of “Red Bar” on the first floor. Opening the heavy door and descending the stairs leads you into a completely different world. Soft orange lighting, art objects suspended from the ceiling, and poetic typography across the walls blend with industrial materials and playful shapes, creating the sensation of stepping into an underground club overseas.
The entrance is shared with “Red Bar,” allowing guests to move freely between the two venues after entering. In one night, you can enjoy both “AOYAMA TUNNEL,” where you can immerse yourself in music, and “Red Bar,” a more casual DJ bar.
The entrance to “AOYAMA TUNNEL” at the bottom of the stairs—a gateway to a world where music and art intersect.
“AOYAMA TUNNEL” underwent a full renovation in 2022 after closing for about two months. Architect Jun Shirai, who has long shaped the venue’s signature aesthetic, once again oversaw the design. While keeping the familiar warm lighting, the overall brightness was increased for better visibility and comfort.
Art objects spread across the ceiling, a unique display featuring a gold-colored photocopier, and lettering inspired by “Chō Geijutsu Shugi” adorn the walls. New poetic typography and art pieces have been added, along with the symbolic phrase “IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE ART,” which expresses the belief that both the bar’s identity and culture itself originate from art.
A long sofa has also been installed along the wall, enhancing the lounge-like atmosphere and offering a comfortable space where guests can sit and relax.
A lounge space where warm lighting and natural wood tones harmonize.
A long sofa encourages guests to sit back and enjoy their time.
Ceiling art objects designed by architect Jun Shirai.
A symbolic art piece created using a gold-colored photocopier.
Wall lettering inspired by “Chō Geijutsu Shugi,” symbolizing the coexistence of art and club culture.
A wooden sculpture of Hachiko the loyal dog（Chuken Hachiko）—a beloved Shibuya tribute displayed near the window.
“AOYAMA TUNNEL” is loved by music fans for its ability to offer immersive sound while still allowing natural conversation. During the 2022 renovation, craftsmen restored the amps made by the long-established Japanese audio brand “Taguchi Acoustic Laboratory,” and the placement and angles of the mixers and speakers were re-evaluated. The result is a space that achieves both deep, rich sound and an atmosphere where conversation flows easily.
On weekends, the bar stays open from late at night into the early morning. DJs weave their sets using both vinyl and USBs, spanning genres such as house, techno, and city pop.
A versatile DJ booth that supports various playing styles.
Amps made by “Taguchi Acoustic Laboratory,” delivering warm, resonant sound.
Homemade coffee shochu (¥1,000), a favorite among international guests.
The bar’s signature owner, Sasage, prepares aromatic homemade coffee shochu.
The information in this article is current as of November 27, 2025 (at the time of publication)
