DEEPTOKYO
magazine
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DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2026.02.03
An Immersive Space by a Japanese Instrument Maker Known for Legendary Gear
Nearest Station
Founded in Japan in 1972, the electronic instrument manufacturer Roland has had a profound influence on music history with legendary gear such as the TR-808 rhythm machine and TB-303 bass synthesizer. Roland Store Tokyo, the brand’s first directly managed store in Japan, introduces a new style of retail experience centered on user interaction. With support from expert staff, it offers a space where anyone—regardless of musical experience—can easily engage with music.
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Roland is an electronic instrument manufacturer established in Japan in 1972. It has supported music around the world with a wide range of products including synthesizers, digital pianos, electronic drums, guitar amps, and effects units. Among them, the TR-808, TR-909, and TB-303 have had a significant impact on genres like hip-hop and techno.
In October 2023, Roland opened its second global direct store, following the London location. The Tokyo store is located in Ura-Harajuku, an area where music, fashion, and street culture intersect. Roland’s philosophy in manufacturing is to make instruments that are fun to play and meet the standards of real music-making environments. Here, visitors can enjoy the latest instruments and musical experiences that embody that spirit.
Roland Store Tokyo is located on a street lined with popular vintage shops such as BERBERJIN YUHODO, Santa Monica Harajuku.
Just past the entrance on the first floor, synthesizers, rhythm machines, and merchandise are on display.
The staircase leading to the basement is lined with a timeline showcasing Roland’s history.
This installation allows visitors to visually grasp the brand’s evolution.
Located near Cat Street in Harajuku, where fashion, art, and music intersect, Roland Store Tokyo is more than just a place to buy instruments. It’s a space for hands-on experience through playing and music production.
The store is centered around reservation-only private sessions, with optimal conditions for trying out gear. Visitors can test sounds in an environment enhanced with stage-like lighting and visuals.
In the effects booth on the basement floor, visitors can try pedals using a tablet-based system. There’s no need to set up instruments or cables, and you can test them at your own pace without calling staff. Even beginners can use the system easily.
Product Specialists—Roland’s own expert staff—are always on-site. These specialists, with experience in performing and producing music, provide personalized support based on each customer’s needs.
Choose a genre on the tablet to start demo playback.
Manipulating the knobs and pedals changes the demo sound in real time. Listen through headphones to hear the difference.
Guitars and basses are available in-store for real-time testing.
The “V-Drums” series is fully available for trial. These models offer low noise suitable for apartment use and sensitive dynamic response.
A play space near the entrance is great for video recording with mirrors and neon lights.
Roland Store Tokyo spans three floors from the basement to the second floor. The first floor features synthesizers and rhythm machines, where visitors can compare classic and new models side by side.
The TR-1000 rhythm machine inherits 16 analog circuits from the iconic TR-808 and TR-909, while introducing a new sound engine. It’s also available for hands-on testing. Other compact and portable models such as the JD-Xi, which combines analog and digital engines, and the palm-sized AIRA Compact series are also on display.
The TR-1000, featuring analog circuitry for the first time in nearly 40 years, remains difficult to find. Price:¥330,000
Accessories like microphone cables and guitar leads are also available, making it easy to pick up everything you need in one visit.
The compact AIRA Compact series is displayed on the top shelf (¥28,380–33,000). Below is the JD-Xi synthesizer, designed for both composition and performance (¥71,500).
Each synth is freely accessible and playable.
TB-303, a bass synth that shaped acid house and other dance music in the 1980s, is revived in the Roland Boutique model TB-03. It features a clear LED display, effects like overdrive and delay, and audio interface capabilities via USB, making it highly practical for modern production environments. Price: ¥60,500
The second floor is dedicated to digital pianos. Admission is by online reservation only, ensuring a quiet, private space where visitors can experience the sound and touch of each model. The GP-9M digital grand piano offers a playing experience comparable to an acoustic grand piano, with careful attention to shape, sound, keyboard feel, and speaker system. Also on display are the KIYOLA series created in collaboration with Karimoku Furniture and portable models priced from just a few tens of thousands of yen. The range is approachable even for those new to playing piano.
The piano floor offers a tranquil atmosphere that makes you forget the city noise.
On the GP-9M, the lid can be opened or closed to adjust resonance, just like on an acoustic grand. The intuitive control panel uses touch switches. Price: ¥2,200,000
In addition to grand and upright pianos, portable models are also available—perfect for studio practice or live use.
The KIYOLA KF-20-KS, created with Karimoku Furniture, features a cabinet made in Aichi and assembled in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. Price: ¥473,000
The quiet second floor allows for detailed comparison of key touch and sound resonance across models.
Some models include cutaway displays showing internal key mechanisms, helping users better understand how sound is produced.
The basement features an immersive, neon-lit atmosphere designed to resemble a music studio or live stage. It showcases Roland’s electronic drums, BOSS pedals and effects, and guitar amps like the JC-120 Jazz Chorus. The flagship VAD716 offers an acoustic drum-like appearance and playing feel. The VQD106 is Roland’s quietest electronic drum ever, featuring advanced sound-dampening technology. Also on display is the PX-1 Plugout FX, which compiles 16 legendary BOSS effects—including the world’s first overdrive OD-1—into a single unit.
Go downstairs to find the electronic drum booth on the right.
On the left is the booth for guitar pedals and effects.
The newly designed snare on the VAD716 responds to snare wire on/off states for realistic playing. Price: ¥1,056,110
The VQD106 features soft rubber with a honeycomb structure inside, reducing vibrations and floor noise.
Roland’s electronic drum modules accurately recreate drum behavior and resonance. Some users even upgrade just the module.
The PX-1 Plugout FX is an innovative pedal that recreates 16 BOSS effects, including the OD-1. Price: ¥38,500
A full lineup of BOSS effects is available for testing on-site.
The WAZA-AIR, a wireless headphone amp for guitar, reproduces immersive sound using spatial audio technology. It can be customized with 5 amp types and over 50 effects via a dedicated app. Price: ¥49,500
Located near Cat Street in Harajuku—a hub for music, art, and fashion—Roland Store Tokyo also offers a wide range of apparel and original goods. The selection includes unique T-shirts, hoodies, and caps featuring graphics inspired by Roland’s rhythm machines and Tokyo cityscapes, along with capsule toys that replicate iconic gear at 1/12 scale. The lineup also includes unconventional electronic instruments and essential accessories, offering surprising discoveries beyond music gear.
Whether you're a longtime Roland fan or a first-time visitor, just stopping by the store offers a chance to experience the brand’s worldview—and maybe find something unexpected.
A graphic T-shirt using the color scheme of the legendary TR-808, which transformed genres like electronic, house, techno, pop, and hip-hop. Price: ¥6,600
Apparel goods like T-shirts also make great souvenirs. Collaborations with brands such as XLARGE and ISNESS MUSIC are available while supplies last.
Capsule toys recreating the JC-120 amp, Blues Cube Artist 212, TR-808, and JUPITER-X in 1/12 scale. Four types, ¥500 per capsule, while supplies last.
Mood Pan is an electronic percussion instrument inspired by the metal handpan. It’s easy to play by simply tapping, even for beginners. Price: ¥77,000
The Aerophone, introduced in 2016, is a new-style wind instrument that’s played like a recorder or saxophone. With headphone support, it can be played anytime, anywhere.
The information contained this article was correct as of 02/03/2026 (the time of publication)
