DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.10.31
Tokyo's premier hip-hop club mecca
Nearest Station
Located in the heart of Maruyamacho, Shibuya, known as Tokyo's nightclub district since the 1990s, the club "HARLEM" is a hip-hop powerhouse that has been a leader in the Shibuya club scene since its opening in 1997, and is still popular enough to draw long lines of customers on weekends. Skilled DJs play the latest hip-hop, and the club is as good as any club in the U.S., so you can enjoy the sounds on the hot floor any time you go.
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In the early 1990s, Shibuya's Udagawa-cho was bustling as a record town and hip-hop was spreading with great vigor. When a large club specializing in hip-hop opened in Maruyama-cho, which was still a quiet love hotel district, it sent shockwaves through the Tokyo club scene. That club was "Harlem. As the name suggests, the style of the club was a recreation of an American hip-hop party, and since its opening, it has built a scene centered on Japanese DJs, contributing greatly to the development of hip-hop culture in Japan and producing many outstanding DJs.
Furthermore, many internationally renowned DJs from overseas have visited Japan, and today the name ‘HARLEM’ is widely recognized as a mecca for black music and hip-hop. Now in its 28th year since opening, weekends are consistently packed with people—except during the pandemic—and in recent years, the increase in international visitors has created an atmosphere reminiscent of a foreign country.
The venue accommodates up to 1,000 people across multiple floors. Under its soaring ceilings, the crowd dances nonstop to the beat.
The ‘HARLEM’ logo displayed in the rocker space. This banner, illuminated in red, stands as a timeless symbol of the shop's history.
Currently, HARLEM hosts distinctive regular parties each day of the week. Tuesdays feature “PLANET TUESDAY,” Thursdays “ECLECTIQUE,” Fridays “BORN FREE,” and Saturdays “MONSTER.” Each party, centered around Japanese hip-hop DJs, showcases its own unique vibe. Among these, the Saturday event “MONSTER” is a popular event headlined by DJ HAZIME, who is considered the face of HARLEM. Being the weekend, it draws crowds not only from Tokyo but also from other regions, creating an overwhelming energy on the dance floor. Furthermore, during peak hours, sexy dancers with great bodies appear, delivering powerful performances right in front of the speakers. This glamour is also one of the reasons for HARLEM's popularity.
The speakers from the French acoustic brand "L-Acoustics" are the ones that produce the heavy bass sound that is the best part of hip-hop. When you are on the floor, you can experience the overwhelming sound of hip-hop that resonates throughout your body. The overwhelming sound that resonates throughout your body when you are on the floor is another unique attraction of "HARLEM". The quality of the sound production is high, and when a popular song with a good bass tone is played, the excitement on the floor is at an all-time high. Please feel the powerful sound with your own body. In addition, there are V.I.P. seats on the mezzanine level on the main floor, where you can enjoy a luxurious moment in a special seat overlooking the entire floor.
Resident DJ HAZIME of “MONSTER,” held every Saturday, energizing the floor with his veteran skills.
The mezzanine level VIP area provides a commanding view of the entire main floor.
HARLEM features a second floor called BX CAFE. Its striking interior, dominated by a large chandelier and red accents, hosts parties distinct from the main floor. Depending on the day, you can enjoy diverse selections from veteran DJs, including dancehall reggae and 90s hip-hop.
Additionally, the walls of the staircase leading from the entrance to the main and second floors feature graffiti art, one of the four pillars of hip-hop culture. Four artists are selected periodically to exhibit their work for a limited time. This staircase, bustling with people dressed in hip-hop fashion, is another unique charm of this club.
The second floor “BX CAFE” above the main floor.
The reliable bar staff who handle things efficiently even during busy times. Shots are still popular.
A large chandelier is the defining feature of this floor.
Currently, the staircase wall at "HARLEM" is painted by four graffiti artists: ACC (Kito), GLD, SeRT, and AINTO.
The long line in front of the entrance is a symbolic scene of a weekend in Shibuya.
The information in this article is current as of October 31, 2025 (at the time of publication)
