Conveniently located between Shinsaibashi and Nagahoribashi, vinyl collector Hideo Matsumoto’s watering hole boasts an international cult following. On any given night, music aficionados from around the world come to hang out here and listen to smooth tunes selected from the owner’s trove of around 5,000 records, ranging from ’70s UK soul to ’90s acid jazz, Japanese city pop and Latin beats.
The bar’s set-up of two small speakers around a handsome 1978 model JBL 4311-A produces an impeccably smooth and crisp sound, one that caresses the senses and gently nudges you to order another whisky with soda. To protect this laid-back atmosphere, Matsumoto refuses entry to groups of four or more and any individual who can’t keep their voice down. Also note that smoking is allowed inside the bar.