George Matsuo

The world’s largest natural wine fair returns to Tokyo on May 10 and 11, offering an unbeatable chance to explore the world of organic and biodynamic wine. Organised by Isabelle Legeron – the first French woman to become a Master of Wine – the two-day celebration brings together over 100 winemakers and producers from more than 15 countries. The event showcases a curated selection of low-intervention wines, all available for tasting with the price of admission. Visitors will receive a glass at the door and are invited to meet the makers, hear their stories, and discover the philosophy behind each pour. Natural wine still accounts for less than 1 percent of global production, and Raw Wine is dedicated to expanding its reach by connecting producers, importers and curious drinkers in an open, accessible space. Tickets are sold online: ¥7,000 for those in the industry and ¥9,000 for the general public.

Tucked away on the 6th floor of Gems Jingumae is a 150-capacity club quickly becoming a crucial node in the city’s nightlife circuit since opening its doors in 2022. Produced by Global Hearts, the team behind the much-missed Contact and Sound Museum Vision, Enter carries forward the same dedication to quality sound and community-driven clubbing. What sets Enter apart – besides its airtight sound system, lifted straight from Contact’s storied Studio X – is its layout. The DJ booth is planted right in the middle of the dance floor, dissolving the usual distance between performer and crowd and creating a truly immersive, all-around-you experience. Each corner of the room is fitted with high-end speakers and a Meyer Sound subwoofer, making the space feel less like a club and more like a finely tuned instrument. It’s built for those who really want to listen, not just be seen. Enter champions Tokyo’s local DJs and curates tasteful programming that feels personal, energetic and creatively open. And if you’ve already been to DJ Bar Bridge or DJ Bar Wrep, you’re in luck – showing your wristband from either of those venues gets you into Enter for free (for that night, that is). It’s the kind of place that’s still flying just under the radar, but not for long. If you’re looking to connect with the city’s underground, this is where it’s happening.

Just across the street from Shindaita Station, tucked beneath a swim school, is Live House Fever – the go-to venue for Tokyo’s rising indie acts since 2009. Founded by Hitoshi Nishimura, former manager of the legendary Shelter in Shimokitazawa, Fever feels more like a cultural commons than a conventional club. The space opens into a roomy entrance hall that connects to PoPo, a cozy café and gallery, and Pootle, a Vietnamese-inspired fried chicken joint. The venue itself is a 300-capacity black box – maybe 350 if you really pack it in. With a low stage and a slightly sloped floor, the room offers a solid view of the performance from just about anywhere. Though it’s a cornerstone of Tokyo’s indie music scene, Fever has also hosted bigger names like MJ Lenderman, toe, Galileo Galilei, Foxing and many more. (Fun fact: toe’s guitarist and vocalist Hirokazu Yamazaki designed the venue’s logo.) Fever keeps things eclectic with a no-genre booking policy, so there’s truly something for everyone. And don’t skip the bar in the main room – it’s stocked with dangerously cheap drinks and American chips like Lays and Fritos. Come early, stay late – Fever is where Tokyo’s music heads come together.