George Matsuo

For performers and punters alike, Tokyo has a rare combination of quantity and quality when it comes to live music venues. Great sound? Attentive crowds? Finished in time to catch the last train home? Check, check, check. Across the city, there’s a more than healthy mix of sticky-floored punk bars, intimate indie venues, hushed folk joints and stalwart metal institutions catering to, collaborating with and upholding their local communities. What they all have in common is their focus on the music. Compact and intimate, Tokyo’s independent ‘live houses’ are a place to take in the performance rather than drink 10 beers and yell over it. From the staff behind the scenes to the enthusiastic fan at the front of the stage, the band on stage is front of mind.  Once the gig is over, chances are you’ll have time to head out and explore the neighbourhood, grab some food and still make the last train.  With countless venues to choose from, you don’t have to go far to find your new favourite haunt. So check out some of ours below, then head out, buy a drink and support the local community. RECOMMENDED: Best record stores with bars in Tokyo

Tokyo never stops. The world’s greatest city pulsates with energy whatever the hour, changing ceaselessly, always offering up something new to discover and relish. To help you make the most of the capital’s relentless abundance, we’ve put in many all-dayers and all-nighters to deliver a round-the-clock guide that puts you right on Tokyo time. Below you’ll find all you need to plan an unforgettable 24 hours in the city, from wolfing down a bowl of super-fresh seafood before sunrise to embarking on an all-night indie club crawl or soaking in an open-air hot spring at 3am. It’s time to pound that convenience store energy drink, hit the streets and discover the capital in all its dynamic glory. RECOMMENDED: Need a cool place to crash? Check out these unconventional Tokyo hotels

Ippe Koppe is a Tokyo-born tonkatsu and curry specialist with locations in neighbourhoods like Tomihisacho and Akihabara. The name comes from the Kagoshima dialect, meaning ‘a lot’ – a fitting description of their generous portions and full-bodied flavours. The restaurant takes pride in using Specific-Pathogen-Free (SPF) Bunabuta pork, raised free of designated harmful pathogens in Ibaraki prefecture. This premium meat is known for its tenderness and the natural sweetness of its fat. The cutlets are fried in pure lard, rendered from pork back fat, which is considered the ideal oil for tonkatsu. The result is a nutty, rich exterior that enhances the flavour of the meat without overwhelming it. Their curry roux is made in-house with a proprietary spice blend, aromatic vegetables and generous amounts of shredded pork. It’s smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced to complement – not compete with – the fried cutlet’s flavour. Menus vary slightly by location, but staples include loin cutlet curry, fillet cutlet curry and premium options like rib roast and chuck roast cutlets. You’ll also find set meals that spotlight the pork on its own, without curry. The dining experience is straightforward: pay at the vending machine, hand your ticket to a server, and take a seat at one of six tables or the tiny two-seat counter. The space is minimal – no frills, no distractions, just good food. Expect steady foot traffic from locals and delivery drivers alike. And don’t be surprised if you leave f

The breakout UK post-punk act Wet Leg made their introduction to the world through their buzzy debut single ‘Chaise Longue’. It was everywhere in 2021 – hard not to hear, cheeky, energetic and at times too reliant on double entendres, but a track that rightfully earned their spot in the UK big leagues. Three years after their self-titled album, they return with Moisturizer, a sophomore album that stays true to the formula of sweet deadpan vocals over rolling bass and four-on-the-floor beats while bringing more raw energy than before. These are songs that won’t keep you still, so the show is sure to be good cathartic fun.

One of the UK’s most beloved rock bands in recent years, Bar Italia comes to Tokyo to showcase their latest record, Some Like It Hot. Their new sound wields clashing guitars, dramatic strings and melancholic duets that stylistically call back to the annals of UK guitar rock. After releasing two albums on Dean Blunt’s label World Music, plus singles and EPs online, Bar Italia gained a cult following while remaining an enigmatic presence over London’s music scene. In Japan, they won the #1 spot on Big Love Records’ year-end chart, a globally recognised indie music source. In 2023 the band signed with Matador, all while touring sold-out shows and performing at major festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella. And this winter, they’re coming to Tokyo’s Liquidroom (and Osaka’s Shangri-La).

The Canadian indie band Men I Trust are masters of mood. Sonically, they traffic in dream pop with nostalgia-drenched synths, groovy basslines and angelic vocals. And yet there’s a certain commitment to R&B, jazz and funk that’s sure to have you swaying and crying simultaneously. The three-piece has consistently self-released their music, championing independence through commendable DIY efforts despite their enormous success. Their 2025 album Equus Caballus – longlisted for the 2025 Polaris Music Prize – is simply a testament to their strengths. Supporting their Japan tour is Mei Semones, a jazz-influenced indie act hailing from Brooklyn, New York. This is a match made in alt heaven – grab your tickets while you still can.

With live shows often described as transcendental journeys, the Manchester duo Autechre returns to Tokyo for one night only. Their early work is reminiscent of the UK’s rave culture of the ’90s. If we're talking genre tags, it’s techno, experimental, glitch, ambient, Intelligent Dance Music (IDM) – but whatever you want to call it, the effects are mind-bendingly hypnotic. Think big swirling synths, amorphous sequences and erratic beats. Over the years, the duo has released fifteen studio albums, with Amber (1994), Tri Repetae (1995) and Confield (2001) frequently noted as their most impactful works. You can expect real heads in attendance, but even if you’ve never encountered Autechre, their show is sure to be one you will thank yourself for attending.

Franz Ferdinand made a stunning debut with ‘Darts Of Pleasure’ back in 2003, followed by the explosive hit ‘Take Me Out’. Their self-titled debut album became a massive worldwide success, selling 4 million copies and carving their name into music history. They’ve consistently pursued high artistry while maintaining their signature worldview, releasing acclaimed albums including You Could Have It So Much Better (2005), Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (2009), Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action (2013) and Always Ascending (2018). Their long-awaited latest album The Human Fear was released this January. Reuniting with producer Mark Ralph from their 2013 album, this upbeat masterpiece instantly captures listeners’ hearts with life-affirming energy. Fearlessly pushing forward with their unique style, it explodes with everything that makes Franz Ferdinand who they are.

Sophie Allison, aka Soccer Mommy from Nashville, USA, has announced her first Japan tour in six years. Her latest album Evergreen, released in October 2024, has solidified her position as a key artist in the dreamy indie rock scene. It features somber yet evocative jangly guitar-driven songs that could soundtrack your 2000s rom-com fantasy. The supporting act has been confirmed as Mei Ehara, a rising singer-songwriter both domestically and internationally, with collaborations including Faye Webster and most recently a feature on a song with Haruomi Hosono on Hosono House Revisited.

A pop-up record store pairing exclusive merch with a world-class sound system, Beatink Listening Space arrives in Harajuku for the entire month of November. Showcasing music from some of the world’s most influential independent labels – including Warp, Ninja Tune and Domino – as well as the Beggars Group, home to 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade, XL Recordings and Young, Beatink offers a vast selection of records spanning the newest releases to timeless classics. Alongside vinyl, the shop features a curated range of apparel – T-shirts, hoodies and football jerseys – as well as special items like slipmats and record cartridges. More exclusive goods from around the world will arrive throughout the event. The space is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system by BWV, renowned for its pursuit of ‘pure, precise sound’, and designed in collaboration with Office Kinpon, whose creative direction harmonises acoustics and atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in carefully selected music presented with unmatched fidelity in a one-of-a-kind listening environment.

Black Country, New Road released their third album Forever Howlong in April and are currently touring the world. For their highly anticipated Tokyo show in December, they’ve announced a special guest they’ve long admired: Ichiko Aoba. Ichiko Aoba has gained worldwide acclaim for her delicate classical guitar work, angelic vocals and poetic sensibility. She has successfully performed at international festivals and major overseas tours, and even runs a bimonthly NTS radio show. BC, NR rose from South London’s indie scene to become what The Quietus calls ‘the best band in the world’. Their 2021 debut reached UK #4, while 2022’s Ants From Up There hit #3, and their set at Fuji Rock’s White Stage that year is still talked about today. As they continue to boldly evolve their sound with their latest record, anticipation is building for how it will translate live. Don’t miss this rare collaboration.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Dub Sessions returns with a line-up that unites three giants of the UK dub scene. Curated by Adrian Sherwood, the mastermind behind ON-U Sound, the long-running series has hosted icons from Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry to Horace Andy. This year, Sherwood takes the stage with a live dub performance alongside Tackhead and Sugar Hill’s Doug Wimbish, marking his first solo album in 13 years, The Collapse of Everything. Joining him is Mad Professor, the pioneering force of UK digital dub. Completing the bill is true legend Dennis Bovell, whose work with Matumbi, the Slits and the Pop Group shaped generations of British reggae and post-punk. Together, these three masters promise an unforgettable night of deep bass, hypnotic soundscapes, and dub in its most electrifying form.

Hidden away on the quiet streets of Shirokane-Takanawa, Chet is a natural wine bar with bistro-inspired fare, and in that order. It’s first and foremost a place for wine lovers, so come with the intent to drink well. The space strikes a balance between industrial and intimate, with exposed concrete, moody lighting and leafy indoor plants. There’s no printed wine list, but don’t let that throw you. Share your preferences with the owner, and you’ll be guided toward something thoughtful – ideally, something that pairs beautifully with your meal. The menu shifts with the seasons, but regulars often single out the house-made pâté de campagne, a meaty bistro staple that here has just the right balance of salty and umami flavour. The orange-marinated olives are another quiet standout, packed with herbs and spices that awaken the palate from the first bite. Service runs on a slower rhythm – it’s a one-man operation – so don’t come in a rush. Chet is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, glass in hand, music in the background. Reservations can be made via Instagram or phone.

This week sees the launch of the very first Omotesando Wart Fair, an event blending wine and art not only in spirit but also in name. Open to the public from August 28 to 30, the bash is taking place at Space O beneath Omotesando Hills. Bringing together some of Tokyo’s most forward-thinking restaurants – and special guests from abroad – the fair explores natural wine through the lens of art, fashion, music and shared experience. The organisers describe wine as a ‘device for cultivating culture’, with the event designed to connect people through flavour, time and expression. Alongside some of the city’s best food and wine, DJs will keep the energy high throughout the night. Featured participants include Massif (Ikejiri-Ohashi), AC House (Nishi-Azabu), Ukiyo (Yoyogi-Uehara) and Bar Part Time (San Francisco). In addition, a mystery guest wine shop is said to be joining on August 30. With curated selections, dynamic spaces and cross-cultural energy, Omotesando Wart Fair looks like one of of Tokyo’s most exciting new summer events for natural wine and art lovers.