Natural
Natural
Jazz of Japan #319 • Jul 19, 2025 • Brian McCrory
Natural music salon, located near Mitaka station in Tokyo, Japan
Music Salon Natural is a concert venue in Mitaka, a small town to the west of Tokyo. The town itself is probably most well-known by tourists to Japan for its Ghibli Museum, a widely-mentioned essential top for fans of anime and the popular Studio Ghibli movies.
As for this jazz spot Natural, the venue’s name is inspired by the goal of delivering music naturally (described as a natural sound/acoustics environment in ナチュラルの音環境) through an interesting variety of events, musicians, and styles.
On their blog, the owner of Natural introduces himself as a jazz lover for 55 years who opened Natural as a result of that legacy. All customers are welcome regardless of age and gender.
Natural has been in business for only a few years (est. 2023) but has established itself as a solid choice for live music due to its vibe and a well-chosen, consistent scheduling of popular local acts.
Those acts include piano solos and duos (twin piano performances with two pianos for occasional “four-hands” concert series), vocal groups, and small instrumental groups. In addition to jazz, there is a focus on classical and Latin music. Like with other venues, most performances are nighttime events, but Natural also has frequent daytime shows scheduled for weekends and holidays.
The wide-open and spartan interior of Natural creates a nice, clear sound with an immediate presence. The natural reverb of the room’s open space and higher-than-your-average-basement ceiling may be another motivation for the choice of name.
Distractions are minimal, and fresh flowers and subtle decorations add the essential extra dash of life. Like a classical concert setting, the ambience is natural and bright, not dark or dingy. In this relaxed setting, the musical acts perform close to the audience in an ample stage area (floor level), wide and comfortable enough so that neither section feels cramped.
The seats and tables are plain but functional, with two rows of tables and chairs with under-seat bins (featuring friendly Disney characters) for bags and personal items.
Natural’s menu is full of delicious foods and drinks, including small snacks, cheese, fruits, and a selection of meal plates cooked with care. Some of the options I’ve sampled are shown below. Prices are very reasonable.
Natural’s rule on photos is like many other venues and displayed (in Japanese) on menus and/or posted signs: No photos allowed during performances, but the rules may change depending on specific performers or schedules, and the manner of the photo-taking itself (using flash and audible camera sounds is always to be avoided, and being distracting to the performers or other audience members is an obvious violation). As usual, observing the behavior of other customers and staff members before taking a chance is a good strategy. It’s also a custom that guests are invited to take photos of or with the musicians after the performance, if the performers are willing and there is enough time before the shop closes.
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