Dug

Dug jazz bar, located near Shinjuku station in Tokyo, Japan (website, map).

Relaxing with great music and atmosphere in a dark corner of Dug

Well-regarded and oft-mentioned, the dark and soulful jazz cafe Dug may be one of the first stops on a jazz seeker’s quest in Japan. For many years, Dug has been one of the few jazz bars listed in popular guidebooks and tourist information.

Upon entering Dug, a short staircase leads visitors down into a classic, cool basement bar with appropriate music filling up the space. The atmosphere is simple and intimate, and depending on the hour can be subdued and quiet, suitable for listening, reading, and quiet conversation. Customers are offered coffee, alcohol, and light snacks while enjoying the comfortable setting with quality music choices playing through the shop. For visiting jazz fans, Dug is a must-stop, and often a first-stop, on the list of venerable Tokyo jazz spots, and this classic Japanese jazz cafe can also be a satisfying respite for curious walkers and general adventurers as well.

Yet, as with many things in a perpetually active city like Tokyo, changes accumulated over the years, and various details and rumors about Dug may easily confuse new customers looking for this shop. Is Dug still operating? Is live music performed here? Is there a cover charge? Is this place actually called Dig, Dug, or New Dug?

Sources may differ due to the various guidebooks publishing the information that is current at the time, which makes it hard to track down this jazz landmark. Fortunately, some answers are revealed on the official website through a historical outline that lists multiple storefronts and locations, explained below.