Hot House

Jazz of Japan #163 • May 16, 2023 • Brian McCrory

Hot House jazz club, located near Takadanobaba station in Tokyo, Japan (permanently closed)

Popularly known as “the smallest jazz bar in the world”, Hot House provides a fun and unique experience. Although the history here is long and rich, like a much-loved old car, I’m not sure how many more years are left on the engine, so it’s best to make it here while you can and experience something truly like nowhere else.

While jazz is the main item on the menu, Hot House is a tiny bar that can also satisfy a huge appetite. During the performance and intermission, you will be served a variety of homemade food. Aki-san, the owner and chef, spends most of the time in the kitchen cooking up the dishes and bringing them out while you enjoy the music. Follow the lead of your neighbors and take a paper plate and a pair of chopsticks and watch the food appear, coming around the table like an indoor jazz picnic.

This space is tiny so it’s best to arrive on time to take a seat at the small rectangular table. While the atmosphere may be described as cozy and homey (some may even say dingy), it feels a bit like a beloved old garage with a piano, an old tv, boxes, and who knows what else stacked all over. The walls are covered with papers announcing the upcoming music schedules and photos of past performances.

Once the music starts and the dishes are brought out, most of the shoulder-to-shoulder customers may start eating while listening. Typically there is a short break after which another second set is performed, and after that, the musicians may also sit at the table, eat, and join in the conversation. Depending on the atmosphere, people may start to leave here or may stay and chat with the musicians and Aki-san.

From Takadanobaba station it’s about a 10-minute walk down the street to Hot House. You may feel like you must have missed it somewhere since there doesn’t seem to be much else going on this far from the station. Just keep going and looking out closely for the small sign Hot House sign.

Last thing to note and it’s worth saying again: this precious Tokyo gem has almost closed down once before; it would be a shame to miss stopping by Hot House at least once before it closes its doors for good, someday, perhaps before we know it.

For more information:

• Hot House’s website
• Located near Takadanobaba station in Tokyo, Japan

Note: Hot House has permanently closed.

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