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Koen-Dori Classics
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Koen-Dori Classics

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Brian McCrory
May 28, 2024
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Jazz of Japan
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Koen-Dori Classics
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Koen-Dori Classics jazz club, located near Shibuya station in Tokyo, Japan (website, map).

Ryoji Orihara (electric fretless bass) Group with Akemi Ohta (flute), Yuya Wakai (piano), and Manabu Hashimoto (drums) at Koen-Dori Classics in 2014

Koen-Dori Classics has the air of being a subdued yet musically expansive performance art space with an adjustable layout. Distinct from many other Tokyo clubs, this nice spot features a wide variety of acts, and one can imagine coming here to enjoy anything from improvisational jazz to classical concerts and even plays or performance pieces.

Ryosuke Hashizume's Trioplan with Koichi Sato (piano) and Ryo Noritake (drums) in August 2017

As you head towards Koen-Dori Classics, there may be the somewhat lost feeling of going the wrong way as you walk down to the end of a downward-sloping driveway and parking lot. The entrance is subtly tucked away from the street, creating a slightly reclusive, secret atmosphere. You may wonder if those who know about this place may like to keep it to themselves, creating an exclusive feeling as if you have been let on to a secret hideaway where a special kind of magic can happen.

Yukako Yamano and Evgeny Lebedev piano duo in March 2024

The simple menu features reasonably priced soft drinks, alcohol, and a few snacks, but nothing complicated and no meals. Although Koen-Dori Classics does offer convenience store-like items for modest prices, some customers seem to prefer to go to nearby convenience stores to buy and bring in their own drinks and snacks during the break.

Sign-spotting from the sidewalk

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