Jazz Club Pit Inn in Tokyo is one of the most well-known and respected jazz clubs in Tokyo, and for good reason. In business since 1965, this authentically genuine jazz spot is very popular with local music fans, and the popular spot also gets its share of tourists dropping in. Since its original opening, the club has relocated once and also opened other branches and related businesses such as rehearsal and recording spaces. Currently, Pit Inn’s main venue for hearing live music is the club which opened in 1992 in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
On the short list of the must-visit jazz spots in Tokyo, Pit Inn is up there, definitely in the top ten spots to catch live jazz in Japan. Pit Inn is authentic, reasonably priced, runs a well-oiled system, has great sound and lighting, and offers an excellent variety of jazz shows on a twice-daily basis.
The acts that play at Pit Inn include the best of local professional musicians, young up-and-coming musicians, and touring musicians from overseas as well. On occasion, there are also special events like competitions and amateur jam or practice sessions, but in general, the main focus is on live shows.
Both afternoon and evening concerts are scheduled for nearly every day, each show usually featuring different groups or musicians. Although worldwide artists also play at this club, local Japanese artists are often featured at Pit Inn, providing an easy and comfortable way to get to know different facets of the Tokyo jazz scene.
From outside, Pit Inn can be reached from either of two street entrances, down a set of stairs, and through an interior lobby where early and eager customers may be waiting for the door to open. As for the club’s interior, Pit Inn sits in the sweet spot of not being too large and not too small, reliably supplying the comfort of a small concert hall-type room for live jazz with organized rows of seats and tables lined up to face the stage.
Sitting in the front row puts you right up against the stage (possibly too close for many) and provides a natural, live sound from the instruments and the best view. Yet, taller customers may worry about sitting up front and disturbing or blocking the view of people who are seated behind them, as all seats sit on the same level and the stage itself is not extremely elevated.
Alternatively, sitting near the middle or back of the room allows for more of the live sound to be delivered and mixed through the speaker system, creating a different balance and quality. This position also provides a nice visual overview of the entire stage at once, provided the view from your seat is relatively unobstructed. The wide seating area gives several choices of different angles and interesting variety from which to watch and listen to the show.
During performances, in addition to the music and high-quality audio, the atmosphere is greatly enhanced by the mood lighting. Vivid colors of blue, green, purple, and red elegantly shine and light up the dark stage. Color tints change as does the music, creating a series of different atmospheres influenced by the music and providing further immersion for the audience.
As tempting as it is to take photos of the performers in this cool setting, photo-taking is usually not allowed here, as noted with a warning on a strictly worded sign at the entrance. Like some other spots in Japan, there is an audience-oriented consideration that customers (as well as the onstage performers) are not disturbed by shutter sounds, bright flashes, or the glow of screens held up in a dark room. However, the staff at Pit Inn may take and provide professional photos of certain events online, and sometimes at low-key, daytime events a quick photo taken without flash will be overlooked if it does not disturb anyone. It’s always best to ask beforehand, though, and when in doubt, restraint is probably best as it makes it easier to enjoy the music without worrying about anything.
Depending on the specific show, this club can be packed or even sold out, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation by phone or email, especially for popular performers or when the event has gotten a lot of attention. Arriving extra early can sometimes help, but if the show is sold out or extremely full, no seats may be available.
Customers without reservations will line up outside along with those with reservations. After all the people with reservations have been let in (and after they pick their seats), then people without reservations are admitted.
Although the cost of admission depends on the night and the specific performers, the price typically includes one free drink like coffee, beer, or mixed drinks. Large meals are not served but a few light snacks like mixed nuts are available.
Some great souvenirs are also on sale: key chains, card cases, t-shirts, CDs, and even a book (in Japanese) celebrating the long history of this famous jazz club. Usually, that day’s musicians will also offer any CDs they have for sale at a table next to the entrance.
In a corner near the restroom area, Pit Inn also stores racks of pamphlets and information for local jazz musicians. There may also be some printed schedules and flyers for other jazz bars in Tokyo. While these may be challenging for non-Japanese speakers to decode, those who are seeking out local jazz clubs and musicians will find this a great way to collect more information to make the most of your Japanese jazz tour.
For more information:
Pit Inn’s social media and an older photo blog
Located near Shinjuku Sanchome station in Tokyo