Joined 2024
Stephen Y.
Available Areas
Tokyo (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
About Tour Guide Stephen Y.
Hello! I'm Stephen. Originally from London, I've had the privilege of calling Tokyo my home for the past 20-odd years. Japan is a beautiful country, and my first visit here left me deeply touched by the kindness of numerous strangers. Whether this is your first visit or you're returning to explore more, I hope our encounter will be memorable and will add to your experience of this wonderful country.
Tokyo is a jazz lover's paradise and is truly blessed with a large number of good joints, from intimate underground spots to historic venues. As a jazz fan, I love exploring the city's live jazz clubs and unique jazz kissas (cafés). Live jazz clubs are fantastic - there's nothing quite like the excitement of a performance unfolding in real time, with the energy shared between the musicians and the audience. I believe live jazz is at its best when it's close, warm, and communal - which is why I'm particularly fond of the smaller, more intimate clubs favored by talented local and visiting musicians. Jazz kissas offer a very different, yet equally captivating experience - they are relaxed spaces to enjoy carefully selected vinyl played on high-quality systems, and sometimes learn from a passionate owner about all things jazz through conversation. Many kissas are also known for their Nel drip coffee - a slow, hand-poured method using a cotton cloth filter, a Japanese favorite rarely seen elsewhere.
On my tours, we can explore a jazz-rich neighborhood such as Kichijoji or Shimokitazawa, join a local jam session (if you're a musician), or do a 'jazz kissa crawl', visiting two or three kissas in one evening to experience their different expressions. I can offer personalized tours tailored to your musical interests. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or requests!
Important
Generally, I'm only available on weekdays after 18:00, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
Jazz night in Shimokitazawa + record shops
Let’s explore Shimokitazawa, Tokyo's bohemian paradise known for its eclectic charm and vibrant arts scene. Just 3 minutes by train from Shibuya, this trendy neighborhood boasts narrow streets lined with vintage shops, cozy cafes, and quirky bars. Shimokitazawa is also a hidden gem for jazz lovers, featuring intimate clubs, jazz kissas (cafes), and an array of record shops. The plan below is an example of what we can do, and I will be happy to tailor it based on your musical preferences.
Jazz night in Shimokitazawa + record shops
Jazz night in Kichijoji + Harmonica Yokocho
Let me guide you around Kichijoji, a vibrant neighborhood just 15 minutes out from Shinjuku that is often regarded as Tokyo's premier jazz town. Consistently ranked as one of Tokyo's top three most desirable places to live, Kichijoji offers laid back cafes, inviting eateries, charming bars, and diverse shopping, all set against the stunning backdrop of Inokashira Park. The plan below is only an example of what we can do. I will be happy to tailor the plan based on your musical preferences.
Jazz night in Kichijoji + Harmonica Yokocho
Reviews
Lesley L.
“Jazz bar and kissa tour”
We had a memorable tour with Stephen in an area of Tokyo that’s off the tourist trail and all the better for it, in our opinion. We love all kinds of live music and when we read Stephen’s profile we knew he would be able to help us. Stephen took time to research our preference’s to plan a perfect experience for us. He was very thorough and ensured we had input throughout the process. His knowledge and love of jazz added to our experience. To start the evening we had a delicious Japanese style curry, which was our choice from a number of options. This was followed by a visit to an established authentic jazz club to listen to a live trio followed by a visit to a 50 + year old jazz kissa, owned by the daughter of the founder. You don’t have to be a jazz specialist, you just need a love of live and quality recorded music to enjoy this evening. Stephen was a brilliant host and good company. If you want to do something different when in Tokyo we would highly recommend doing this. Thanks again Stephen
Stephen Y.
Thank you so much, Lesley, for taking the time and care to write such a thoughtful review - it truly means a lot. It was a real pleasure spending the evening with you and Craig, traveling across Tokyo to experience some of the city's jazz joints together. I especially appreciated Craig's love for quality sound systems and enjoyed hearing his anecdotes on the topic :) Wishing you both a wonderful time for the rest of your holiday in Japan!
William S.
“A Wonderful tour”
Stephen picked wonderful clubs for us to get a flavor of the jazz scene in Tokyo. HIghly recommend this tour.
Stephen Y.
Thanks William, it was a pleasure to show you and your family some of my favorite jazz joints.
Mark H.
“Jazz night tour”
Had an amazing time! Got to experience some really cool little jazz clubs and had the best ramen with Stephen. Very knowledgeable guide with flawless English. This is a must-try tour for those looking for something eclectic and off the beaten path.
Stephen Y.
Thanks Mark, I had a good time too!
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