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!