Tokyo jazz bars are plentiful and almost uniformly wonderful. Sizes and styles vary so I recommend reading about a place before checking it out. They are often insular places, a world created by the owner according to his or her own tastes. There are bars that play all genres of jazz and bars that play only one style. The record collections in many of these places will astound you... Read more at Tokyo Jazz Bars

Tokyo jazz cafes are `Kissaten`. `Kissaten`(喫茶店) in Japanese simply means a tea/coffee shop. `Jazz kissa`(Jazz cafes) sprung up in the 1950s and 60s as imported records in Japan were quite expensive, if available at all. Young jazz fans could go to these cafes, order one drink and then spend hours listening to the latest records. There were hundreds of these places all around the country and they played a huge part in making Japan the jazz-loving nation that it is... Read more at Tokyo Jazz Cafes

Tokyo jazz clubs are like bars..plentiful and multi-genre. Because you can hear live music at even the smallest of cafes in Japan, I classify a place as a "club" only if their main function is to put on live music. There will generally be a seating charge from ￥3000 upwards, with the option for food and drinks. Sizes vary but be prepared to have about 3 inches between tables and very little leg room... Read more at Tokyo Jazz Clubs

Tokyo jazz record shops will bankrupt you, it's that simple..Tokyo is legendary for attracting jazz collectors from around the world. Whether it's rare vinyl, Japan-only reissues, Live in Tokyo sets..whatever you are looking for you can find it here. The challenge is finding the shops... Read more at Tokyo Jazz Shops