Aries is a very local jazz live-house in the back streets of Ueno. By “local” I mean both the artists and customers; Aries feels like a place that people walk from their homes to. It’s a small square room with all the seats facing the stage, which is on the left when you walk in.
The nightly schedule almost always features vocal-led groups but in a variety of genres, not just standards and lite-bossa covers. Jazz spots like this are totally authentic and completely unpretentious, just some local artists and regulars enjoying music and drinks.
Station: Okachimachi – JR Yamanote Line
Exit: North
Distance from station: 4 minutes
Aries is easily accessible from JR Okachimachi, Ginza Subway Line – Ueno Hirokoji station exit 3, or Oedo Subway Line – Ueno Okachimachi station exit 4