Genius

Genius.jpg
スズノビル1F, 3 Chome-2-10 Honchō, Nakano-ku
Honchō 3 Chome 2-10 Nakano-ku Tōkyō-to JP
03-3372-347103-3372-3471

Genius was one of Shibuya’s more famous jazz cafes for more than 20 years before increasing rents pushed them out, necessitating a move to sleepy Nakano-Shinbashi, a bit west of Shinjuku.

It is owned and operated by the lovely Suzuki-family, a warm and chatty couple with many jazz stories in their past. The cafe is filled with beautiful black & white photos taken at gigs over the years, as well as a substantial collection of Japanese jazz magazines and journals. The main attraction at Genius though is the huge record collection; Suzuki-san humbly claimed it was only ‘a couple thousand, with some more at home’ but there’s certainly more than that. By my eye test I’d guess 5000+, and word from some customers is that they have another 5000 at home, rotating what they bring to the cafe. When I was last there he pulled out an amazing John Coltrane in Europe bootleg featuring Eric Dolphy, an absolute treasure.

The sound system is pristine and there is tasty cake and coffee on the menu, plus the usual alcohol options. Genius is yet another perfect spot to spend an afternoon listening to jazz.  Pictures of Genius are over at Tokyo Jazz Joints.

Size
31-40
Food
Yes
Directions

Station: Nakano-Shimbashi -Marunouchi Line

Exit: only one exit

Distance from station: 3 minutes

Come out of the station and turn left on the main street. Walk 1 minute and cross the bridge, then turn right at Bar Acqua. Walk straight down two minutes (past the post office on your right) and you will see the yellow sign for Genius.

Date published
02/18/2009 UPDATED March 2016
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