Jazz Bar Gugan is a small bar in the east side of Tokyo, near both the Ochanomizu and Jimbocho areas. It was opened about 8 years ago by the friendly Yamamoto-san. You wouldn’t think it possible in such a small bar but there is live music once a twice a month. Yamamoto-san has a big collection of CDs (he was playing some live Wes Montgomery when I was last there) and quite a lot of whiskey. It’s a great place to stop by for a couple of drinks after some dinner or shopping in Jimbocho or Kanda.
(“Gugan” is a song by famous local pianist Yamashita Yosuke)
Station: Awajicho or Ogawamachi – Marunouchi, Toei Shinjuku Lines
Exit: B6
Distance from station: 4 minutes
Come out of exit B6 at Ogawamachi Station and walk straight. Turn left at Denny’s restaurant. Walk about 2 minutes and Jazz Bar Gugan is on the left side. You will hear music from the street!