Masako

Masako (マサコ) 2.0 is the successor shop to one of Japan’s most classic jazz kissa, the original Masako that closed in 2010. Current owner Moeko-san (also known as keyboardist in the wonderful Minyo Crusaders band) used to work in the original shop, and in the years between the original’s closure and the new joint, she was able to help preserve the record collection and much of the decor (and even crockery!) Moeko re-opened Masako 2.0 in Spring 2020 in a smaller space, but still in Shimo-Kitazawa, just round the corner from the east exit of the station.

The new shop is cozy, warm, with almost all seats facing the speakers, and a huge floor to ceiling cabinet of vinyl. Masako plays the whole history of jazz so you’re just as likely to hear some hard-bop, then Billy Harper then the latest from the London jazz scene, the volume loud but clean and clear.

Moeko also cooks up some of the tastiest food of any jazz kissa (admittedly, the bar is low for food in jazz kissas…) and also kept the lovely マサコ labeled coffee mugs and plates from the original shop. With good coffee, those tasty lunches, and then a couple beers on the menu, you can easily spend the whole afternoon into evening just lost in the sounds at Masako. It’s one of Tokyo’s best jazz spots (and it’s popular so be prepared to wait sometimes!)

In Oct 2025 Masako opened a second branch also in Shimo-Kitazawa, profile coming soon!

No Smoking, no loud talking please, this is a pure jazz kissa meant for listening! Open 1200 – 2200, closed Thursdays.