Go where you’re invited
Some of the best music bars you’ll visit in Kōenji are the ones you didn’t find on an online listicle. It’s those bars that locals take you to late one night after a beer or four.
One of the staff members at Kiraku playing in the alternative melodic rock band, the denisons
We were lucky enough to be invited to such a bar on our third night.
Kiraku Music Ware House is located several minutes south of Kōenji station up two flights of stairs. It was completely off our radar before we landed, but we ended up spending three nights there in just one week.
Run by four music enthusiasts who combine daytime work with playing in multiple bands, Kiraku has that easy at-home feeling that makes you want to come back.
The events hosted at Kiraku vary – some days it feels like you accidentally ended up in a private party full of Japanese hippies and other days the small bar is crowded with international guests.
Doom metal band, Shizumu Namari, at Kiraku Music Ware House
The Texan stoner metal band, Duel, at Kiraku Music Ware House
What makes this place special is no matter what event you end up going to, it feels like everyone’s having the best time – especially the occasional business men who look like they rushed there right after work, having only changed their shoes at the station.
Text: Ikumi Maekawa / Photos: Daniel Ågren
Kiraku Music Ware House: Google Maps
the denisons: Youtube, Instagram