Yokohama is a "Music City Where You Don't Need to Go to Tokyo"
To those of you looking for band members in Yokohama, I want to tell you something from the start. "You can complete your band activities entirely within Yokohama without needing to go to Tokyo."
I'm someone who has done music based in Tokyo, but Yokohama has everything—live houses, practice studios, jam sessions, and communities where you can find band mates. Moreover, it's all concentrated in walking distance within the Kannai, Noge, and Sakuragi-cho areas, so you won't end up scattered like in Tokyo with "studio in Shimokitazawa, live shows in Shinjuku, and bandmates' homes in Nerima."
Yokohama's music scene has a unique atmosphere. Just as Yuzu took flight from the street corners of Isezakicho to across Japan, and just as Crazy Ken Band turned Honmoku's essence into sound, this town has a culture of "creating music born here and playing it here." There's a Yokohama band scene that exists on its own terms, not as a copy of Tokyo.
This article provides a complete explanation of how to find band members in Yokohama, including detailed information about live houses and practice studios by area. While our regional guides for Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya didn't cover Yokohama, this city deserves its own dedicated coverage—it's part of the Tokyo metropolitan area yet has its own distinctive scene.
5 Ways to Find Band Members in Yokohama
First, let me organize the concrete methods for finding band members in Yokohama.
1. Use Member Recruitment Sites and Apps
This is the most convenient and efficient method. With Membo, you can view a list of member recruitment posts filtered by Kanagawa Prefecture or Yokohama City. You can specify by genre, instrument, and age group, so you can search precisely like "Yokohama × Rock × Bass Wanted."
Given that Yokohama is a major city with the second-largest population in Japan, there are plenty of member recruitment posts. As I wrote in "Common traits of people who can't find band members," if you wait thinking "maybe a better opportunity will come along," you'll never get started. Contact them immediately when something catches your eye. That's the golden rule.
2. Attend Live Houses
Yokohama's live houses are concentrated in Kannai, Noge, and Sakuragi-cho. Unlike Tokyo, you don't need to transfer between multiple train lines. The proximity where you can casually drop by to see a live on your way home from work is a strength of Yokohama's band scene.
Go to a live featuring a band in a genre you like, and approach them after the show. An opening line like "That was amazing!" can start a connection that's just as valuable in Yokohama as in Tokyo. It's also common for members of bands on the same bill to introduce you, saying "Our guitarist is leaving—do you know anyone?"
3. Participate in Jam Session Events
Yokohama is famous as a jazz city, but rock and blues sessions are also thriving. At Stormy Monday in Kannai you can enjoy blues and rock jams, at Jazz Spot Dolphy in Noge you can experience jazz sessions, and at BLUES ETTE in Shiraki you can enjoy genre-crossing sessions.
As I mentioned in "The Complete Beginner's Guide to Joining a Band," a jam session is a place where you can intuitively tell "I want to play with this person." Yokohama has plenty of such opportunities.
4. Studio Bulletin Boards and Communities
Major studios like Studio Penta Yokohama branch and Cloud Nine Studio Yokohama Nishi-guchi branch have member recruitment boards in their lobbies. If you use the same studio, there won't be conflicts about practice space, and you'll naturally become acquainted.
5. Music Store Events and Workshops
Shimamura Music at LaLaport Yokohama and Ishibashi Gakki Yokohama occasionally hold workshops and mini jam session events. Beyond just buying instruments, participating in these events makes it easier to find people who share your interests.
Kannai — The Heart of Yokohama's Band Scene
If you want to play in Yokohama, you must know Kannai. Centered around Kannai Station on the JR Negishi Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, this is the area where Yokohama's representative live houses are concentrated.
Yokohama BAYSIS
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Standing approx. 300 people |
| Genres | Rock, punk, alternative, indie |
| Location | 3-25 Tokiwama-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Sun Building 2F/B1F |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Kannai Station / 3-minute walk from Yokohama Municipal Subway Kannai Station |
| Official Website | yokohamabaysis.com |
An indispensable live house when discussing Yokohama's indie scene. It has a two-floor layout—the basement is the main stage, and the second floor is for acoustic performances and DJ events. Known as a launching pad for young bands, many bands have gone nationwide from here. The booking staff are attentive, and connections naturally form between performing bands. If you mention you're looking for members, you might get introduced by regular bands.
F.A.D YOKOHAMA (Flower and Dragon)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Standing approx. 380 people / Seating approx. 70 people |
| Genres | Rock, pop, diverse genres |
| Location | 168-1 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Layton House 1F |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on Minato Mirai Line / 15-minute walk from JR Kannai Station |
| Official Website | fad-music.com |
Opened in 1996, the name comes from "Flower And Dragon." With a 380-person capacity and located right next to Yamashita Park—a perfectly Yokohama-like location—it's a full-fledged live house. It hosts performances ranging from major to indie artists, and is popular as a venue for self-produced events. If you grasp the booking basics mentioned in "How to Get Your Band to Perform at Live Houses," you could try applying to perform here.
yokohama 7th AVENUE
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Standing approx. 250 people |
| Genres | Rock, punk, metal, indie |
| Location | 112-11 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, B1F |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Kannai Station / 7-minute walk from Nihon-odori Station on Minato Mirai Line |
| Official Website | 7th AVENUE Official |
Opened in 1985, one of Yokohama's oldest live houses with over 40 years of history. Located right next to Yokohama Stadium, it has launched countless young rock bands as a stepping stone. Becoming a regular here makes you a "face" of Yokohama's band scene. The stage's ability to accommodate bands of up to 8 members is also a plus.
Yokohama B.B.STREET
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Seating approx. 60 people / Standing approx. 120 people |
| Genres | Jazz, blues, rock, pop |
| Location | 3-33 Masago-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, CERTE 12F |
| Access | 0-minute walk from JR Kannai Station North Exit |
| Official Website | bbstreet.com |
A live house on the 12th floor of a building, known by the nickname "The Closest Live House to Heaven." Opened in 1997, its greatest asset is the outstanding access—0-minute walk from Kannai Station North Exit. Live performances happen daily from pros to indie artists, with a wide range of genres. You can see Mt. Fuji during the day and Yokohama's night view at night—a unique space you won't find elsewhere. If you participate in open mic events here, you can expect encounters transcending genres.
LIVE CAFE Stormy Monday
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Approx. 50 people |
| Genres | Blues, rock, fusion |
| Location | 1-3-3 Okina-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Daisan Yachi Building 2F |
| Access | 4-minute walk from JR Kannai Station South Exit |
| Official Website | stormymonday.jp |
A blues and rock live cafe opened in 1992. You can enjoy full-fledged live performances while tasting homemade pizza and organic-ingredient menus. A dense space where blues and rock lovers gather—become a regular here and you'll naturally find blues-oriented bandmates. Session nights are held regularly, and meetings that start from drop-in participation are common.
Noge and Sakuragi-cho — The Streets of Jazz, Alcohol, and Music
Five minutes on foot from Sakuragi-cho Station, Noge is Yokohama's premier dining and drinking district with over 600 establishments. But Noge's charm isn't just its bars. This town has jazz and blues woven into its fabric. Every October, the "Yokohama Jazz Promenade" festival turns shops in the Noge area into concert venues. Music is part of this town's identity.
Jazz Spot Dolphy
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Approx. 50 seats |
| Genre | Jazz |
| Location | 2-17-4 Miyagawa-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Daiichi Nishimura Building 2F |
| Access | 6-minute walk from JR Sakuragi-cho Station / 3-minute walk from Keikyu Hinodecho Station |
| Official Website | dolphy-jazzspot.com |
An established name in Yokohama's jazz scene, born in Yokohama Honmoku in 1980 and moved to Noge in 1990. Its interior unified in wood materials has wonderful acoustics, welcoming everyone from legendary jazz greats to rising young musicians. If you're looking to meet jazz musicians, I recommend starting by visiting here regularly. There are many session opportunities.
Thumbs Up
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Approx. 100 people |
| Genres | Rock, pop, jazz, diverse genres |
| Location | 2-1-22 Minami-saiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Sotetsu Movie Building 3F |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Yokohama Station West Exit |
| Official Website | stovesyokohama.com |
A live bar and restaurant at Yokohama Station West Exit. An elegant Yokohama-style space where you can enjoy live performances while eating homemade burgers. Live shows happen daily across all genres, and you can casually enjoy live music while dining—perfect for those who find traditional live houses intimidating. It's not uncommon for bands to form from connections made here.
JAM THE SECOND
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Approx. 40 people |
| Genres | Jazz, pop, folk |
| Location | 2-68-4 Hanasaki-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama |
| Access | 3-minute walk from JR Sakuragi-cho Station |
| Official Website | jam-second.com |
A live studio run by Yokohama Jam Music Academy. Given its operation by an established music school that has been promoting music in Yokohama since 1978, it's a fully equipped professional space with grand piano, PA equipment, and LED lighting. Jazz live performances and sessions are held monthly, creating opportunities to connect with academy students and alumni. The excellent access—3-minute walk from Sakuragi-cho Station—is also appealing.
Yokohama Practice Studios — Fewer Options Than Tokyo, But Better Value
Yokohama doesn't have as many studios as Tokyo, but the major chains cover the bases well, so you won't be left wanting. Let me introduce Yokohama's main studios using the criteria outlined in "How to Choose a Band Practice Studio."
Studio Penta Yokohama Branch
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Rooms | 6 rooms |
| Business Hours | 10:00–24:00 (24-hour available) |
| Location | 2-20-1 Minami-saiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, I's BLDG |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Yokohama Station West Exit |
| Official Website | studiopenta.jp |
A major nationwide chain. Its characteristic feature is uniquely conceived rooms by concept, with Wi-Fi included. The roofed entrance makes it easy to move equipment in rainy weather. Individual practice can be booked from 10 PM the previous day, allowing you to make efficient use of available time.
Cloud Nine Studio Yokohama Nishi-guchi Branch
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Rooms | 6 rooms (12 to 20 tatami mats) |
| Band Practice | ¥1,700–¥2,800/hour |
| Individual Practice | ¥800–¥1,200/hour |
| Business Hours | Weekdays 10:00–6:30 the next day / Weekends & holidays 9:00–6:30 the next day |
| Location | 2-20-4 Minami-saiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Yokohama Station |
| Official Website | cloud-9-studio.com |
A local chain centered in Kanagawa Prefecture. Besides the Yokohama Nishi-guchi branch, there's also a Yokohama Kita-guchi branch, allowing you to use two locations around Yokohama Station. Since it's open until late night and early morning, working musicians appreciate being able to practice at times late after work.
Yokohama vs. Tokyo Practice Studio Pricing Comparison
| Item | Yokohama (Cloud Nine) | Tokyo (Noah Shinjuku) |
|---|---|---|
| Band Practice (2 hours) | ¥3,400–¥5,600 | ¥4,400–¥7,200 |
| Individual Practice (1 hour) | ¥800–¥1,200 | ¥900–¥1,400 |
| Per Person for 4-person band (2 hours) | ¥850–¥1,400 | ¥1,100–¥1,800 |
| Late-night Hours | Until 6:30 the next day | Until 6:00 the next day (varies by location) |
Yokohama studio rates are about 70–80% of Tokyo prices. As I wrote in "The Real Cost of Band Activities," the savings add up to over ¥10,000 per year just from monthly studio fees. Being able to afford more practice sessions with the savings is a clear Yokohama advantage.
Sessions and Jam Events — Yokohama is More Than Just a "Jazz City"
Yokohama has a strong image as a "Jazz City." Indeed, the "Yokohama Jazz Promenade" held every October is Japan's largest citizen jazz festival, with halls in Minato Mirai and Kannai, plus live houses and bars in Noge transforming into jazz venues. During this period, the entire city is bathed in music, and it's the perfect opportunity for musicians to meet.
But Yokohama's session scene goes beyond jazz alone.
- LIVE CAFE Stormy Monday — Blues and rock sessions. Open session nights where drop-ins are welcome
- Jazz Spot Dolphy — Jazz sessions. Opportunities to perform with professional musicians
- BLUES ETTE (Shiraki) — Wide-ranging sessions including jazz, Latin, and bossa nova. Located in front of Shiraki Station on the Toyoko Line
- Kikuna JAM (Kikuna) — Jam sessions year-round, 365 days a year. Host members in residence daily
As I wrote in "Is the Drummer Shortage Really a Thing?" if you attend sessions regularly, you'll naturally hear things like "we need a drummer" or "we're looking for a bass player." Yokohama's session scene isn't as massive as Tokyo's, but that's actually an advantage—you become known faces much more quickly. After a few visits, people will start greeting you with "Oh, you're back again!"
Famous Bands and Artists from Yokohama or with Yokohama Connections
You can understand just how much of a music city Yokohama is by looking at the roster of artists born here.
| Artist Name | Yokohama Connection | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Yuzu | From Isogo Ward, Yokohama. Performed street lives in Isezakicho and went nationwide | Folk/Pop |
| Crazy Ken Band | Yokoyama Ken is from Yokohama. Formed at Italian Garden in Honmoku in 1997 | Rock/Soul/Popular song |
| GODIEGO | Mickey Yoshino is from Yokohama | Rock/Fusion |
| Princess Princess | Tomita Kyoko is from Totsuka Ward, Yokohama | Girls' Rock |
| Hata Motohiro | Lives in Yokohama. Honed his skills at Yokohama live houses like 7th AVENUE | Singer-Songwriter |
Particularly Yuzu and Crazy Ken Band are artists who transformed Yokohama's very essence into music. Yuzu's Kitagawa Yushin and Iwasawa Atsushi are from the same middle school in Isogo Ward, Yokohama. They started street performing in front of the Matsuzakaya in Isezakicho, and their final street performance drew over 7,000 people in a typhoon—a legendary story. Crazy Ken Band's Yokoyama Ken formed the band in Honmoku and is known for songs like "Tiger & Dragon" and "GT" that carry Yokohama's scent.
What they prove is that you can reach the entire nation with your music from Yokohama without needing to go to Tokyo.
Complete Picture of Band Activity Costs in Yokohama
I've also organized costs by city in "The Real Cost of Band Activities" and "How to Find Band Members in Osaka," so let me compile the Yokohama version too.
| Item | Monthly Budget (Yokohama) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Fees (2×/month, 2 hours each) | ¥1,700–¥2,800 | Per person (split 4 ways) |
| Live Performances (1×/month) | ¥3,000–¥8,000 | When using ticket quota system |
| Transportation | ¥2,000–¥5,000 | Less if living in Yokohama |
| Strings/Consumables | ¥1,000–¥3,000 | Guitar strings: monthly change recommended |
| After-gig/Social Expenses | ¥3,000–¥5,000 | Noge bars are cheap and delicious |
| Total | ¥10,700–¥23,800 | ¥2,000–¥5,000 less than Tokyo |
Yokohama's band activity costs are about 80–90% of Tokyo's. The difference isn't dramatic, but the real point is that "everything can be completed within Yokohama." Simply removing the commuting costs to Tokyo and travel time saves several thousand yen and hours per month. That's time you can dedicate to practice instead.
And there's one privilege unique to Yokohama bandsmen: the ability to celebrate a successful set in Noge's bars. With over 600 options that are both cheap and delicious, the post-gig drink becomes your next source of motivation.
Conclusion — Yokohama is a "Just Right" City for Musicians
Yokohama is neither overwhelmingly huge like Tokyo nor so limited in options like rural cities. It's a "just right" city for musicians, I believe.
With live houses concentrated in Kannai, jazz and blues to explore in Noge, studios to practice in Sakuragi-cho, and meeting bandmates around Yokohama Station—everything is within walking distance or 1–2 train stops. This is Yokohama's strength, something Tokyo can't offer.
And this city has the track record proven by Yuzu and Crazy Ken Band: "From Yokohama to the Nation." As I wrote in "Guides to Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Sendai," music rooted in your hometown is strong. If you can turn Yokohama's identity directly into your music, it becomes a band that no one else can replicate.
The first step in searching for members is to check Yokohama member recruitment posts on Membo. Once you find candidates online, contact them immediately. Then visit live houses in Kannai and Noge. Yokohama's music scene is closer than you think.
Now, go find your perfect bandmates in Yokohama.
