Why "Live Houses": The Heart of Japan's Music Scene
When discussing Japan's music scene, "live houses" are an unavoidable presence. They have a unique culture different from Western "clubs" or "venues," and almost all major Japanese artists started their careers at live houses. ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, NUMBER GIRL, Quruli — bands that have left their mark on Japanese rock history all honed their skills at small live houses in Shimokitazawa and Shinjuku.
Tokyo alone has over 800 live houses, with thousands of bands taking the stage every night. From underground venues with 50-person capacity to large venues exceeding 1,000 people, the scale and genres are diverse. However, for foreign musicians, this richness can also be a source of confusion.
Which venue suits your genre? How do you book shows? What is a "quota"? — This guide will answer all these questions. If you haven't found band members in Japan yet, first check out How Foreign Musicians Can Find Band Members in Japan.
Essential Live House System You Should Know First
Quota System (Ticket Quota)
The most important concept in Japanese live houses is the quota system. Performing bands are obligated to "buy" a certain number of tickets in advance. A typical quota is 15-25 tickets (1,500-2,500 yen each), with bands bearing costs of approximately 15,000-50,000 yen.
If you gather an audience and sell tickets, that becomes your income (ticket back). The portion exceeding the quota is usually returned to the band at 50-80%. In other words, it's a system where you can profit if you have drawing power.
Advice for Foreign Musicians: Don't fear paying the full quota out of pocket for your first performance. Consider the first few times as "tuition." 15,000-30,000 yen, when split among 3-4 members, is only 5,000-10,000 yen per person. As an investment to participate in Tokyo's music scene, it's not an unreasonable amount.
Booking Methods
There are mainly two ways to perform at live houses:
- Booking (Live house organizes events) — The live house booking staff plans events and gathers bands with matching genres and atmospheres. Performance requests are made through application forms or email on the venue's website.
- Rental (Self-organized events) — You rent the venue by time slot and organize your own event. This is for advanced users and costs more.
For beginners, we strongly recommend booking performances. Live house staff handle matching with other bands and scheduling adjustments, reducing your burden.
Taiban (Multi-band) Culture
Japanese live houses mainly use the "taiban" format where 3-5 bands perform in one evening. Each band's set time is usually 25-40 minutes. This format gives you the chance to have other bands' fans hear your music too. If you become friends with the other bands, relationships form where you invite each other to future events, expanding your network.
Top 10 Recommended Live Houses in Tokyo
1. Shimokitazawa SHELTER
| Capacity | Approximately 250 people |
| Genre | Indie rock, alternative, punk |
| Quota estimate | Around 20 tickets (approximately 30,000-40,000 yen) |
| Access | 3-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu Line, Keio Inokashira Line) |
| Official Website | SHELTER (LOFT PROJECT) |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Opened in 1991. Called the holy land of Japan's indie rock scene. Countless bands including Quruli, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, and Fujifabric have performed on this stage. The stairs leading underground, dim lighting, and close proximity to the audience — there's a unique atmosphere you can only experience at SHELTER.
For Foreign Musicians: SHELTER has high-quality booking and emphasizes genre compatibility when organizing events. Submit your application by email with music samples (demo CD, SoundCloud, YouTube links). When English communication is needed, it's best to write in concise Japanese and English side by side.
2. Shinjuku LOFT
| Capacity | Approximately 500 people |
| Genre | Punk, rock, alternative, talk events |
| Quota estimate | 20-25 tickets (approximately 35,000-50,000 yen) |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit / Seibu-Shinjuku Station |
| Official Website | Shinjuku LOFT (LOFT PROJECT) |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Established in 1976, one of Tokyo's most historic live houses. As the center of Japan's punk and rock movement, it has supported Tokyo's music scene for half a century. The stage size and sound quality are first-class for a 500-person venue.
For Foreign Musicians: LOFT operates as "Shinjuku Loft Project" with affiliated venues (Naked LOFT, LOFT/PLUS ONE, etc.) and is known for being open to new bands. With many talk events and subcultural events, you can experience culture beyond music.
3. Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO
| Capacity | Approximately 800 people |
| Genre | Rock, pop, world music, R&B, hip-hop |
| Quota estimate | Booking system (based on ability and track record) |
| Access | 5-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station (opposite Shibuya PARCO) |
| Official Website | Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
A mid-size live house in Shibuya operated by PARCO. One of the most internationally diverse venues as it frequently hosts overseas artists' Japan tours. The sound equipment is industry-leading, with professional lighting and staging.
For Foreign Musicians: CLUB QUATTRO is for established bands, but there are opportunities through affiliated events and audition projects. It's realistic to first attend as an audience member to understand the atmosphere before aiming to perform. Many bands set "performing at QUATTRO someday" as their goal, and building activities toward that is part of Tokyo's band scene appeal.
4. Shibuya WWW / WWW X
| Capacity | WWW: Approximately 500 people / WWW X: Approximately 200 people |
| Genre | Electronica, post-rock, indie, hip-hop, experimental music |
| Quota estimate | Booking system (curation-focused) |
| Access | 7-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station (Spain-zaka, in Rise Building) |
| Official Website | Shibuya WWW |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Located in the depths of Shibuya's entertainment district, one of the venues with the most creative programming. A unique space converted from a former cinema, frequently hosting cross-cultural events including not just music but art, video, and talks. Located on two floors in the Rise Building on Spain-zaka, different atmosphere events sometimes occur simultaneously.
For Foreign Musicians: WWW has the lowest genre barriers. For artists who don't fit existing categories — electronica, post-rock, experimental music, hip-hop — this might be the most comfortable place. There are relatively many collaboration events with English-speaking artists, so it's worth keeping an eye on.
5. Shimokitazawa BASEMENTBAR
| Capacity | Approximately 250 people |
| Genre | Punk, garage, noise, hardcore |
| Quota estimate | 15-20 tickets (approximately 20,000-30,000 yen) |
| Access | 2-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station |
| Official Website | BASEMENTBAR |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
As the name suggests, a basement bar and live house. Features a triangular stage with virtually no boundary between stage and audience, where bands and audience unite in sweat and passion. Essential for punk and garage rock scenes. Renovated in 2021, reborn as an even more comfortable space.
For Foreign Musicians: BASEMENTBAR's biggest advantage is relatively low quotas. Perfect for first-time live house performances. If you like loud, rough music, start here. It's close to SHELTER, so you can even bar-hop both venues on the same night.
6. Koenji HIGH
| Capacity | Approximately 280 people |
| Genre | Punk, alternative, mixture, reggae |
| Quota estimate | 15-20 tickets (approximately 25,000-35,000 yen) |
| Access | 3-minute walk from JR Chuo Line Koenji Station |
| Official Website | KOENJI HIGH |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
The representative live house of Koenji, the center of Tokyo's punk/alternative culture. Features a two-story open ceiling with spacious atmosphere. Also houses "cafe AMP" on the 1st floor. Koenji is known as "Tokyo's downtown punk town" with a unique atmosphere of densely packed vintage shops, curry restaurants, and live houses. During the annual Koenji Awa Odori festival in August, the entire town becomes a celebration with special events at live houses.
For Foreign Musicians: Koenji attracts core music fans compared to Shimokitazawa or Shibuya. Suitable for bands that want to pursue their music rather than seeking mainstream appeal. Koenji has other unique venues like 20000V, MISSION'S, and Muryoku Muzenji, with many bands basing their activities in this area.
7. Shimokitazawa ERA
| Capacity | Approximately 200 people |
| Genre | Indie rock, shoegaze, post-punk, dream pop |
| Quota estimate | 18-22 tickets (approximately 27,000-40,000 yen) |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station (Primavere Shimokitazawa 4F) |
| Official Website | shimokitazawa ERA |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
A live house in Shimokitazawa's back alleys, beloved by bands who care about sound. While many live houses are underground, ERA is uniquely located on the 4th floor of a building. If SHELTER represents the "mainstream" of indie rock, ERA is a place where slightly more experimental and delicate music gathers. A holy land for bands seeking beauty within the roar — shoegaze, post-punk, dream pop.
For Foreign Musicians: ERA is known for having booking staff with good ears. They carefully match genre compatibility, so even first-time performers rarely feel "out of place." Also, shoegaze and post-rock are genres that cross borders easily, offering the advantage of connecting through sound even without Japanese language skills.
8. Spotify O-EAST
| Capacity | Approximately 1,300 people |
| Genre | Rock, pop, dance, club events |
| Quota estimate | Booking system (mainly large events) |
| Access | 10-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station (Dogenzaka direction) |
| Official Website | Spotify O-EAST (All O-Group venues) |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Flagship venue of Shibuya's large live house group "O-Group" (Spotify acquired naming rights in 2021). The 1,300-person floor is among the largest of Tokyo's live houses. The same building houses Spotify O-WEST (approximately 500 people), Spotify O-Crest (approximately 250 people), Spotify O-nest (approximately 200 people) and other different-sized venues, creating a structure where you can step up according to your career stage.
For Foreign Musicians: Performing at O-EAST is a goal for intermediate to advanced performers, but O-nest and O-Crest are open to new bands. Especially O-nest has many curated events with an attitude of discovering interesting bands. Aim first for O-nest performances, build track record toward O-WEST, and eventually O-EAST — this clear career path is the appeal of the O-Group.
9. Shimokitazawa CLUB Que
| Capacity | Approximately 280 people |
| Genre | Rock, pop, punk, emo |
| Quota estimate | Around 20 tickets (approximately 30,000-40,000 yen) |
| Access | 3-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station |
| Official Website | CLUB Que |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Among Shimokitazawa's live houses, this venue has a reputation for excellent sound quality. High-level PA (sound operators), with the reputation that "bands sound better when they play at CLUB Que." Since opening in 1994, it has become an important home ground for many bands.
For Foreign Musicians: Especially recommended for bands particular about sound. CLUB Que staff are relatively friendly and known for courteous treatment of performers. Shimokitazawa has world-class live houses within walking distance — SHELTER, BASEMENTBAR, ERA, and CLUB Que — letting you experience the essence of Tokyo's music scene in one neighborhood.
10. Shinjuku Marble
| Capacity | Approximately 60 seated / approximately 100 standing |
| Genre | Singer-songwriter, acoustic, indie pop, solo acoustic |
| Quota estimate | 10-15 tickets (approximately 15,000-25,000 yen) |
| Access | 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station / 8-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit |
| Official Website | Shinjuku Marble |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
While the venues introduced so far have mainly been for bands, Marble is also welcoming to solo acoustic performances, acoustic acts, and solo artists. Perfect for those wanting to carefully deliver their music in an intimate 150-person space. With relatively low quotas, it has one of the lowest barriers for first performances.
For Foreign Musicians: Even if forming a band is difficult, Marble's strength is that you can take the stage solo with acoustic performances. You can perform with just one guitar or one piano, providing great opportunities for those struggling to gather members. Singing English songs feels natural rather than awkward, often welcomed as international flavor.
Live House Comparison Summary
| Venue | Area | Capacity | Genre | Beginner-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimokitazawa SHELTER | Shimokitazawa | 250 | Indie / Alternative | ★★★ |
| Shinjuku LOFT | Shinjuku | 500 | Punk / Rock | ★★ |
| Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO | Shibuya | 800 | Multi-genre / International | ★ |
| Shibuya WWW | Shibuya | 500 | Electronic / Experimental | ★★ |
| Shimokitazawa BASEMENTBAR | Shimokitazawa | 250 | Punk / Garage | ★★★ |
| Koenji HIGH | Koenji | 280 | Punk / Alternative | ★★★ |
| Shimokitazawa ERA | Shimokitazawa | 200 | Shoegaze / Post-punk | ★★★ |
| Spotify O-EAST | Shibuya | 1,300 | Rock / Dance | ★ (Start from O-nest) |
| Shimokitazawa CLUB Que | Shimokitazawa | 280 | Rock / Pop | ★★ |
| Shinjuku Marble | Shinjuku | 150 | Acoustic / Solo | ★★★ |
Special Feature: The Writer's Origin — Kichijoji Manda-la
| Capacity | Approximately 60 seated / approximately 100 standing |
| Genre | Rock, folk, jazz, acoustic, experimental music |
| Quota estimate | Please inquire (relatively reasonable) |
| Access | 2-minute walk from Kichijoji Station Park Exit (JR Chuo Line, Keio Inokashira Line) |
| Official Website | Manda-la (MANDA-LA) |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Opened in 1974, Tokyo's oldest live house. The term "live house" itself is said to have spread throughout Japan from here. An underground space inspired by Turkish cave monasteries, with a grand piano as the centerpiece creating a unique atmosphere. For over 50 years, it has continued to be the starting point for countless musicians.
Actually, I myself, who wrote this article, was based at this Manda-la when I moved to Tokyo dreaming of band life in my twenties. The close distance between stage and audience lets you see the expressions of people right in front of you during performances. That tension and exhilaration remains unforgettable even decades later.
Kichijoji has a calm, cultural atmosphere different from Shibuya or Shimokitazawa. Located right near Inokashira Park, taking a walk in the park before and after shows is also enjoyable. The Manda-la Group operates multiple venues in Kichijoji including MANDA-LA2, STAR PINE'S CAFE, and ROCK JOINT GB, allowing diverse live experiences within this neighborhood alone.
For Foreign Musicians: Kichijoji is popular among foreigners as one of Tokyo's most livable neighborhoods, with an existing international community. Manda-la's appeal lies in its warm staff befitting a long-established venue and genre-embracing depth. If you want to experience "the origin of Tokyo's live houses," definitely visit once.
5 Steps to Your First Live House Performance
Step 1: Prepare Demo Recordings
Even smartphone recordings of studio rehearsals are fine. Upload to YouTube or SoundCloud to create shareable URLs. Booking staff listen to music to judge genre compatibility.
Step 2: Choose Target Venues
Using the above top 10 as reference, select 2-3 venues matching your genre and scale. When in doubt, attending as an audience member first is best.
Step 3: Apply
Apply through "performance requests" or "booking" forms on venue websites. Include:
- Band name and member composition
- Genre
- Music links (YouTube / SoundCloud)
- Social media accounts
- Preferred dates (weekdays/weekends, specific dates if available)
- Past live experience (if any)
If Japanese is difficult: Write in simple Japanese and add "English available." Google Translate can convey basic meaning.
Step 4: Practice Extensively
Once confirmed, create a setlist for your allotted time (usually 30-40 minutes) and practice extensively as if for the real performance. Japanese live houses provide sound check (rehearsal) time before the actual show. To use this time effectively, understand your sound balance beforehand.
Step 5: Arrive Early on Show Day, Enjoy
On show day, arrive at the specified time (usually 2-3 hours before doors). Equipment setup, sound check, and meeting other bands — this entire process is "live house culture" itself. After the show, actively talk with other band members and audience. This creates connections for next opportunities.
Practical Advice for Foreign Musicians
Keep MC Short
Speaking 1-2 sentences in Japanese between songs is sufficient. Even just "Arigatou gozaimasu, tsugi no kyoku desu" (Thank you, next song) gets applause. Actually, attempting to speak in halting Japanese often creates goodwill.
Prepare Merchandise
Having CDs, stickers, or band t-shirts increases fan connection points. Japanese live houses have merchandise spaces where you can display your goods after shows. Business card-style flyers are also effective.
Confirm Photo and Video Permissions
Many Japanese live houses have no photography as default. If you want fans to photograph during your performance, announce during MC: "Today photography is OK! Please post on SNS." Always get permission before photographing other bands' performances.
Perform Regularly at Same Venues
Performing 1-2 times monthly at the same live house deepens relationships with staff and audience. In Japan, becoming "familiar faces" is the first step to trust. After 3-4 performances, booking staff will start asking "Want to play our next event?"
Now, Take the Stage
Tokyo's live houses are open to first-time bands. Language barriers, cultural differences, quota anxieties — there are certainly hurdles, but once you take the stage, a world unfolds where borders and languages don't matter.
If you haven't found band members yet, also refer to How Foreign Musicians Can Find Band Members in Japan. With Membo, you can search band member recruitment across Japan with 8-language support.
Once you have members, start with low-barrier venues like Shimokitazawa BASEMENTBAR or Shinjuku Marble. After 3, 5, 10 performances, you'll gain band friends, build an audience, and realize you've become part of Tokyo's music scene.
Search for band members now at recruitment listings. See you on stage! 🎸
