Venues
From Wikipedia: A live house (ライブハウス) is a Japanese live music club – a music venue featuring live music. The term is a Japanese coinage (wasei eigo) and is mainly used in East Asia. It most frequently refers to smaller venues, which may double as bars, especially featuring rock, jazz, blues, and folk music.
The venues listed here feature bluegrass performances at least occasionally, some more frequently than others. Some also feature American country music, folk music, and related genres. Be sure to contact the venue in advance for reservations. At many venues you may be expected to pay the cover charge with cash.
The Greater Tokyo Area
The most famous bluegrass venue in Japan. A small club located in the Ginza district of Tokyo, located on the 3rd floor of a large building. Established in 1980. A must-see for any bluegrass enthusiast visiting Tokyo. Food and drinks are served. Call ahead for a reservation.
Located in Shinjuku, a busy commercial area within Tokyo. The name Back In Town derives from the 1964 album by the Kingston Trio. The owner is an avid fan of the Kingston Trio and American folk music, especially from the 60s. This club is very well-run. Good stage, lighting, and sound system. Good food and drinks.
A bar featuring acoustic live performances of World Music, Roots Music, Blues, Jazz, Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Swing, Rockabilly, Latin, etc. They have a “Bluegrass Free Jam Session” on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Fridays of each month.
Located in the Sasazuka neighborhood, in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Located in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture - approximately 1 hour from Tokyo Station by subway. 30 minutes from Yokohama Station. This venue was originally established in 1982. It has changed location a few times over the years. Genres include country, bluegrass, folk, and jazz, with occasional bluegrass jam sessions following live performances. Many Stage Coach musicians perform at the annual Chigasaki Jamboree.
Kyoto
Established in 1970. Great atmosphere, with a large stage and lots of seating. Located in the northern part of Kyoto, on a horse ranch. Features lots of country music. With occasional bluegrass. The group Appalachian Train appears monthly. And the group 29 Strings is often featured. The young California bluegrass band Crying Uncle performed here in 2023 when they toured Japan. There is a free monthly bluegrass jam. Check the schedule on their website for dates and information.
Osaka Prefecture
Text from Abilene’s website: Due to the lack of successors to bluegrass and country music, we have taken up the baton and are striving to develop it every day, hoping to inherit, nurture, and develop the music culture of this genre.
We also feel that there are no boundaries when it comes to music genres, so we open our doors to a wide range of music genres such as jazz, chanson, oldies, carpenters, Beatles, and oldies, and provide the splendor of music and the power that can only be experienced live. More information is available on the “about us” page of their website. They also rent instruments!