Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This is not the kind of place where you come to talk over the music. Aficionados
have been coming here for more than 40 years to listen to Japan's best jazz per-
formers. Weekday matinees feature new artists and cost only ¥1300; the occasion-
al all-night sessions are evocative of another era.
(
3354-2024;
www.pit-inn.com
;
Base-
ment fl, 2-12-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; admission from ¥3000;
matinee 2.30pm, evening show
7.30pm;
Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku-sanchōme, exit C5)
20
Robot Restaurant
CABARET
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
This Kabukichō spectacle is part girly show (though with no nudity) and part hilar-
ity, the highlight being giant robots operated by bikini-clad women. There's
enough neon and lights in the small theatre to light all of Shinjuku. Trust us, you'll
know it when you see it. Reservations recommended, but not necessary. 'Dinner' is
a teeny-tiny
bentō
.
(
3200-5500;
www.robot-restaurant.com/top.html
;
1-7-1 Kabukichō,
Shinjuku-ku; tickets ¥4000;
shows at 7pm, 8.30pm & 10pm;
JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku, east
exit)
21
Loft
LIVE MUSIC
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
The chequerboard stage here has hosted the feedback and reverb of many a Tokyo
punk over the last 35 years. The music here is loud and usually good.
(
www.loft-
prj.co.jp
; 1-12-9 Kabukichō, B2 fl;
JR Yama-note Line to Shinjuku, east exit)
Understand
Karaoke
Karaoke (pronounced kah-rah-oh-kay) isn't just about singing: it's an excuse to let
loose, a bonding ritual, a reason to keep the party going past the last train and a way
to kill time until the first one starts in the morning. When words fail, it's a way to ex-
