Tokyo has long been a city where music and culture collide in stylish ways. For jazz lovers, one name stands above the rest: Blue Note. Known for its world-class performances and luxurious ambiance, Blue Note Tokyo in Aoyama has become a legendary venue since its opening in 1988. But now, a new extension has emerged just a few train stops away—Blue Note Place, located in the fashionable Yebisu Garden Place. And it’s quickly becoming the next destination for music, food, and design lovers alike.
Blue Note Place is not just a second branch of the original club. It’s a reinterpretation. While Blue Note Tokyo focuses on upscale, sit-down live shows with internationally renowned jazz acts, Blue Note Place offers a more casual yet refined experience, appealing to a younger crowd and those looking for a social night out rather than a formal concert. From a built-in DJ booth to a wide, open lounge space, Blue Note Place is jazz for the modern generation—still rooted in tradition, but remixing the formula.
What is Blue Note Place?
Opened in late 2022, Blue Note Place is the latest concept space by the Blue Note Japan brand. It’s located in Yebisu Garden Place, a luxurious mixed-use complex in Ebisu that combines designer shopping, fine dining, and office spaces with some of the best views of the Tokyo skyline.
Blue Note Place is tucked into the stylish lower floor of the Garden Place Tower, and it blends seamlessly into the area’s upscale yet laid-back vibe. It’s both a music venue and a restaurant, and while live performances are a major draw, the space also invites guests to hang out casually over drinks, enjoy a thoughtfully crafted meal, or listen to vinyl records spun by in-house DJs.
From the beginning, the concept of Blue Note Place was to reimagine how people engage with jazz. Rather than replicating the formality of its Aoyama predecessor, this venue invites spontaneity. The result is a fluid and open experience, where the lines between stage and dining space, between listener and participant, are blurred.
The Look and Feel of the Venue
Blue Note Place has been carefully designed with a modern Tokyo audience in mind. The interior features a mix of raw concrete and warm wood finishes, high ceilings, and comfortable seating. Large windows let in natural light during the day, giving it the feel of a sophisticated cafe or gallery. At night, the mood shifts with ambient lighting, creating a chic, almost club-like atmosphere that sets the tone for live music or DJ sessions.
One of the defining features of Blue Note Place is the DJ booth. Positioned prominently near the bar, it’s used both for live vinyl sets and programmed electronic jazz nights. This addition is unique in the Blue Note Japan portfolio and signals a shift in direction. The venue blends genres like soul, funk, fusion, and even lo-fi beats into its music programming, while still honoring the jazz roots of the brand.
Food and Drink as a Key Part of the Experience
Another way Blue Note Place sets itself apart is through its food and drink. The menu is curated with the same care that goes into its music lineup. Expect modern Japanese cuisine with Western influences—carefully plated dishes, vegetarian options, and fresh seasonal ingredients.
The drink menu is equally thoughtful, featuring signature cocktails, Japanese craft beers, natural wines, and non-alcoholic pairings that match the evening’s theme. There’s even a selection of vinyl-inspired drinks that pay homage to jazz records and classic albums.
Unlike the original Blue Note Tokyo, where a reservation and ticket are often required for entry, Blue Note Place invites walk-ins. This open-door approach fits the casual, drop-by nature of Ebisu and its stylish crowd. It’s a venue where music enhances the mood, rather than dominates the space.
Programming and Events
Blue Note Place hosts a range of events. Some nights feature local musicians performing live sets, while others highlight guest DJs or experimental performers. There’s a regular rotation of Blue Note-curated events, with genres stretching beyond traditional jazz to include soul, neo-soul, house, and even ambient music.
The venue also hosts art exhibits, listening parties, and collaborative food events with Tokyo-based chefs. For those interested in culture and creativity, Blue Note Place is quickly becoming a go-to hangout where inspiration is always in the air.
Importantly, the venue doesn’t try to imitate the intimacy of Blue Note Tokyo’s sit-down performances. Instead, it celebrates connection through movement, conversation, and shared listening experiences.
Why People Are Calling It a New Cultural Hub
Blue Note Place is more than just a second location. In fact, many locals refer to it as a cultural hub for Tokyo’s evolving jazz scene. Its connection to the Blue Note brand gives it authenticity and authority, but its fresh design and open format make it feel exciting and new.
Jazz, often seen as highbrow or exclusive, becomes something relaxed and immersive at Blue Note Place. It’s a place where you can meet friends after work, enjoy top-notch audio, and sip a carefully crafted cocktail—all in one of the most stylish corners of the city.
The Future of Blue Note Place
As Tokyo continues to develop more hybrid spaces for entertainment and community, Blue Note Place sets a new standard. It respects tradition without being held back by it. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or someone discovering the genre through lo-fi playlists on streaming apps, Blue Note Place offers a point of entry.
The venue’s flexible layout allows it to pivot easily between live shows, DJ nights, and daytime events. It’s also become a popular location for photo shoots, pop-up shops, and collaborative projects with local artists and fashion brands.
With Ebisu being one of the most accessible yet refined neighborhoods in Tokyo, it makes sense that Blue Note Place has found a home there. The area itself has always been known for its mix of food, culture, and style—making it a natural fit for the Blue Note Japan vision.
Final Thoughts
Blue Note Place represents a new chapter for Blue Note Japan. It proves that jazz doesn’t need to be locked into tradition—it can evolve, stretch, and live in new environments without losing its soul. This venue speaks directly to a generation that craves culture without the constraints of formality.
For visitors to Tokyo, Blue Note Place is a must-visit. Whether you’re there to hear an acoustic trio, catch a DJ set, or just enjoy a drink in a beautifully designed space, the experience is distinctly Tokyo—with a global flair. And for those who have always admired Blue Note Tokyo, this new location shows how the brand can grow and still remain true to its roots.
Blue Note Place isn’t just an extension of the brand—it’s the sound of now.
