Upstairs Records & Bar
Tucked above the street in Shimokitazawa, Upstairs Records & Bar is a hybrid venue where the love of vinyl meets the art of the drink. Opened in 2017 by Makoto Nagatomo — who previously ran NYC’s Weekend Records — the space brings a global rare-groove sensibility to Tokyo. The first floor of the YS Building houses the record shop: crates upon crates of funk, disco, house, soul, rock, folk, and even classical. The vibe is intimate and curated, with a collector’s eye toward vinyl gems from Japan and abroad. On the second floor sits a small five-seat bar counter where you can sit back, listen, and let the vinyl spin. Drinks tend to range around ¥500-700 for standard pours, with rarer spirits offered at higher prices. The playlist is no background noise — it’s a key part of the experience: rich, deep cuts, rare grooves, and a listening atmosphere rather than a roaring club. Reviews note it as “a place for people who don’t like dancing in clubs but want to listen to music loud.” The setting is modest — a staircase up to the second floor, soft lighting, shelves of records, and a bar counter that encourages conversation, listening, and discovery. The hours are late (bar open from around 17:00 until ~midnight), and record sales continue until around 21:00. For music lovers, cocktail fans, or anyone seeking a bar experience with depth and character — this venue hits a sweet spot. It’s not about big crowds, loud dance floors, or flashy cocktails; it’s about quality, nuance, and the intersection of drink + vinyl culture.
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