Karaoke guide

On nights when there are no good gigs on, why don't you get your music fix at karaoke? You could try singing enka with the old guys in "snack" and "pub" hostess bars if you like, but don't worry, in Japan most people sing in private rooms (karaoke "boxes") with their friends or colleagues. Karaoke outlets offering private rooms are absolutely everywhere in Japan. Just look for the logos of the chains detailed below or big places displaying signs with the word カラオケ (karaoke).

Going to karaoke is a common impromptu night time activity after drinking when people want to keep the party going. Karaoke boxes are also popular places to end up in after midnight when you have missed the last train.

Because they can be so cheap during the day, many people use karaoke boxes just as places to hang out or kill time. Some people use them for meetings or lessons, to practice their musical instruments or just take a nap. It's often just as cheap as going to a cafe but you get your own cozy private space.

About karaoke boxes

• Prices listed are almost always per person and per 30 minutes, usually with a minimum of one hour.
• Weekdays before 18:00 or 19:00 are always the cheapest times with the price sometimes under ¥100. The prices jump up significantly in the evenings and on weekends, on public holidays and the day before a public holiday.
• Almost all karaoke chain branches have "free time" deals available, mostly for quieter times such as during the day on weekdays or after midnight. This means you can stay for as long as you like during that time and it usually works out cheaper if you stay for longer periods.
• In most cases, you have to order at least one drink as well. Otherwise, you can order an all-you-can-drink alcohol deal or, in some places, free refill soft drink bar. If you are going to have a few drinks, the all-you-can-drink deals usually end up being worthwhile. In all branches of Uta Hiroba the prices already include the soft drink bar.
• If you are a student, bring your student card as a lot of places have significantly discounted rates for students, particularly at Big Echo, Cote D'Azur and Karaoke Ban Ban.
• If you plan to go to the same place a few times, it's worth becoming a member, especially at Big Echo, Karaoke Kan and Tetsujin, where members get big discounts.
• Going to karaoke alone might seem strange but is absolutely okay, particularly during less busy times like during the day. However, a few places do charge a little more for "hitokara" (one person karaoke).
• As tempting as it may be, karaoke places don't allow outside drinks to be brought in. If you are caught, an extra charge is likely to be added to your room.

OK, let's go to a karaoke box!

• The prices should be displayed on a sign outside the karaoke place or inside
  the entrance.
• At the front counter, tell the receptionist how long you
  plan you stay and how many people will be using the room. Sometimes you can choose a smoking or non-smoking room. Some places have a form that you have to fill out. In Karaoke Kan for example, you have to write your name (お名前), age (年齢), how many men (男) or women (女) are in the group, the total number of people (計), and how many hours (時間) you plan to stay. Sometimes you'll also have to write your phone number (電話番号). At some places, you have to become a member at first. The receptionist will help you if you don't understand anything.
• You will usually then have to choose whether you want to just order one drink to start, a nomihoudai (all-you-can-drink) course, or a course which includes food.
• They will often ask you which karaoke system you prefer: Joysound or DAM. It doesn't make a huge difference. Joysound has more songs than DAM, however you do find songs on DAM that are not on Joysound. Search their songs using the above links and choose which system has more that you like. DAM also tends to have more music videos rather than just the generic background videos, and is more likely to have furigana on the Japanese songs. Both have smartphone apps that you can use to search songs and even use as a remote control at karaoke. I find the Joysound app easier to use and it allows me to save my favourite songs.
• Some places will have "concept rooms" with particular styles or themes that you can choose from. For example, Adores in Akihabara has various themed rooms. 
• Some rooms are tiny with enough room for no more than four people to sit, and in some places huge group rooms are available complete with a stage and a dance floor.
• Most places will have two or more microphones and remote control panels in the room but in some places they give them to you at the counter. They will also give you a receipt with the room number and start and finish times printed on it.
• Some places will have costumes, and tambourines, maracas or other instruments that you can borrow and bring to the room.
• In the room, use the touch screen remote control panel with the stylus to search for songs. Most places with newer machines will have English so look for the icon to change the language. You can search for songs by song title or artist. Unfortunately, the thick songbooks you used to get are becoming less and less common.
• When you choose a song, it gets queued after the previously selected songs.
• On the karaoke machine under the screen, there should be three or four knobs. One will be the volume of the music, one will be the microphone volume, and one will be for the amount of "echo" (reverb) on the microphones. There is sometimes another knob to control the volume of the BGM - the background music and ads which play when no song has been selected. You can also adjust the pitch. By the door you should find controls for the room lighting and air conditioner.
• You can order more drinks and food from the room. In most stores, you order using the telephone in the room. Just pick up the phone and when a staff member answers, clearly state the items you want. In some stores you can order using the karaoke remote control panel or a separate remote control.
• At some places, after you finish each song, the screen displays a rating on your singing performance and how many calories you have burned.
• Around ten minutes before the allocated time is up, the phone in the room will ring. When you answer, you can ask to extend the time if you want to stay longer. Otherwise, say "hai, wakarimashita" and get ready to leave.
• Bring the receipt to the counter and pay. Note that at some places you have to pay at the start.

Popular chains in the Tokyo area

KARAOKE KAN (カラオケ館)

You will find branches of this common chain near most larger train stations. The prices range a lot depending on the branch and the time but it is usually not expensive. They offer good discounts for members. A few branches have free refill soft drinks. Their food menu includes the standard fried things, snacks and pizza. Soft drinks start from about ¥380 and alcoholic drinks from about ¥540.
The price before 18:00/19:00 ranges from ¥80 to ¥386 depending on the branch and the day of the week. The price for after 18:00/19:00 ranges from ¥333 to ¥813.

Featured branch: Karaoke Kan Shibuya (Map)
The karaoke scene in the movie Lost in Translation was filmed in this branch. Before 19:00 the price is from ¥120 to ¥173. After 19:00 it's from ¥533 to ¥653. Free time before 20:00 is from ¥1346 to ¥1760, and after 23:00 from ¥1986 to ¥2653.


UTA HIROBA (歌広場)

This is often the cheapest place because all the listed prices already include free refill soft drinks which means you don't have to pay for extra drinks. As it's so cheap, it tends to be popular with young people and can be a bit shabby. It's called 'Jankara' in some other parts of Japan. They offer 10% off if you make a reservation online. Alcoholic drinks start from ¥420. The Kanda West Exit branch has craft beer! The basic food menu includes fried chicken, chips, ramen and takoyaki. Before 18:00 the price ranges from ¥125 to ¥200, after 18:00 from ¥350 to ¥800, and after 18:00 including all-you-can-drink alcohol from ¥670 to ¥950, depending on the branch and the day of the week.

Featured branch: Uta Hiroba Ryogoku (Map)
After watching the sumo, pop in to this branch of Uta Hiroba, directly in front of Ryogoku station. Some of the rooms have a view of the station platform. 30 minutes is ¥145 before 18:00, and ¥350-¥440 after 18:00. Free time is ¥1010 before 20:00 and ¥1180-¥2180 after 23:00.


KARAOKE NO TETSUJIN (カラオケの鉄人)

With a name meaning "Karaoke Ironman", this is quite a nerdy but fun karaoke chain and is generally not expensive. It is said to have the largest number of English songs and you can request English menus at the front counter. Some branches have special themed rooms and all have costumes to hire. Soft drink prices start from about ¥370 and alcohol drinks from about ¥500. Their food menu includes the standard fried things, snacks and pizza, as well as ¥500 lunches. The price before 18:00/19:00 can be as low as ¥25 and up to ¥312, and after 18:00/19:00 from ¥337 to ¥725, depending on the day of the week and the branch.

Featured branch: Karaoke no Tetsujin Koenji (Map)
This is a cheap branch of Karatetsu popular to visit after seeing a live concert at one of the nearby music venues. Prices before 19:00 are from ¥62 to ¥112, and after 19:00 are from ¥337 to ¥450. Free time before 19:00 is from ¥700 to ¥937, and after 22:00 is from ¥1600 to ¥2137.


BIG ECHO (ビッグエコー)

This is another very commonly seen karaoke chain which usually offers slightly nicer rooms. It tends to be a little more expensive than other chains but offers discounts for members, seniors and students, as well as discount coupons on their website. The food menu includes fried things, pizza and pasta. The price before 19:00/20:00 is from ¥100 to ¥320, and after 19:00/20:00 it can be as low as ¥300 and as high as ¥750, depending on the day and the branch.

Featured branch: Big Echo Shinjuku Higashi-guchi (Map)
Conveniently located near the east exit of Shinjuku station, this branch has a number of interesting themed rooms. It costs ¥200-¥300 before 19:00 and ¥500-¥653 after 19:00. Free time before 19:00 is ¥1200 and after 23:00 is ¥2000-¥3213.


PASELA (パセラ)

This place calls itself a resort with more luxurious rooms with decent food (English menu) and is famous for its giant honey toast. It's good for large groups and parties. Alcoholic drinks start from ¥480 and their all-you-can-drink soft drink or alcohol deals can be reasonably priced. The branches are in Ginza, Akasaka, Shibuya, Roppongi, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Akihabara and Yokohama. Before 18:00, prices start from ¥232 and after 18:00 from ¥399.

Featured branch: Pasela Akihabara (Map)
In the otaku mecha of Akihabara, this unique branch of Pasela has anime and game themed rooms like Evangelion and Final Fantasy, as well as some cool Japanese retro style rooms. Before 18:00 rooms are ¥232-¥278 and after 18:00 it costs ¥454 for concept rooms and ¥574 for official collaboration rooms. There are lots of food and drink plans to choose from.


MANEKINEKO (まねきねこ)

They usually offer some non-smoking rooms and there are some branches which let you bring in food and drink. You can check out their menus in English. Check out their coupons and campaigns. Before 18:00/19:00 the price can be as low as ¥10 and as high as ¥200. After 18:00/19:00 it ranges between ¥250 and ¥500.

Featured branch: Manekineko Yotsuya-sanchome (Map)
This branch not far from Shinjuku offers English menus with halal food and prayer rooms for Muslim customers. Outside food is also allowed to be brought in. Before 18:00, 30 minutes is ¥200 and after 18:00 it's ¥350-¥400.


COTE D'AZUR (コート・ダジュール)

There are discounts for students and coupons on their site. They have a basic izakaya style food menu and soft drinks start from ¥340 and alcohol from about ¥480. The price before 18:00 ranges between ¥50 and ¥380, and after 18:00 between ¥240 and ¥660, depending on the branch and the day.

Featured branch: Cote D'Azur Roppongi (Map)
There are some cool rooms in this branch including some with stages. Before 18:00, 30 minutes is ¥205. After 18:00, it's ¥410-¥496. Free time before 20:00 is ¥831 and after 23:00 is ¥1857-¥2160.


JOYSOUND

Joysound is a common karaoke machine system. They also have a number of nice karaoke stores around Japan, including some in Tokyo. They have discounts for students, seniors and members. The price before 18:00 starts at ¥160 and can be up to ¥340, and after 18:00 it runs from ¥450 to ¥750, depending on the day and branch.

Featured branch: Joysound Shinagawa (Map)
Here you can find rooms with live stages and musical instruments, high quality sound rooms, ladies' rooms and plush VIP rooms. Before 18:00, prices start from ¥340 with free time from ¥1280. After 18:00, from ¥750 and free time after 23:00 from ¥3150.


SHIDAX (シダックス)

This used to be a large chain but a lot of the stores have closed recently. They have some left in Tokyo including ones in Shinjuku, Asakusa and Roppongi. Soft drinks start from ¥400 and alcoholic drinks from ¥500. Before 18:00, the price ranges from ¥150 to ¥300, and after 18:00 it's generally between ¥250 and ¥400.


KARAOKE BAN BAN (カラオケバンバン)

The daytime prices are cheap and often include free soft drink refills. In the evening, some branches include free drinks too. Some branches also have darts and billiards. They offer discounts for students. The price before 18:00 is usually between ¥120 and ¥240, and after 18:00 it's from ¥240 to ¥530, depending on the branch and the day.
Their branches tend to be in the suburbs but they have a few more central locations like Ikebukuro, Koenji, Kita-Senju, Yotsuya, Asakusabashi and Kichijoji.


KARAOKE 747 (カラオケ747)

This cheap and often worse-for-wear chain has a number of branches in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, but also one in Shibuya and one in Shinbashi. The prices are different in each branch and you can often get it cheaper if you negotiate with the touts out front. They have a standard junk food menu and alcoholic drinks start from ¥550.


1KARA (ワンカラ)

This chain, owned by the same company that owns Manekineko, has small soundproof rooms with headphones specially designed for people to do karaoke alone. It's generally not so cheap. There are stores in Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Shibuya, Kanda, Koenji, Shinjuku and Kawasaki.


ROUND 1 (ラウンドワン)

Round One is a bowling chain which also offers karaoke, billiards and other activities. Their current locations in Tokyo are Odaiba, Ikebukuro, Itabashi, Minamisuna, Hachioji, Machida, Musashi-Murayama and Fuchu. Before 18:00, the price is between ¥260 and ¥400. After 18:00, it's between ¥430 and ¥490.

Useful Japanese for karaoke:

• カラオケ   karaoke
• 30分 (sanjupun) 30 minutes
• フリータイム   free time
• 飲み放題 (nomihoudai)  all-you-can-drink
• ドリンクバー   drink bar
• 会員 (kaiin)  member
• 学生 (gakusei)  student
• 月～金  Monday to Friday
• 金・土・日・祝・祝前  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, holiday, day before holiday
• ichijikan - one hour, nijikan - two hours, sanjikan - three hours
• hitori - 1 person; futari - 2 people; sannin - 3 people; yonin - 4 people; gonin - 5 people; rokunin - 6 people

Karaoke machine:

• マイク   microphone
• エコー   echo/reverb
• ミュージック   music
• BGM  Background Music
• キー   key
• テンポ   tempo

Remote control panel:

• 歌手名   artist name
• 曲名   song title
• 予約 or 転送   choose the song to play next
• もどり or 戻り   return to the previous screen
• 演奏停止   cancel the song currently playing

Tokyo Beer Gardens Summer 2011 - The Ultimate Guide

Here is my selection of the many summer beer gardens in Tokyo. Most of them are located on the roofs of buildings and have nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) deals.

SHINJUKU AREA



BBQ and Beer Terrace 130 Days (Lumine Est Shinjuku)
Barbecue and beer on a department store roof.
Until? The end of September.
Station? Shinjuku.
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 3600yen with barbeque chicken.
What drinks? Kirin draft, black, half & half, Heineken, wine, sours, sake, shochu, highballs etc.
Address? Lumine East dept. store rooftop, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
Phone? 03-6273-2262
Times? 4:00-11:00.

Delicatessen Park Brewery (Park Hyatt)
Pretty good deal in a fancy spot. Two beers have been specially brewed for this beer garden.
Until? August 31st.
Stations? Shinjuku, Tochomae
All-you-can-drink? 2800yen unlimited microbrews and chef’s appetizer plate.
What drinks? Kanagawa's Sankt Gallen Park Brewery Ale and Amatsu Ale.
Address? Park Hyatt Tokyo, 1F Delicatessen, 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5323-3655
Times? Weekdays 6:00-8:00, Weekends/hols and Aug 8-12 5:00-7:00.

Hilton Tokyo Natsu no Tenku Beer Garden
Posh beer garden at the Hilton.
Until? September 30th.
Station? Shinjuku, Tochomae
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 7500yen with assorted Chinese food, cold meat, cheese, shaved ice.
Address? 7F Private Lounge, Hilton Hotel Tokyo, Shinjuku.
Phone? 03-3344-5111
Times? 5:30-9:30.

Keio Asahi Sky Beer Garden
Standard department store rooftop beer garden.
Until? September 17th.
Station? Shinjuku
All-you-can-drink? September 10th to 17th 90 mins 2500yen. For over 8 people 3800yen 90mins with 6 kinds of food.
A la carte? Asahi 600yen, pitcher 2000yen, sours etc 450yen.
Address? Rooftop of Keio dept. store, 1-1-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5321-5349
Times? 5:00-10:00, September 5:00-9:30.

Shinjuku Asia Yokocho:
Loads of small Asian restaurants together on the (undercover) roof of this Kabukicho building. Some of them have all-you-can-drink deals.
Station? Shinjuku
Address? Toa Hall second building roof, 1-21-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
See Fa
All-you-can-drink? 2.5 hours (Sun to Thur), 2 hours (Fri, Sat, Hols) with 10 food items from 2950yen.
A la carte? World beer, drinks, Thai and Vietnamese food available.
Phone? 090-9142-3361
Times? Mon-Sat 5:00pm-5:00am, Sun/hols 4:00-midnight.
Garuda
All-you-can-drink? 2.5 hours with 8 food items from 2980yen.
A la carte? World beer, drinks, Asian food.
Phone? 03-3207-1175
Times? Mon-Thu 5:00pm-2:00am, Fri/Sat 5:00pm-5:00am, Sun/Hol 5:00pm-midnight.

Garden Restaurant Coffret D'or Beer Garden
Hotel terrace garden.
Until? September 10th
Stations? Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku
All-you-can-drink? 90 mins with food sets from 3500yen
What drinks? Beer, wine, shochu, whiskey, soft drinks.
A la carte? Beer from 620yen
Address? Hotel Rosegarden Shinjuku Annex 1F, Nishi-Shinjuku 8-4-17, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3362-0279
Times? 5:30-10:30


SHIBUYA AREA



Demi Beer Terrace (Tokyu Toyoko Shibuya)
Department store rooftop beer terrace.
Until? September 30th.
Station? Shibuya.
All-you-can-drink? No.
A la carte? Beer from 630yen. Drinks and food.
Address? Tokyu Toyoko dept. store south building roof, 2-24-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Phone? 03-3477-4586
Times? 5:00-10:00.

Green Garden (Tokyu Shibuya)
Department store rooftop beer garden.
Until? September 25th.
Station? Shibuya.
All-you-can-drink? No.
A la carte? Kirin Ichiban 435ml 500yen, 800ml 950yen, 1800ml 2000yen, other drinks from 500yen.
Address? Tokyu dept. store Shibuya Honten rooftop.
Phone? 080-2396-0398
Times? 5:00-10:00, September 5:00-9:30.

Jinnanken BBQ Beer Garden
Open-air barbecue in Shibuya.
Station? Shibuya.
All-you-can-drink? 4500yen with all-you-can-eat barbecue.
Address? Navi Shibuya 9F, 1-20-5 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5784-4455
Times? Mon-Sat 6:30pm-3:00am, Sun/hol 6:30pm-midnight

Yaffa Organic Cafe Beer Terrace
This organic cafe has a small outdoor area.
Station? Shibuya
All-you-can-drink? 100 mins with 5 food items 4200yen.
What drinks? Heartland beer, organic wine, umeshu, cocktails, softdrinks.
A la carte? Beer from 630yen
Address? Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-Minamiguchi 1F, 3-27-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-6427-9988
Times? 11:30am - 12:30am

Tokyo Washoku DEN Rokuen-Tei
Save 1000yen by starting at 5:30.
Station? Shibuya
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 5000yen with food course, 4000yen if start before 6pm.
What drinks? Premium Malts beer, cocktails, wine, shochu, sake, umeshu, soft drinks.
A la carte? Beer from 780yen.
Address? PARCO1 8F, Udagawacho 15-1, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-6415-5489
Times? 5:00-11:30


YOYOGI, HARAJUKU AREA



Vietnam Garden Beer Terrace
This Vietnamese restaurant has an outdoor terrace.
Stations? Yoyogi, Harajuku
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food course from 3500yen
A la carte? Beer from 580yen
Address? NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building Annex I-2F, Sendagaya 5-24-3, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3341-9889
Times? 5:30-11:00

Furin Chinese Restaurant Beer Garden Terrace
This Chinese restaurant has an outdoor terrace.
Stations? Yoyogi, Shinjuku
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food course from 3800yen
What drinks? Beer, shochu, shaoxing wine, whiskey, highball, red wine, sours, cocktails, soft drinks.
Address? NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building Annex 2F, Sendagaya 5-24-3, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3356-0988
Times? Mon-Sat 5:30-11:00, Sun/hols 5:30-9:30

Smile Junky HB Cafe
Wooden terrace with a variety of food and drink courses.
Station? Harajuku
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food course from 3800yen.
A la carte? Beer from 480yen
Address? AXIA Harajuku 1F, Jingumae 1-20-4, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5770-1450
Times? 6:00-11:00

Un Cafe Beer Garden
Small outdoor drinking area.
Until? Mid September
Stations? Omotesando B2 exit
All-you-can-drink? 90mins 2000yen
What drinks? Asahi Super Dry, Asahi black, half & half, cocktails
A la carte? Tapas 500yen.
Address? Cosmos Aoyama B2, Jingumae 5-53-67, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5469-0275
Times? 5:30-11:00

Motsuyaki Nonki Tenku Beer Terrace
Beer terrace with motsuyaki and yakitori.
Station? Ebisu.
All-you-can-drink? With 8 food items 4000yen.
A la carte? Beer from 600yen. Grilled meat.
Address? Ebisu Minami 1-23-1 3/4F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-6303-3795
Times? Mon-Thu 5:00pm-1:00am, Fri 5:00pm-5:00am, Sat/Sun/Hol 5:00-midnight

Meiji Jingu Mori Beer Garden
Big outdoor beer and barbecue area. With trees!
Until? September 24th.
Stations? Shinanomachi, Kokuritsu-Kyogijo, Aoyama-ichome
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat barbeque. Men 4000yen, women 3800yen.
What drinks? Kirin Ichiban, Kirin stout, Budweiser, sours, highballs, wine, cocktails.
Address? Meiji Jingu Gaien Jido Yuen, 14-13 Kasumigaoka-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5411-3715
Times? Weekdays 5:00-10:00, weekends 12:00-10:00


SHINAGAWA AREA



Hiten Terrace Garden Hawaiian Beer Hall (Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa)
Nice poolside drinking area.
Until? September 18th.
Stations? Shinagawa, Takanawadai
All-you-can-drink? With food sets from 3900yen.
Address? Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
Phone? 03-3442-1064
Times? Mon-Sat 5:00-9:30, Sun/Hol 5:00-9:00

Food Court Shinagawa Kitchen Beer Terrace (Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa)
The cheaper option at the Prince Hotel.
Until? September 30th.
Stations? Shinagawa, Takanawadai
All-you-can-drink? 90 minute sets with food from 2500yen.
What drinks? Beer, shochu, highball, orange juice, oolong tea.
Address? Shinagawa Prince Hotel Annex Tower 2F
Phone? 03-5421-1114
Times? 5:00-10:00

Mizu no Uta Beer Court
Nice beer garden in Shinagawa.
Until? September 30th.
Station? Shinagawa (Takanawa exit)
All-you-can-drink? From 4000yen with 5 food items.
What drinks? Suntory Malts, Malts black, half and half, sours, wine, soft drinks.
A la carte? Beer from 750yen, food from 550yen.
Address? Keikyu Shopping Plaza Wing Takanawa 3F Garden Terrace, Takanawa 4-10-18, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5447-1717
Times? Weekdays 5:00-11:00, Weekends/Holidays 3:00-11:00

Vento Beer Garden
Beer garden near the Prince Hotel.
Until? October 31st.
Station? Shinagawa (Takanawa exit)
All-you-can-drink? With 8 food items from 3800yen (women), 4300yen (men).
A la carte? Beer, highballs etc from 650yen. Italian-style food.
Address? Keikyu Shopping Plaza Wing Takanawa West 1F, Takanawa 4-10-18, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5420-0522
Times? Mon-Fri 5:00-11:30, Sat 3:00-11:30, Sun/hol 3:00-11:00

Garden Cafe with Terrace Bar
Plush poolside bar.
Station? Shinagawa
All-you-can-drink? No
A la carte? Beer from 650yen
Address? Shinagawa GOOS 3F, Takanawa 3-13-3, Minato-ku
Phone? 03-5447-1151
Times? 10:00am-midnight


GINZA AREA



Ginza Matsuzakaya Lion Beer Garden Bakuyotei
Classic department store rooftop beer garden.
Until? Early September.
Stations? Ginza, Yurakucho
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat barbeque lamb 4500yen.
Address? Ginza Matsuzakaya Department Rooftop, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Times? Weekdays, Saturdays 4:00-10:00, Sundays 4:00-9:00.

New Tokyo Sukiyabashi Honten Beer Garden
Nice Ginza views on top of this building.
Stations? Ginza, Yurakucho
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat barbeque lamb and food bar 4500yen.
Address? New Tokyo Honten Rooftop, 2-2-3 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Times? Weekdays 5:00-11:00, Saturdays 4:00-11:00, Sundays/holidays 4:00-10:00

Starlight Garden (Nihombashi Takashimaya)
Classic department store rooftop beer garden.
Until? August 29th.
Station? Nihombashi.
All-you-can-drink? No.
A la carte? Asahi Super Dry regular 500yen, mega size 950yen. Also Bass Pale Ale, Hoegaarden, cocktails, wine, highballs, etc.
Address? Takashimaya dept. store rooftop, 2-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3246-5534
Times? 4:00 to 9:00

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Beer Garden
Famous Tokyo department store beer garden.
Until? September 9th
Stations? Nihombashi, Mitsukoshimae
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat men 3601yen, women 3001yen.
What drinks? Beer, wine, whisky, highball, shochu, sours, soft drinks
Address? Mitsukoshi dept. store roof, Muromachi 1-4-1, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
Phone? 0120-354-585
Times? 5:30-9:30

Hibiya Saroh
Actually a garden in a park.
Stations? Hibiya, Yurakucho, Kasumigaseki, Ginza.
All-you-can-drink? Group party courses for 2 hours with food 5250yen.
A la carte? Various kinds of beer, drinks and food.
Address? Hibiya Park 1-1
Phone? 03-3591-2411
Times? 11:30-9:30

Budweiser Carnival Shimbashi
Salaryman central, with Budwesier girl waitresses.
Until? September 22nd
Stations? Shimbashi
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 1365yen (for over 4 people).
A la carte? Budweiser from 635yen.
Address? Uchisaiwaicho 1-7-8, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3504-8111
Times? Mon-Sat 5:00-midnight.


SUIDOBASHI AREA



Suidobashi Grand Hotel Beer Festa 2011
With Budweiser girl waitresses.
Until? 9th September
Station? Suidobashi
All-you-can-drink? No
A la carte? Beer from 650yen
Address? Suidobashi Grand Hotel 1F, 1-33-2 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3816-2101
Times? 5:30-9:30

Tokyo Dome Port Garden Terrace
Nice garden area at Tokyo Dome Hotel.
Until? September 19th
Stations? Kasuga, Korakuen, Suidobashi
All-you-can-drink? Party plan 2 hours with food 4300yen
A la carte? Beer from 600yen
Address? Rilassa, Tokyo Dome Hotel 3F
Phone? 03-5805-3160
Times? Weekdays 4:00-10:00, Weekends/holidays 12:00-10:00

Hilltop Hotel (Yamanoue Hotel) Beer Garden
A bit of a fancy beer garden.
Until? September 2nd
Stations? Ochanomizu, Shin-Ochanomizu, Jimbocho
All-you-can-drink? 90 mins with food course 5800yen
A la carte? Beer from 840yen
Address? 1-1 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3293-2838
Times? Weekdays 5:00-9:00

Josui Kaikan Garden Restaurant
Pretty cheap deal at this Hawaiian themed beer garden.
Until? September 16th
Station? Jimbocho
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 2100yen.
A la carte? Drinks from 500yen.
Address? Hitotsubashi 2-1-1, Chiyoda-ku
Phone? 03-3261-1101
Times? 5:30-9:30 Weekdays.


HANZOMON AREA



Fukuoka Kaikan Restaurant Ami Beer Garden
Decent buffet at this summery beer garden.
Until? September 30th
Station? Hanzomon
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 3980yen with all-you-can-eat Chinese, Japanese and Western buffet.
What drinks? Beer, sours, wine, shochu, soft drinks.
Address? Kojimachi 1-12, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3239-0470
Times? 5:00-9:00

Hotel Grand Arc Restaurant Patio Beer Terrace
Nice green patio here.
Until? September 30th
Stations? Hanzomon
All-you-can-drink? 2hours 3900yen with all-you-can-eat.
What drinks? Beer, wine, whisky, shochu, cocktails, soft drinks.
Address? Hayabusacho 1-1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3288-1636
Times? 5:00-10:00

Yebisu Bar The Garden
All Yebisu here if you're sick of all the Super Dry elsewhere.
Station? Hanzomon.
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with 1 food item 2500yen.
What drinks? Yebisu draft, scotch highball, sours, orange juice, oolong tea.
Address? 2F Kasumigaseki Common Gate, 3-2-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03 5501 1121
Times? Weekdays 5:00-11:00. Closed weekends, holidays.


OTHER AREAS



Tokyo Grand Hotel Restaurant Pensee One Coin Beer Garden
Hotel roof beer garden with 500yen food and drinks.
Until? September 30th
Stations? Shiba-Koen, Akabane, Hamamatsucho, Tamachi
All-you-can-drink? 90 mins with food course from 4000yen.
A la carte? Food and drinks 500yen
Address? Tokyo Grand Hotel 6F, Shiba 2-5-2, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3454-5245
Times? 5:30-9:00

Salute Takeshiba Beer Garden
Nice bay views here in a Hawaiian themed restaurant.
Until? September 22nd
Stations? Hamamatsucho, Takeshiba
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food platter from 4000yen (for 4 or more people).
What drinks? Premium Malts beer, highballs, sours, cocktails, makgeolli, wine, soft drinks
Address? New Pier Takeshiba South Tower 3F, 1-16-1 Kaigan, Minatoku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5402-3042

Mori no Naka Beer Garden
Not cheap, but nice green hotel beer garden.
Until? September 30th.
Station? Onarimon.
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with various barbeque sets from 6500yen.
A la carte? Beer 800yen. Drink and food available.
What drinks? Kirin Ichiban, whiskey, sours, wine, sake, soft drinks.
Address? Garden Island, Prince Hotel Tokyo. 3-3-1 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3432-1147
Times? July, August 5:00-9:30, September 5:30-9:30.

Ueno Seiyoken Beer Garden
Good nomihodai deal with views of Ueno park.
Until? September 25th.
Station? Ueno
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours 2400yen.
What drinks? Draft beer, sours, summer cocktails, soft drinks.
Address? 4-58 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3821-2181
Times? 5:00-9:00

Seibu Ikebukuro Honten Rooftop Beer Terrace
Classic department store beer garden with hotpot cuisine.
Until? September 19th.
Station? Ikebukuro
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with nabe 3300yen.
Address? Rooftop 9F Seibu Department Store Ikebukuro Honten, 1-28-1 Minami-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5949-6841
Times? Weekdays 5:00-10:00, weekends 4:00-10:00

Pool Side Bar & Grill - Trader Vic's Outrigger (Hotel New Otani)
Have some cocktails by the pool and pretend you're on holiday.
Until? 4th September
Stations? Nagatacho, Akasaka-mitsuke, Kojimachi.
All-you-can-drink? No
A la carte? Beer from 900yen. Hawaiian/American food from 800yen.
Address? Kioicho 4-1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3265-1111
Times? 11:00am-7:00pm, 7/29-9/3 Sat/Sun 11:00am-10:00pm

Thrush Cafe Happo-en Beer Terrace Buffet
Beer and buffet overlooking a park.
Until? August 31st
Station? Shirokanedai
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with food buffet 4500yen.
What drinks? Asahi Super Dry Extra Cold, soft drinks.
Address? Shirokanedai 1-1-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3443-3111
Times? 5:00-10:00. Closed 7/19, 8/8-8/19, 8/30.

Tokyo Sanuki Club Beer Garden
Nice garden here with a decent deal for groups.
Until? Mid October.
Station? Azabu-Juban
All-you-can-drink? From 2300yen for 2 hours (if over 5 people)
Address? Mita 1-11-9, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3455-5551
Times? Weekdays 6:00-10:00, weekends 5:30-10:00

Cafe California Terrace BBQ
Did you expect a beer garden at the Sheraton to be cheap?
Until? September 15th
Stations? Shirokanedai, Takanawadai, Shirokanetakanawa
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with BBQ 8200yen.
Address? Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo
Phone? 0120-95-6661
Times? 6:00-11:00

Arigatoh Kameido Beer Garden
This izakaya right in front of Kameido station has an rooftop beer garden area.
Station? Kameido
All-you-can-drink? No, but cheap drinks and food.
A la carte? Cheap yakitori (from 80yen), motsu, izakaya food. Beer from 430yen.
Address? Kameido Kaikan Building 7F, Kameido 2-20-7, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-5626-1194
Times? 4:00pm-1:00am

Toyosu Beer Garden Matsuri produced by Tsukiji Kizuna
Garden furniture and lanterns by the river.
Station? Toyosu
All-you-can-drink? With food 3600yen men, 3100yen women.
Address? NBF Toyosu Canal Front 1F, Toyosu 5-6-52, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-6221-3737
Times? 5:00-10:30

Kichijoji Daiichi Hotel Natsu no Fubutsushi Beer Garden
Bit of a terrace here on this hotel.
Until? August 31st
Station? Kichijoji
All-you-can-drink? No.
A la carte? Beer from 700yen, BBQ lamb sets from 1300yen.
Address? 2-4-14 Kichijoji-honcho, Musashino, Tokyo
Phone? 0422-21-2211
Times? Weekdays 5:30-9:30, Weekends 4:30-9:30

Beer Garden Five Stars
Nice views of Tachikawa.
Station? Tachikawa
All-you-can-drink? 2 hours with all-you-can-eat 3980yen.
What drinks? Beer, oolong-hai, sake, shochu, vodka, cassis, peach, sours
Address? Hotel Royal Authentic Tachikawa
Phone? 042-529-6911
Times? 4:00-10:00

Takao-san Beer Mount
After climbing Mount Takao, have some beers at the top.
Until? October 2nd
Station? Takao-san guchi.
All-you-can-drink? With all-you-can-eat. Men 3300yen, women 3000yen
Address? Mt. Takao Observatory. From Takao-san-guchi station, take the cable car up the mountain to Kiyotaki station.
Phone? 042-665-9943
Times? Weekdays 3:30-9:00, July/Sept weekends 2:00-9:00, Aug weekends 1:00-9:00

Tokyo Bay Norysosen (cruise)
Not actually a beer garden, but a fun booze cruise.
Until? September 25th.
Stations? Takeshiba passenger terminal. Closest stations are Takeshiba, Hamamatsucho or Daimon.
All-you-can-drink? With cruise & entertainment 2500yen. Food available separately.
What drinks? Beer, wines, sours, juice.
Address? Takeshiba Passenger Terminal, 1-16-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone? 03-3437-6119
Times? The boat leaves at 7:15 and 9:00 every night.

Summer music festivals 2011

As the weather warms up, it's time to hit some 夏フェス (Natsu Fesu - summer festivals). There are plenty to choose from in the Tokyo area, from monster outdoor festivals like Fuji Rock Festival to smaller indoor livehouse events like Japan Shoegazer Festival.
At the bottom I have listed most of the other upcoming music festivals throughout Japan.


OTODAMA SEA STUDIO 2011
This is a series of mini-festivals throughout summer held at a venue set up on the beach in Zushi.
When?
From June 24th to August 28th.
Where?
Otodama Sea Studio, Zushi.
Who's playing?
There are different genres each day, from rock to dance to pop, from Special Others to Ken Ishii to orange peckoe.
How much?
Different prices for different days, from 2000yen to 7000yen.
Tickets:
Pia, Lawson, eplus, 7-11.
Website:
otodama-beach.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Otodama Sea Studio



SHIMOKITAZAWA INDIE FANCLUB
A ticket to this indie rock festival gains you access to 15 venues in Shimokitazawa.
When?
June 26th (Sun)
Where?
Various venues in Shimokitazawa.
Who's playing?
SAKEROCK, Otogibanashi, SEBASTIAN X, Sokabe Keiichi Band, nhhmbase, group_inou, Tokyokarankoron, DODDODO, Nikaido Kazumi, Kicell, GELLERS, YOUR SONG IS GOOD, more.
How much?
4500yen advance, 5000yen on the day.
Tickets:
Pia (code 135-301), Lawson (code 71711), eplus, Shimokitazawa venues.
Website:
indiefanclub.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Shimokitazawa Indie Fanclub



JAPAN SHOEGAZER FESTIVAL 2011
See Japan's best noisy guitar pop bands at High, Koenji's temple of shoegazing.
When?
July 9th (Sun)
Where?
Koenji HIGH and AMP cafe.
Who's playing?
cruyff in the bedroom, Lemon's Chair, sphere, texas pandaa, Aureole, my dead girlfriend, SPEAKER GAIN TEARDROP, shojoskip, sugardrop, lily of the valley, moskitoo, swimmingpoo1, shelling, tanaka ken, DJs.
How much?
2000yen.
Tickets:
High, eplus.
Website:
lemon's chair
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Japan Shoegazer Festival



NANO-MUGEN FES
Large rock festival organised by Asian Kung-Fu Generation.
When?
July 16th (Sat) & 17th (Sun)
Where?
Yokohama Arena
Who's playing?
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, THE RENTALS, THE YOUNG PUNX! & PHONAT, WEEZER, the HIATUS, ASH, NEGOTO, MANIC STREET PREACHERS, STRAIGHTENER, BOOM BOOM SATELLITES, MowMowLuLuGyaban
How much?
9800yen each day.
Tickets:
From Pia (code 134-801), Lawson (code 79952), eplus.
Website:
nano-mugenfes.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two



GFB'11 (Goose Fresh Beat '11 / Tsukuba Rock Fes)
Japanese indie band festival held in a park in Tsukuba.
When?
July 16th (Sat) & 17th (Sun)
Where?
Tsukuba Yukari no Mori
Who's playing?
MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS, Qomolangma Tomato, OWARIKARA, creephyp, SuiseiNoboAz, nhhmbase, tatetakako, tokyokarankoron, NEW HOUSE, Turntable Films, GELLERS, SEBASTIAN X, QUATTRO, oono yuuki, more
How much?
1 day 3900yen, 2 days 6900yen.
Tickets:
eplus.
Website:
goosefreshbeat
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two



NATSU BIRAKI
Peaceful family festival in beautiful surroundings northwest of Tokyo.
When?
July 16th & 17th
Where?
Tokorozawa Kōkū-kōen, Saitama
Who's playing?
Day One: Sokabe Keiichi BAND, YOUR SONG IS GOOD, youmoutoohana, Kuricorder Underground, SOUR, Gentle Forest Jazz Band, more.
Day Two: bonobos, Kicell, Ovall, D.W. Nicols, Yoshida Yamada, BLACK BOTTOM BRASS BAND, more.
How much?
1 day 3900yen, 2 days 7000yen.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 76355), Pia (code 137-722), CN, eplus.
Website:
natsu-biraki.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Natsu Biraki



ENBAN SUMMER FESTIVAL (ENBAN NO NATSU MATSURI)
Tiny record store/live venue Enban's favourite experimental acts perform on two stages over two days at Shibuya O-Nest.
When?
July 16th (Sat) and 17th (Sun).
Where?
O-Nest, Shibuya.
Who's playing?
Day One: LSD March, ECD & POPO, CORE OF BELLS + Taku Sugimoto, VIDEOTAPEMUSIC & PROMNIGHTBOYS, more.
Day Two: Acid Mothers Tenniscoats, Nisennenmondai, Americo, Yoshihiro Kawasome, Suppaband, more.
How much?
2000yen each day.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 72615).
Website:
Enban News
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two



FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL
Giant festival with multiple stages in the mountains of Niigata.
When?
July 29th (Fri), 30th (Sat), 31st (Sun)
Where?
Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata.
Who's playing?
Day One: COLDPLAY, ARCTIC MONKEYS, BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE, CSS, SISTERS OF MERCY, The Birthday, WASHED OUT, DEERHOOF, FOUR TET, WIDESPREAD PANIC, SAM MOORE, more.
Day Two: THE FACES, TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA, BATTLES, INCUBUS, ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION, the HIATUS, DIGITALISM, KIMONOS, 80kidz, WIDESPREAD PANIC, TODD RUNDGREN, CONGOTRONICS vs ROCKERS, more.
Day Three: THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS, YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA, MOGWAI, FEEDER, WILCO, CAKE, ATARI TEENAGE RIOT, envy, BEACH HOUSE, QURULI, TOWA TEI, DARK STAR ORCHESTRA, CORNERSHOP, BUDDY GUY, more.
How much?
One day 16,800yen, 3 days 39,800yen. Camping 3000yen.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 70666), Ganban, eplus. Tickets from overseas: Ganban
Website:
fujirockfestival.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two, Day Three



ROCK IN JAPAN FES. 2011
Large three-day festival focusing on Japanese rock and pop artists.
When?
August 5th (Fri), 6th (Sat), 7th (Sun)
Where?
Kokuei Hitachi Kaihin Koen in Hitachinaka-city, Ibaraki.
Who's playing?
Day One: ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, ASPARAGUS, 80kidz, OGRE YOU ASSHOLE, Perfume, COMEBACK MY DAUGHTERS, HiGE, MONGOL800, POLYSICS, YUKI, more
Day Two: ORANGE RANGE, capsule, HALCALI, Kimura Kaela, ZAZEN BOYS, Dragon Ash, Unicorn, YUI, Chara, RIP SLYME, SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS, more.
Day Three: ACIDMAN, BRAHMAN, THE ELEPHANT KASHIMASHI, KREVA, PUFFY, te', NICO Touches the Walls, B-DASH, ART-SCHOOL, the band apart, NEGOTO, more.
How much?
1 day 11,500yen, 2 days 22,000yen, 3 days 30,000yen.
Tickets:
Pia, http://rijfes.jp/11/ticket
Website:
rijfes.jp/11
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two, Day Three



TOKYO SKA JAMBOREE Vol.3
Friendly ska festival held near Mt.Fuji.
When?
August 6th (Sat)
Where?
Yamanakako Ska Field.
Who's playing?
FISHBONE, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, .MICETEETH, Blue Beat Players
How much?
6800yen.
Tickets:
eplus
Website:
tokyoskaj.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Tokyo Ska Jamboree



YOKOHAMA REGGAE SAI
Indoor reggae event held in Yokohama.
When?
August 6th (Saturday)
Where?
Yokohama Stadium.
Who's playing?
MIGHTY CROWN FAMILY, PUSHIM, RYO the SKYWALKER, JUMBO MAATCH, TAKAFIN, BOXER KID from MIGHTY JAM ROCK, Special guests from Jamaica, HOME GROWN, STONED ROCKERS, more.
How much?
Arena/Stand S 7800yen, Stand A 6800yen.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 76000)
Website:
yokohamareggaesai.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Yokohama Reggae Sai



WORLD HAPPINESS 2011
Electronic and quirky pop festival held in a Tokyo park.
When?
August 7th (Sunday)
Where?
Yumenoshima Koen Rikujokyogijo in Shin-Kiba.
Who's playing?
YUKI, THE BEATNIKS, YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA, Takano Hiroshi, LITTLE CREATURES, SCHADARAPARR, TOWA TEI, Hoshino Gen, OKAMOTO’S, kotringo, Fennesz+Sakamoto, SinseiKamattechan, KIMONOS, Sakanaction, Miyazawa Kazufumi as GANGA ZUMBA
How much?
8500yen
Tickets:
Pia (code 132-676), Lawson (code 72912), eplus, CN, Kyodo.
Website:
world-happiness.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
World Happiness



SONICMANIA
Summer Sonic's warm-up rock and dance festival.
When?
August 12th (Fri)
Where?
Makuhari Messe.
Who's playing?
Underworld, Primal Scream present Screamadelica live, Boom Boom Satellites, Chase & Status, A-TRAK, autoKratz, Jamaica, South Central, Vitalic.
How much?
9,000yen.
Tickets:
Lawson (code 72790), Pia (code 136-070), eplus, CN, JCB. From overseas: ticketweb.co.uk
Website:
creativeman.co.jp/sonicmania
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Sonicmania



SUMMER SONIC
Huge commercial and indie music festival held in urban Chiba.
When?
August 13th (Sat) and 14th (Sun)
Where?
Makuhari Messe.
Who's playing?
Day One: THE STROKES, BEADY EYE, KIMURA KAELA, NE-YO, RIP SLYME, THE MARS VOLTA, SIMPLE PLAN, DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979, KORN, THE HORRORS, ZIGGY MARLEY, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, VILLAGE PEOPLE, more.
Day Two: RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, X JAPAN, P.i.L, THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION, SUEDE, JAMES BLUNT, BOW WOW WOW, HOUSE OF PAIN, FACT, VILLAGE PEOPLE BOOTSY COLLINS, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, more.
How much?
1 day 15,000yen, 2 days 27,000yen.
Tickets:
Pia (code 134-175), Lawson (code 77777), CN, JCB.
Website:
summersonic.com/2011
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two



FREE DOMMUNE ZERO
Earthquake charity event brings noise artists and dance music together.
When?
August 19th
Where?
Higashi Ogishima East Park, Kawasaki
Who's playing?
WHITEHOUSE/CUT HANDS, HIJOKAIDAN, KEIJI HAINO, MERZBOW, OTOMO YOSHIHIDE, FISHMANS+, STEWART WALKER, ISAO TOMITA, JEFF MILLS, EYE, KEN ISHII, TOWA TEI, more.
How much?
Free
Website:
dommune.com/freedommunezero
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Freedommune Zero



TONE RIVER JAM '11
This Japanese rock festival in Chiba will be held on two days this year.
When?
August 20th (Sat) and 21st (Sun)
Where?
Yu Yu Park, Abiko, Chiba.
Who's playing?
locofrank, UNITED, F.I.B, GARLICBOYS, IDOLPUNCH, MEANIING, kamomekamome, FCFiVE, DEEPCOVER, Gocoo, more.
How much?
TBA.
Tickets:
TBA.
Website:
toneriverjam.jimdo.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two



WIRE11
Dance the night away at this electronic music festival.
When?
August 27th (Sat)
Where?
Yokohama Arena.
Who's playing?
Agoria, Beroshima, Mark Broom, Dop, Dr. Shingo, Dubfire, Len Faki, Ken Ishii, Takkyu Ishino, Takaaki Itoh, Ben Klock, Shin Nishimura, Radio Slave, Rainbow Arabia, Snuff Crew, Sodeyama, Daniel Steinberg, Fumiya Tanaka, Tasaka, Westbam, more.
How much?
11550yen.
Tickets:
Pia (code 138-130), Lawson (code 78740), e+, CN, 7-11.
Website:
wireweb.jp/11
Tokyo Gig Guide:
WIRE11



SPACE SHOWER SWEET LOVE SHOWER 2011
Japanese rock and pop festival organised by a TV channel.
When?
August 27th (Sat) and 28th (Sun).
Where?
Lake Yamanaka Community Plaza Yamanakako-village, Yamanashi.
Who's playing?
Day One: andymori, HY, Okamura Yasuyuki, Ryujin Kiyoshi, salyu × salyu, HiGE, BRAHMAN, The Mirraz, YOUR SONG IS GOOD, more.
Day Two: Kegawa no Maries, Sakanaction, SAMBOMASTER, SISTER JET, [Champagne], SEKAI NO OWARI, NICO Touches the Walls, THE BAWDIES, more.
How much?
1 day 9,000yen, 2 days 17,000yen.
Tickets:
Pia, Lawson, eplus
Website:
sweetloveshower.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Day One, Day Two



PROGRESSIVE ROCK FESTIVAL 2011
Three classic rock groups will perform in Hibiya park.
When?
August 28th (Sun).
Where?
Hibiya Park Open Air Concert Hall.
Who's playing?
KANSAS, WISHBONE ASH, PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi)
How much?
12,000yen
Tickets:
Pia (code 142-569), Lawson (code 72430), eplus.
Website:
clubcitta.co.jp/001/progfes2
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Prog Rock Fes



METAMORPHOSE
Electronic and rock music festival which always has an interesting lineup.
When?
September 3rd (Sat)
Where?
Cycle Sports Center, Shizuoka.
Who's playing?
Leftfield, The Flaming Lips, Tim Deluxe, Orbital, Cut Chemist, Moodymann, Galactic, Stevie Salas, Derrick May, minilogue, Gold Panda, DUB SQUAD, Nanao Tavito, Nisennenmondai, DEEP COVER, rega, EYE, DJ BAKU, GALAXY 2 GALAXY, Ebo Taylor and Afrobeat Academy, rei harakami, more.
How much?
TBA.
Tickets:
metamo.info/preticket
Website:
metamo.info
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Metamorphose



FUNTE NEON
Small indie festival in Tokorozawa.
When?
September 4th (Sunday)
Where?
Tokorozawa Koku Kinen Koen Outdoor Stage
Who's playing?
SOUR, COMA*, 4 bonjour's parties, miaou, Choir touched teras chord, more.
How much?
2300yen advance. 2900yen on the day.
Tickets:
eplus
Website:
funteneon.com
Tokyo Gig Guide:
Funte Neon


Later Festivals:
Even when summer is coming to an end, you can still enjoy a few festivals around Tokyo.

TOKYO JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011
September 2nd, 3rd & 4th at Tokyo International Forum
TokyoJazz2011

TAICOCLUB CAMPS '11
September 9th & 10th at New Greenpia Tsunan, Niigata
Day One, Day Two

LABYRINTH 2011
September 17th, 18th & 19th at Naeba Green Land, Niigata
Day One, Day Two, Day Three

AIR JAM '11
September 18th at Yokohama Stadium
Tokyo Gig Guide

NEUTRALNATION 2011
September 19th at Tokyo Odaiba Seaside Court
Tokyo Gig Guide

GG11 (MUSIC ON TV - GEORGE'S GOVERNMENT 2011)
September 23rd & 24th at Makuhari Messe
Day One, Day Two

GURU GURU MAWARU
September 24th at Saitama Stadium 2002
Tokyo Gig Guide

LOUD PARK '11
October 15th at Saitama Super Arena.
Tokyo Gig Guide

KAIKOO POPWAVE FESTIVAL
November 19th at various venues in Shibuya.
Tokyo Gig Guide

ASAGIRI JAM
Probably October 8th, not announced yet.
smash-jpn.com/asagiri


Other summer music festivals in Japan:
Here are the highlights of the summer festivals in other parts of the country.

MIYAKO ISLAND ROCK FESTIVAL in Miyako Island, Okinawa
June 25th
mirf.jp

PEACEFUL LOVE ROCK FESTIVAL in Okinawa
July 9th & 10th
peaceful-love-rock.com

KYOTO DAISAKUSEN 2011 in Kyoto
July 9th & 10th
sound-c.co.jp/kyotodai/11

ROKKO SUN MUSIC 2011 in Kobe
July 10th
rokkosun-music.com

GREEN GREEN MUSIC FESTIVAL in Hiroshima
July 10th
greenx2fes.web.fc2.com

STARLIGHT REGGAE FESTIVAL in Gifu
July 16th, 17th & 18th.
starlight-reggaefesta.com

AOMORI ROCK FESTIVAL in Aomori
July 17th.
natsunomamono

JOIN ALIVE 2011 in Hokkaido
July 23rd & 24th.
joinalive.jp

SETSTOCK '11 in Hiroshima
July 23rd & 24th.
setstock.jp

OGA NAMAHAGE ROCK FESTIVAL in Akita
July 30th.
onrf.jp

ROCK DAZE 2011 in Fukuoka
July 31st.
kyodo-west.co.jp/rockdaze_2011

RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2011 in Ezo, Hokkaido
August 12th & 13th
rsr.wess.co.jp

MTV ZUSHI FES 2011 in Zushi
August 12th, 13th & 14th
mtvjapan.com/zushifes

TREASURE05X in Nagoya
August 13th to September 10th
sundayfolk.com/treasure

TOHOKU REGGAE SAI in Iwate
August 14th.
tohoku-reggaesai.com

MONSTER BASH in Kagawa
August 20th & 21st.
monsterbash.jp

SKY JAMBOREE 2011 in Nagasaki
August 21st.
skyj.jp

ARABAKI ROCK FEST 11 in Sendai
August 27th & 28th.
arabaki.com

RUSH BALL 2011 in Osaka
September 4th.
rushball.com

MASTER COLISEUM '11 in Osaka
September 23rd.
master56.com

NAGATA DAIKOUSHINKYOKU (GAGAGAGA SP FES) in Kobe
September 24th & 25th
ldandk.xsrv.jp/gagaga-fes