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This intimate and cozy basement club really is the soul of jazz in Tokyo, having first opened in 1965 as Japan's first live jazz house at a time when air-conditioning meant a block of ice on the floor. It has moved several times before finally finding a home here. Over the years it has welcomed a great number of jazz musicians, both as performers and as customers just wanting to chill after playing elsewhere, and still has an impressive roster of both Japanese and international musicians. There are two sets a night, at 8 and 9:45pm, and the cover charge is usually good for both unless it's a special show. For a bit of nostalgia, check out the autographs and photos near the entrance and on the hanging door, imported from a former location.