Recommended cafes in Kyoto where you can perform live music
When you think of places where live shows are held, what comes to mind is of course a live music venue.
However, did you know that live performances aren’t limited to live houses and are actually held in other places as well?
So this time, we’d like to introduce some recommended café spaces in Kyoto where you can host live shows.
SOLE CAFE
http://www.otonamode.net/
A live music cafe located in Kyoto’s Kita Ward.
It’s not a large live venue like a concert hall; the charm lies in the intimate, close-knit space unique to a café.
I’ve heard this shop has become famous even among artists.
When I went to see the live show, the artist said, "The pasta is really delicious!"
| Business hours | 11:00–15:00 (Closed on Thursdays and national holidays) |
| Live | Irregularly, regardless of whether it’s a weekday or a weekend/holiday. |
| phone number | 075-493-7011 |
| URL | http://www.solecafe.jp/ |
| https://twitter.com/solecafe?lang=ja | |
| Email address | |
| nearest station | Hankyu Omiya Station, JR Nijo Station |
Cafe & Music Second Rooms (Second Rooms)
http://www.ilfmusic.com/secondrooms.html
A live music cafe located in Muko City, Kyoto Prefecture.
The defining feature of this place is that it consists of two areas: a cafe space and a live performance space.
Therefore, since live events are possible in either space, I believe it would be feasible to hold live events in the 'cafe space' for smaller events or when you want to do an acoustic-style performance.
They also host impromptu live events, and recording is available (acoustic format only, with fewer than five members), making it a venue that offers a variety of options to suit different music lifestyles.
| Business hours | Weekdays 5:00 PM–11:30 PM (last order 11:00 PM); holidays 11:30 AM–11:30 PM (last order 11:00 PM) |
| Live | Irregularly, regardless of whether it’s a weekday or a weekend/holiday. |
| phone number | 070-5666-1081 |
| URL | http://www.ilfmusic.com/secondrooms.html |
| https://twitter.com/Second_Rooms | |
| https://www.facebook.com/SecondRooms?ref_type=bookmark | |
| Email address | secondrooms@live.jp |
| nearest station | Hankyu Kyoto Line Higashi-Mukō Station |
CAFE INDEPENDANTS (Cafe Independants)
http://www.cafe-independants.com/
A café located in Sanjo, Kyoto.
They mainly operate as a café on a regular basis, and although irregular, live performances are also held.
The café is a revitalized space in the basement of the former Mainichi Shimbun building, constructed in 1928 (Showa 3). When you descend into the underground interior, a retro space that makes the most of the era unfolds before you.
Not only do they offer lunch and café menus, but their à la carte dinner options are also plentiful, so enjoying a live performance while dining could be a great idea.
I also really like today’s plate lunch and often go to this restaurant.
| Business hours | 11:30～24:00 |
| Live | Irregular |
| phone number | 075-255-4312 |
| URL | http://www.cafe-independants.com/ |
| https://twitter.com/c_independants | |
| https://www.facebook.com/cafeindependants | |
| Email address | |
| nearest station | Keihan Sanjo Station, Hankyu Kawaramachi Station |
Café FRONT (Front)
http://cafe-front.com/index2.html
A shop located in Saiin, within Kyoto City.
It has a distinctive atmosphere that’s unique to a traditional kissaten rather than a modern café.
At lunchtime you can enjoy lunch and café menu items, and what’s more, it’s distinctive as a café where you can enjoy wine in the evening.
Live events are also held irregularly, and the lamps—characteristically retro café-style with a yellow color scheme—enhance the atmosphere, creating an even more intimate live space.
It’s recommended for a calm, acoustic sound space.
| Business hours | 11:30–21:30 (Closed Wednesday; also closed on the 3rd Tuesday and Wednesday) |
| Live | Irregular |
| phone number | 075-312-1619 |
| URL | http://cafe-front.com/index2.html |
| https://twitter.com/kissatake | |
| Email address | |
| nearest station | Hankyu Saiin Station |
Lastly
How was it?
Kyoto has many cafes and coffee shops, and in fact there are also many places that host live performances.Just as there is café music, I think combinations like café and music or café and live performances are also very pleasant.
And unlike live music clubs, many of these smaller venues offer a space where the distance between the artist and the audience is close, and the prevalence of acoustic setups is another appealing aspect, isn’t it?
Artists who don’t usually perform in an acoustic setup might, perhaps, use that arrangement specifically for the café live shows.
Many cafes that host live performances do so irregularly, so if you’re considering attending, I recommend contacting the venue in advance.