Live music venues in Kyoto: recommended list

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Kyoto, an ancient capital where deep history and new culture coexist.

Thanks in part to the blues boom that emerged from Kyoto in the 1970s, the city is known as the birthplace of Japanese blues.

Here, we introduce live music venues in Kyoto—truly a sacred place for music lovers.

live music venue

outside (soto)

soto-kyoto.jp

Name	outside (soto)
Address	18, Nishimachi, Honen-in, Shishigatani, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
genre	All genres
Business hours	Depending on the event
email	info@soto-kyoto.jp
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Website	http://soto-kyoto.jp

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Otoya

otoyalive.web.fc2.com

Name	Otoya
Address	33-1, Sagayanagida-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu, Japan
genre	All genres
Business hours	Depending on the event
phone number	075-862-1225
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Website	http://otoyalive.web.fc2.com/top.html

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BAR USAGI (Bar Usagi)

blog.goo.ne.jp

Name	BAR USAGI (Bar Usagi)
Address	2F, 206-1 Ichinocho, Bukkoji-agaru, Nishikiyamachi, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
genre	Mainly acoustic solo performances (singing with guitar) of rock and similar genres
Business hours	Around 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM the next day
phone number	075-351-6093
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Website	http://blog.goo.ne.jp/usagiflat

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LIVE CAFE VIN-CENT (Live Cafe Vincent)

vin-cent-music.jp

Name	LIVE CAFE VIN-CENT (Live Cafe Vincent)
Address	Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Kamigyo Ward, Okita Koji Higashi-cho
genre	All genres
Business hours	Depending on the event
phone number	075-441-3312
email	livecafevincent@gmail.com
Website	http://vin-cent-music.jp

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honky-tonk (honky-tonk)

http://www.honkytonk21.com

Name	honky-tonk (honky-tonk)
Address	1040, Hataeda-cho, Iwakura, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
genre	All genres
Business hours	13:00～23:00
phone number	075-701-8015
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Website	http://www.honkytonk21.com/index.shtml

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Pontocho Bar Stardust Club

stardustclub.jp

Name	Pontocho Bar Stardust Club
Address	2nd Floor, Pontocho Asahi Building, 214-1 Nabeya-cho, Pontocho, Up from Shijo, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
genre	Focused on blues and funk
Business hours	Doors open at 5:00 PM / Live starts at 8:00 PM
phone number	075-221-2505
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Website	http://stardustclub.jp/

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What should I do to perform at a live house?

If you’re an original band, you need a demo recording!

At live music venues, we need to know in advance what kind of musical style your band has in order to schedule you.It doesn’t matter whether it’s a recorded track or something recorded in a studio with air mics—just be sure to prepare a demo of your own performance.If you’re bringing it in on a CD-R, make sure to...Band name, song title, contact email address, mobile numberLet's write it down.

What about cover bands?

Depending on the live music venue,Dates recruiting a cover bandThey may have one in place, so try contacting them or checking their website.Reference:[First Time at a Live House] 6 Things to Know Before Your First Show

Let's greet properly.

Let’s make sure you can properly introduce yourself by saying, “Nice to meet you. Thank you for your time! My name is ___.” Also, prepare materials so you can present things like your band profile and website information. Additionally, live houses tend to be busy after doors open and on weekends and holidays, so...When visiting, please try to come on weekdays, preferably from daytime to early evening.I think that would be preferable.Reference:For band members, greetings are everything.

Email inquiries are also OK.

If visiting in person is difficult, email is fine as well.However, even in an email environment,Prepare them so that demo audio and the like can be previewed/listened toWe must do it.Let’s either upload it to the website or attach the audio file to an email!And in the email subject line, be sure to add a quick “Nice to meet you.”

You can even rent a hall by gathering bands you’re close with!

You can also rent out the entire live music venue as a hall rental and organize your own event by gathering the bands you want to perform. Please note that your preferred date may not be available, so consult with the venue well in advance to allow flexibility in your schedule.

Lastly

Regardless of age, venues that appeal to a wide range of generations and uniquely traditional spaces—aren’t these the defining characteristics of live houses in Kyoto? If you visit Kyoto, be sure to stop by one.