34 recurring jazz jam sessions in Tokyo, sorted by night. We checked each one against the venue’s own website, calendar or ticket page on October 8, 2026. Jam nights move, so open the venue’s listing before you head out. New to jams? Read how to sit in. Another city? Search the whole map.
Monday jazz jams in Tokyo
Several times a week
Tokyo Club Jazz Jam
Varies by session: 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:30 or 19:00 starts
Tokyo Club Suidobashi (東京倶楽部 水道橋店) · Suidobashi / Ochanomizu, Chiyoda
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: 茂上剛, bass; 三原彩子, piano)
- How it runs: Singers and instrumentalists each get slots; bring plenty of charts. Walk-ins are OK unless it's full. The venue says about half the players are beginners.
- Cover: ¥3,300 incl. 1 drink; evening sessions have a 2-order minimum (+¥550)
- For bass players: Upright bass (Oriente HO-20) and bass amp on site.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. Booking online is free and holds a spot, since numbers are capped.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most days
JACK&SUZIE Jazz Jam
13:00 to 16:00, plus some evening sessions from 18:00 or 19:00
Jazz Live Bar JACK&SUZIE* · Kameari, Katsushika
- Host: Rotating, mostly piano and bass pairs (9 Oct 2026: 藤田秀雄, piano; 渡部拓実, bass)
- How it runs: Diners are welcome during sessions.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge + 2 orders (9 Oct 2026)
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some sessions are vocal, Showa song or all-genre jams.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
About 8 times a month, mostly afternoons
COCOPALM Jazz Session
14:00 to 17:00 (some evenings 19:30 to 22:30)
Live Bar COCO PALM (ココパーム) · Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami (by the JR north exit)
- Host: Rotating pianist and bassist (4 Oct 2026: Rieko Sobajima, piano; 上床真理子, bass)
- How it runs: Some dates are a beginner-friendly session (超ゆるジャズセッション, ¥2,000 + 2 orders).
- Cover: ¥2,500 + 2 orders
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Once a month, near the end of the month
Jazz Practice Session
18:00 to 21:00
Golden Egg (ゴールデンエッグ) · Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Host: シン (guitar, bass)
- How it runs: Beginners welcome.
- Cover: ¥2,600 incl. drink
- For bass players: House guitar and bass available.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; the weekday changes each month.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Almost every day except Tuesday
J-flow Jazz Jam
18:00 to 22:00
Jazz Session Cafe J-flow · Kinshicho / Ryogoku, Sumida
- Host: Rotating pro hosts (9 Oct 2026: 岡崎正典, sax; 瀬戸萌歌, piano; 竹田康友, bass; 芳賀元気, drums)
- How it runs: Listeners welcome. If your repertoire is limited, tell the staff when you arrive. Separate beginner sessions and workshops run too.
- Cover: From ¥2,000 + 1 order, set by each host (¥2,800 to ¥3,000 + order in early Oct 2026)
- For bass players: House upright bass with adjustable string height, plus guitar and bass amps.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Every Monday
Standard Jazz Session
18:30 to 22:00
Cafe Dolce Vita (カフェ・ドルチェヴィータ) · Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku
- Host: Rotating trio (5 Oct 2026: 稲毛滋, drums; 牛山健太郎, bass; 堀江敬子, piano)
- How it runs: Tunes come from the 'black book' jazz fake book and the standard book. For anything else, bring 4 copies of your chart. Beginners and singers welcome.
- Cover: ¥1,800 to play (students ¥1,400), listeners free; 2-order minimum
- For bass players: Upright bass and bass amp on site.
- Good to know: On public holiday Mondays it runs as an afternoon session, 13:30 to 17:00.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a month, on Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays
dot&blue Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00
dot&blue · Akasaka, Minato
- Host: Usually 堀江大輔, with a rotating pianist (Akiko on 12 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: Players are asked to keep the volume down, especially drums.
- Cover: ¥2,200 to play + 2 orders; listeners ¥1,100 + 2 orders
- For bass players: 堀江大輔, the host on most dates, plays bass.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most nights, plus some weekend and holiday afternoons
Lezard Session
19:00 to 23:00 (afternoons 13:30 to 17:00)
Daikanyama Lezard (代官山レザール) · Daikanyama, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: Mackie, piano; 野村進一, bass)
- How it runs: Calendar entries marked ※S are open sessions anyone can join.
- Cover: From ¥4,000
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Fourth Monday of the month
Connect to K-Jazz Session
19:30 to 22:30
Golden Egg (ゴールデンエッグ) · Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Host: The Signal: Keisuke Hasegawa (drums), Toshihiro Kurita (bass), Rieko Sobajima (piano)
- How it runs: A jam on black book standards, open to all. Beginners welcome, and the host band steps in on hard tunes. Doors open at 19:00.
- Cover: ¥2,000 + 1 drink, or ¥4,000 all you can drink
- For bass players: Electric bass on site.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a month
BACK IN TIME Jazz Jam
19:30 (some dates also 14:30)
Live Cafe BACK IN TIME (バック・イン・タイム) · Minami-Koiwa, Edogawa
- Host: Rotating (5 Oct 2026: 田中利佳, piano; 阿部泉, bass; 村山峰之, drums)
- How it runs: All instruments and singers welcome.
- Cover: ¥2,500 + at least 1 drink
- For bass players: Free rental guitars and electric basses at the jazz jams (the 2 Nov listing also offers a free upright bass). House bass amp is a Hartke HA2500.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most Mondays
kei Jazz Jam
19:30
kei (赤坂ケイ) · Akasaka, Minato
- Host: Pianist 神村晃司 with a rotating session leader and band (5 Oct 2026: 井上信平, flute; 中山保, bass; 手塚恭子, drums)
- How it runs: Customers can sing or play with the band.
- Style: Jazz and bossa nova
- Cover: ¥3,500 music charge (students ¥2,000), plus food and drink, 10% service and 10% tax
- Good to know: No jam on public holiday Mondays; the club is closed Sundays and holidays.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several nights a week
JAZOO Asakusa Jazz Jam
Check the venue for the time
JAZOO Asakusa (JAZOO浅草) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating (October 2026 hosts include pianists Hisakazu Noguchi and 三原彩子, organist 福永貴之 and bassist 茂上剛)
- Cover: ¥1,500 to ¥3,000, depending on the session
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some nights are Showa pop, chanson or non-genre sessions.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Tuesday jazz jams in Tokyo
Most days
JACK&SUZIE Jazz Jam
13:00 to 16:00, plus some evening sessions from 18:00 or 19:00
Jazz Live Bar JACK&SUZIE* · Kameari, Katsushika
- Host: Rotating, mostly piano and bass pairs (9 Oct 2026: 藤田秀雄, piano; 渡部拓実, bass)
- How it runs: Diners are welcome during sessions.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge + 2 orders (9 Oct 2026)
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some sessions are vocal, Showa song or all-genre jams.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
About 8 times a month, mostly afternoons
COCOPALM Jazz Session
14:00 to 17:00 (some evenings 19:30 to 22:30)
Live Bar COCO PALM (ココパーム) · Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami (by the JR north exit)
- Host: Rotating pianist and bassist (4 Oct 2026: Rieko Sobajima, piano; 上床真理子, bass)
- How it runs: Some dates are a beginner-friendly session (超ゆるジャズセッション, ¥2,000 + 2 orders).
- Cover: ¥2,500 + 2 orders
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
First Tuesday of the month
Tokyo's Widest-Open Jazz Session
19:00 to 22:00
Space With Iidabashi (飯田橋Space With) · Iidabashi, Chiyoda
- Host: Shibata
- How it runs: No sign-up needed. Beginners, players coming back after a break and people with no band experience are welcome, and you can request tunes.
- Cover: ¥2,500 + 1 drink
- For bass players: The host, Shibata, is a bassist and brings an upright. House bass rig: Ampeg SVT 450H head with an SVT810E cabinet.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most nights, plus some weekend and holiday afternoons
Lezard Session
19:00 to 23:00 (afternoons 13:30 to 17:00)
Daikanyama Lezard (代官山レザール) · Daikanyama, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: Mackie, piano; 野村進一, bass)
- How it runs: Calendar entries marked ※S are open sessions anyone can join.
- Cover: From ¥4,000
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
No fixed day (Tue 13 Oct is the October 2026 date)
Absolute Blue Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00
Absolute Blue · Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima
- Host: 13 Oct 2026: 荒武裕一朗 (piano), 増原巌 (bass), 公手徹太郎 (drums); 守屋純子 (piano) usually hosts too
- How it runs: Any instrument welcome, and no booking needed. Doors open at 18:30.
- Cover: ¥2,500 + 1 drink (one free soft drink refill)
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
A few times a month
SHIZUKA Jazz Jam
19:30 to 22:30 (weekend and holiday afternoons 15:00 to 18:00)
Tea Time & Jazz Bar SHIZUKA · Nishi-Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating, usually piano and bass (2 Oct 2026: 杉山美樹, piano; 酒井一郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,750 + 1 order minimum
- Good to know: The bar is closed from 23 Oct to 22 Nov 2026. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Every Tuesday
KO-KO Tuesday Jam Session
19:30 to 22:30
KO-KO (渋谷KO-KO from sonoka) · Dogenzaka, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating horn-led quartet (6 Oct 2026: 山中良之, tenor sax; 山崎麻里, piano; 千葉征央, bass; 野村綾乃, drums)
- How it runs: It can run to 23:00, depending on the night.
- Cover: ¥3,300 incl. 1 drink
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Third Tuesday of the month
BUDDY Jazz Session
19:30
Live in BUDDY (江古田バディ) · Ekoda, Nerima
- Host: Rieko Sobajima (piano), 山本直樹 (drums)
- How it runs: Open to all levels, beginners to pros. Bring your instrument; no booking needed. Doors open at 19:00.
- Cover: ¥1,800 + 2 orders (¥1,400)
- For bass players: No house bassist is listed.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Last Tuesday of the month
Tuesday Jazz Funk Session
20:00
PAPPY'S (錦糸町 パピーズ) · Kinshicho, Sumida
- Host: Kaname Kikuchi (bass), ハマちゃん (drums)
- How it runs: Relaxed, and beginners are welcome. Doors open at 19:30.
- Style: Jazz-funk: mostly black book standards mixed with funk tunes
- Cover: ¥1,800 + 1 drink (¥500)
- For bass players: Rental bass available.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several nights a week
JAZOO Asakusa Jazz Jam
Check the venue for the time
JAZOO Asakusa (JAZOO浅草) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating (October 2026 hosts include pianists Hisakazu Noguchi and 三原彩子, organist 福永貴之 and bassist 茂上剛)
- Cover: ¥1,500 to ¥3,000, depending on the session
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some nights are Showa pop, chanson or non-genre sessions.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Every Tuesday
Tuesday Service Session
Check the venue for the time
Every Swing (エブリィスイング) · Ueno, Taito
- Host: 大和田千弘 (piano) and 大森哲也 (bass)
- How it runs: The venue's discounted weekly jam day. Beginners and listeners welcome.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge incl. 1 drink
- For bass players: Free rental instruments include an electric bass.
- Good to know: The venue lists both 19:00 and 19:30 as the start, so check before you go.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Wednesday jazz jams in Tokyo
Most days
JACK&SUZIE Jazz Jam
13:00 to 16:00, plus some evening sessions from 18:00 or 19:00
Jazz Live Bar JACK&SUZIE* · Kameari, Katsushika
- Host: Rotating, mostly piano and bass pairs (9 Oct 2026: 藤田秀雄, piano; 渡部拓実, bass)
- How it runs: Diners are welcome during sessions.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge + 2 orders (9 Oct 2026)
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some sessions are vocal, Showa song or all-genre jams.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Second and fourth Wednesday of the month
Yuki Nakano's Afternoon Jam
13:30 to 17:00
Takadanobaba Sunny Side (高田馬場サニーサイド) · Nishi-Waseda (Takadanobaba), Shinjuku
- Host: Yuki Nakano, with 鈴木洋一 (guitar) on the second Wednesday and 永吉俊雄 (piano) on the fourth
- How it runs: An afternoon jam. Snacks to share are welcome.
- Cover: ¥2,600 music charge
- For bass players: The host, Yuki Nakano, plays bass.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
One Wednesday afternoon a month
Daytime Jazz Session
14:00 to 17:00
Golden Egg (ゴールデンエッグ) · Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Host: 菅礼子 (piano), 松村薫 (bass)
- How it runs: Doors open at 13:30.
- Cover: ¥2,000
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; the week changes each month.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
About 8 times a month, mostly afternoons
COCOPALM Jazz Session
14:00 to 17:00 (some evenings 19:30 to 22:30)
Live Bar COCO PALM (ココパーム) · Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami (by the JR north exit)
- Host: Rotating pianist and bassist (4 Oct 2026: Rieko Sobajima, piano; 上床真理子, bass)
- How it runs: Some dates are a beginner-friendly session (超ゆるジャズセッション, ¥2,000 + 2 orders).
- Cover: ¥2,500 + 2 orders
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Almost every day except Tuesday
J-flow Jazz Jam
18:00 to 22:00
Jazz Session Cafe J-flow · Kinshicho / Ryogoku, Sumida
- Host: Rotating pro hosts (9 Oct 2026: 岡崎正典, sax; 瀬戸萌歌, piano; 竹田康友, bass; 芳賀元気, drums)
- How it runs: Listeners welcome. If your repertoire is limited, tell the staff when you arrive. Separate beginner sessions and workshops run too.
- Cover: From ¥2,000 + 1 order, set by each host (¥2,800 to ¥3,000 + order in early Oct 2026)
- For bass players: House upright bass with adjustable string height, plus guitar and bass amps.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a week
LIVE UNTEN 45 Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00 (weekend afternoons 14:00 to 17:00)
LIVE UNTEN 45 · Yotsuya-sanchome, Shinjuku
- Host: Rotating (Harunobu Tsuchida, organ, on 1 and 22 Oct; 中尾剛也, guitar, and 程嶋日奈子, bass, on 8 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: Doors open 30 minutes before the start.
- Cover: ¥3,500 incl. 2 drinks
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. On Sun 25 Oct you must reserve a spot by instrument, two bassists max.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Once a month, on a Wednesday
Cochi Session
19:00
Cochi (コチ) · Minami-Koiwa, Edogawa
- Host: 日下部史貴 (bass) and 松永博行 (drums), with 杉内浩介 (guitar) on 21 Oct and 柳隼一 (piano) on 18 Nov 2026
- Cover: ¥2,000, drinks from ¥700
- Good to know: Check the schedule for dates (21 Oct and 18 Nov 2026 so far).
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most nights, plus some weekend and holiday afternoons
Lezard Session
19:00 to 23:00 (afternoons 13:30 to 17:00)
Daikanyama Lezard (代官山レザール) · Daikanyama, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: Mackie, piano; 野村進一, bass)
- How it runs: Calendar entries marked ※S are open sessions anyone can join.
- Cover: From ¥4,000
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most Wednesdays to Sundays
SOULTRANE Jazz Jam
19:30 (Sat and Sun: 15:00 and 19:00)
Jazz Bar SOULTRANE (ソウルトレーン) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating piano and bass duo, sometimes with a horn (10 Oct 2026: 嶋津健一, piano; 藤田耕平, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,000 music charge on jam days, drinks extra (special jams ¥2,500 to ¥3,000)
- Good to know: Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and holiday nights, and some nights are live shows. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
A few times a month
SHIZUKA Jazz Jam
19:30 to 22:30 (weekend and holiday afternoons 15:00 to 18:00)
Tea Time & Jazz Bar SHIZUKA · Nishi-Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating, usually piano and bass (2 Oct 2026: 杉山美樹, piano; 酒井一郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,750 + 1 order minimum
- Good to know: The bar is closed from 23 Oct to 22 Nov 2026. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
First Wednesday, first Saturday, second Sunday afternoon, third Sunday and fourth Wednesday of the month, plus extra dates
Jammin' Jazz Jam
19:30 (second Sunday 14:00 to 17:00; fourth Wednesday 19:00 to 22:00)
Jazz Cafe Dining Bar Jammin' (ジャミン) · Toritsu-daigaku, Meguro
- Host: Changes by series (first Wednesday: Hisakazu Noguchi, piano; fourth Wednesday: 千葉香織, piano, and 牛山健太郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,800 incl. 1 drink (first Saturday ¥3,000 + order; fourth Wednesday ¥1,700 incl. 1 drink)
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several nights a week
JAZOO Asakusa Jazz Jam
Check the venue for the time
JAZOO Asakusa (JAZOO浅草) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating (October 2026 hosts include pianists Hisakazu Noguchi and 三原彩子, organist 福永貴之 and bassist 茂上剛)
- Cover: ¥1,500 to ¥3,000, depending on the session
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some nights are Showa pop, chanson or non-genre sessions.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Thursday jazz jams in Tokyo
Several times a week
Tokyo Club Jazz Jam
Varies by session: 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:30 or 19:00 starts
Tokyo Club Suidobashi (東京倶楽部 水道橋店) · Suidobashi / Ochanomizu, Chiyoda
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: 茂上剛, bass; 三原彩子, piano)
- How it runs: Singers and instrumentalists each get slots; bring plenty of charts. Walk-ins are OK unless it's full. The venue says about half the players are beginners.
- Cover: ¥3,300 incl. 1 drink; evening sessions have a 2-order minimum (+¥550)
- For bass players: Upright bass (Oriente HO-20) and bass amp on site.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. Booking online is free and holds a spot, since numbers are capped.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most days
JACK&SUZIE Jazz Jam
13:00 to 16:00, plus some evening sessions from 18:00 or 19:00
Jazz Live Bar JACK&SUZIE* · Kameari, Katsushika
- Host: Rotating, mostly piano and bass pairs (9 Oct 2026: 藤田秀雄, piano; 渡部拓実, bass)
- How it runs: Diners are welcome during sessions.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge + 2 orders (9 Oct 2026)
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some sessions are vocal, Showa song or all-genre jams.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Once a month, near the end of the month
Jazz Practice Session
18:00 to 21:00
Golden Egg (ゴールデンエッグ) · Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Host: シン (guitar, bass)
- How it runs: Beginners welcome.
- Cover: ¥2,600 incl. drink
- For bass players: House guitar and bass available.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; the weekday changes each month.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Almost every day except Tuesday
J-flow Jazz Jam
18:00 to 22:00
Jazz Session Cafe J-flow · Kinshicho / Ryogoku, Sumida
- Host: Rotating pro hosts (9 Oct 2026: 岡崎正典, sax; 瀬戸萌歌, piano; 竹田康友, bass; 芳賀元気, drums)
- How it runs: Listeners welcome. If your repertoire is limited, tell the staff when you arrive. Separate beginner sessions and workshops run too.
- Cover: From ¥2,000 + 1 order, set by each host (¥2,800 to ¥3,000 + order in early Oct 2026)
- For bass players: House upright bass with adjustable string height, plus guitar and bass amps.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a week
LIVE UNTEN 45 Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00 (weekend afternoons 14:00 to 17:00)
LIVE UNTEN 45 · Yotsuya-sanchome, Shinjuku
- Host: Rotating (Harunobu Tsuchida, organ, on 1 and 22 Oct; 中尾剛也, guitar, and 程嶋日奈子, bass, on 8 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: Doors open 30 minutes before the start.
- Cover: ¥3,500 incl. 2 drinks
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. On Sun 25 Oct you must reserve a spot by instrument, two bassists max.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most nights, plus some weekend and holiday afternoons
Lezard Session
19:00 to 23:00 (afternoons 13:30 to 17:00)
Daikanyama Lezard (代官山レザール) · Daikanyama, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: Mackie, piano; 野村進一, bass)
- How it runs: Calendar entries marked ※S are open sessions anyone can join.
- Cover: From ¥4,000
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most Wednesdays to Sundays
SOULTRANE Jazz Jam
19:30 (Sat and Sun: 15:00 and 19:00)
Jazz Bar SOULTRANE (ソウルトレーン) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating piano and bass duo, sometimes with a horn (10 Oct 2026: 嶋津健一, piano; 藤田耕平, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,000 music charge on jam days, drinks extra (special jams ¥2,500 to ¥3,000)
- Good to know: Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and holiday nights, and some nights are live shows. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
A few times a month
SHIZUKA Jazz Jam
19:30 to 22:30 (weekend and holiday afternoons 15:00 to 18:00)
Tea Time & Jazz Bar SHIZUKA · Nishi-Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating, usually piano and bass (2 Oct 2026: 杉山美樹, piano; 酒井一郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,750 + 1 order minimum
- Good to know: The bar is closed from 23 Oct to 22 Nov 2026. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a month
BACK IN TIME Jazz Jam
19:30 (some dates also 14:30)
Live Cafe BACK IN TIME (バック・イン・タイム) · Minami-Koiwa, Edogawa
- Host: Rotating (5 Oct 2026: 田中利佳, piano; 阿部泉, bass; 村山峰之, drums)
- How it runs: All instruments and singers welcome.
- Cover: ¥2,500 + at least 1 drink
- For bass players: Free rental guitars and electric basses at the jazz jams (the 2 Nov listing also offers a free upright bass). House bass amp is a Hartke HA2500.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several nights a week
JAZOO Asakusa Jazz Jam
Check the venue for the time
JAZOO Asakusa (JAZOO浅草) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating (October 2026 hosts include pianists Hisakazu Noguchi and 三原彩子, organist 福永貴之 and bassist 茂上剛)
- Cover: ¥1,500 to ¥3,000, depending on the session
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some nights are Showa pop, chanson or non-genre sessions.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Friday jazz jams in Tokyo
Several times a week
Tokyo Club Jazz Jam
Varies by session: 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:30 or 19:00 starts
Tokyo Club Suidobashi (東京倶楽部 水道橋店) · Suidobashi / Ochanomizu, Chiyoda
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: 茂上剛, bass; 三原彩子, piano)
- How it runs: Singers and instrumentalists each get slots; bring plenty of charts. Walk-ins are OK unless it's full. The venue says about half the players are beginners.
- Cover: ¥3,300 incl. 1 drink; evening sessions have a 2-order minimum (+¥550)
- For bass players: Upright bass (Oriente HO-20) and bass amp on site.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. Booking online is free and holds a spot, since numbers are capped.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most days
JACK&SUZIE Jazz Jam
13:00 to 16:00, plus some evening sessions from 18:00 or 19:00
Jazz Live Bar JACK&SUZIE* · Kameari, Katsushika
- Host: Rotating, mostly piano and bass pairs (9 Oct 2026: 藤田秀雄, piano; 渡部拓実, bass)
- How it runs: Diners are welcome during sessions.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge + 2 orders (9 Oct 2026)
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some sessions are vocal, Showa song or all-genre jams.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
One Friday afternoon a month
Hirukin Beginners' Jam
13:30 to 17:00
Takadanobaba Sunny Side (高田馬場サニーサイド) · Nishi-Waseda (Takadanobaba), Shinjuku
- Host: Takeshi Nonoguchi and 外山浩之 (piano)
- How it runs: A beginner-focused jam with advice; intermediate and advanced players come too.
- Cover: ¥2,800 music charge
- For bass players: Co-host Takeshi Nonoguchi plays electric bass.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
About 8 times a month, mostly afternoons
COCOPALM Jazz Session
14:00 to 17:00 (some evenings 19:30 to 22:30)
Live Bar COCO PALM (ココパーム) · Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami (by the JR north exit)
- Host: Rotating pianist and bassist (4 Oct 2026: Rieko Sobajima, piano; 上床真理子, bass)
- How it runs: Some dates are a beginner-friendly session (超ゆるジャズセッション, ¥2,000 + 2 orders).
- Cover: ¥2,500 + 2 orders
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Almost every day except Tuesday
J-flow Jazz Jam
18:00 to 22:00
Jazz Session Cafe J-flow · Kinshicho / Ryogoku, Sumida
- Host: Rotating pro hosts (9 Oct 2026: 岡崎正典, sax; 瀬戸萌歌, piano; 竹田康友, bass; 芳賀元気, drums)
- How it runs: Listeners welcome. If your repertoire is limited, tell the staff when you arrive. Separate beginner sessions and workshops run too.
- Cover: From ¥2,000 + 1 order, set by each host (¥2,800 to ¥3,000 + order in early Oct 2026)
- For bass players: House upright bass with adjustable string height, plus guitar and bass amps.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a week
LIVE UNTEN 45 Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00 (weekend afternoons 14:00 to 17:00)
LIVE UNTEN 45 · Yotsuya-sanchome, Shinjuku
- Host: Rotating (Harunobu Tsuchida, organ, on 1 and 22 Oct; 中尾剛也, guitar, and 程嶋日奈子, bass, on 8 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: Doors open 30 minutes before the start.
- Cover: ¥3,500 incl. 2 drinks
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. On Sun 25 Oct you must reserve a spot by instrument, two bassists max.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Second Friday of the month
NightMusic Session
19:00 to 22:30
Golden Egg (ゴールデンエッグ) · Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Host: trinity (keys), mi-tan (bass), punch (guitar), Takamichi (drums), AO (winds), TAMON (vocals, guitar)
- How it runs: Tell the hosts ahead of time and they'll play almost anything.
- Style: Fusion (Sanborn, Brecker, Grover Washington Jr.) plus black book and yellow book standards
- Cover: ¥2,600 incl. 1 drink
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most nights, plus some weekend and holiday afternoons
Lezard Session
19:00 to 23:00 (afternoons 13:30 to 17:00)
Daikanyama Lezard (代官山レザール) · Daikanyama, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: Mackie, piano; 野村進一, bass)
- How it runs: Calendar entries marked ※S are open sessions anyone can join.
- Cover: From ¥4,000
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
First Friday of the month
First Friday Jazz Session
19:30 (2 Oct 2026: 19:00 to 22:00)
Golden Egg (ゴールデンエッグ) · Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Host: Sep and Nov 2026: Jasmine (trumpet), 阿部義徳 (piano), 椎名達人 (bass), 阿部洋士 (drums). 2 Oct 2026: かねだまさこ (piano), 松村薫 (bass), 浅宮竜次 (drums)
- Cover: ¥2,000 + 1 drink (¥600)
- Good to know: The slot alternates between two jazz sessions with different hosts and start times, so check the calendar for the month.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most Wednesdays to Sundays
SOULTRANE Jazz Jam
19:30 (Sat and Sun: 15:00 and 19:00)
Jazz Bar SOULTRANE (ソウルトレーン) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating piano and bass duo, sometimes with a horn (10 Oct 2026: 嶋津健一, piano; 藤田耕平, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,000 music charge on jam days, drinks extra (special jams ¥2,500 to ¥3,000)
- Good to know: Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and holiday nights, and some nights are live shows. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
A few times a month
SHIZUKA Jazz Jam
19:30 to 22:30 (weekend and holiday afternoons 15:00 to 18:00)
Tea Time & Jazz Bar SHIZUKA · Nishi-Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating, usually piano and bass (2 Oct 2026: 杉山美樹, piano; 酒井一郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,750 + 1 order minimum
- Good to know: The bar is closed from 23 Oct to 22 Nov 2026. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a month
BACK IN TIME Jazz Jam
19:30 (some dates also 14:30)
Live Cafe BACK IN TIME (バック・イン・タイム) · Minami-Koiwa, Edogawa
- Host: Rotating (5 Oct 2026: 田中利佳, piano; 阿部泉, bass; 村山峰之, drums)
- How it runs: All instruments and singers welcome.
- Cover: ¥2,500 + at least 1 drink
- For bass players: Free rental guitars and electric basses at the jazz jams (the 2 Nov listing also offers a free upright bass). House bass amp is a Hartke HA2500.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several nights a week
JAZOO Asakusa Jazz Jam
Check the venue for the time
JAZOO Asakusa (JAZOO浅草) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating (October 2026 hosts include pianists Hisakazu Noguchi and 三原彩子, organist 福永貴之 and bassist 茂上剛)
- Cover: ¥1,500 to ¥3,000, depending on the session
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some nights are Showa pop, chanson or non-genre sessions.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Saturday jazz jams in Tokyo
Several times a week
Tokyo Club Jazz Jam
Varies by session: 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:30 or 19:00 starts
Tokyo Club Suidobashi (東京倶楽部 水道橋店) · Suidobashi / Ochanomizu, Chiyoda
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: 茂上剛, bass; 三原彩子, piano)
- How it runs: Singers and instrumentalists each get slots; bring plenty of charts. Walk-ins are OK unless it's full. The venue says about half the players are beginners.
- Cover: ¥3,300 incl. 1 drink; evening sessions have a 2-order minimum (+¥550)
- For bass players: Upright bass (Oriente HO-20) and bass amp on site.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. Booking online is free and holds a spot, since numbers are capped.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most days
JACK&SUZIE Jazz Jam
13:00 to 16:00, plus some evening sessions from 18:00 or 19:00
Jazz Live Bar JACK&SUZIE* · Kameari, Katsushika
- Host: Rotating, mostly piano and bass pairs (9 Oct 2026: 藤田秀雄, piano; 渡部拓実, bass)
- How it runs: Diners are welcome during sessions.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge + 2 orders (9 Oct 2026)
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some sessions are vocal, Showa song or all-genre jams.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
First Saturday of the month
KIWAKO Jam Session
14:00 to 17:00
Golden Egg (ゴールデンエッグ) · Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Host: Kiwako Shimizu (piano, vocals)
- How it runs: Singers bring charts in their key. Beginners welcome, sometimes with workshop-style advice.
- Style: Jazz standards and pop songs, vocal friendly
- Cover: ¥2,000 + drink
- For bass players: Electric bass available.
- Good to know: Instrumentalists are welcome too, and instrumentals are fine.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
About 8 times a month, mostly afternoons
COCOPALM Jazz Session
14:00 to 17:00 (some evenings 19:30 to 22:30)
Live Bar COCO PALM (ココパーム) · Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami (by the JR north exit)
- Host: Rotating pianist and bassist (4 Oct 2026: Rieko Sobajima, piano; 上床真理子, bass)
- How it runs: Some dates are a beginner-friendly session (超ゆるジャズセッション, ¥2,000 + 2 orders).
- Cover: ¥2,500 + 2 orders
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Almost every day except Tuesday
J-flow Jazz Jam
18:00 to 22:00
Jazz Session Cafe J-flow · Kinshicho / Ryogoku, Sumida
- Host: Rotating pro hosts (9 Oct 2026: 岡崎正典, sax; 瀬戸萌歌, piano; 竹田康友, bass; 芳賀元気, drums)
- How it runs: Listeners welcome. If your repertoire is limited, tell the staff when you arrive. Separate beginner sessions and workshops run too.
- Cover: From ¥2,000 + 1 order, set by each host (¥2,800 to ¥3,000 + order in early Oct 2026)
- For bass players: House upright bass with adjustable string height, plus guitar and bass amps.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a week
LIVE UNTEN 45 Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00 (weekend afternoons 14:00 to 17:00)
LIVE UNTEN 45 · Yotsuya-sanchome, Shinjuku
- Host: Rotating (Harunobu Tsuchida, organ, on 1 and 22 Oct; 中尾剛也, guitar, and 程嶋日奈子, bass, on 8 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: Doors open 30 minutes before the start.
- Cover: ¥3,500 incl. 2 drinks
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. On Sun 25 Oct you must reserve a spot by instrument, two bassists max.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a month, on Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays
dot&blue Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00
dot&blue · Akasaka, Minato
- Host: Usually 堀江大輔, with a rotating pianist (Akiko on 12 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: Players are asked to keep the volume down, especially drums.
- Cover: ¥2,200 to play + 2 orders; listeners ¥1,100 + 2 orders
- For bass players: 堀江大輔, the host on most dates, plays bass.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most nights, plus some weekend and holiday afternoons
Lezard Session
19:00 to 23:00 (afternoons 13:30 to 17:00)
Daikanyama Lezard (代官山レザール) · Daikanyama, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: Mackie, piano; 野村進一, bass)
- How it runs: Calendar entries marked ※S are open sessions anyone can join.
- Cover: From ¥4,000
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Second Saturday of the month
in F Jazz Jam
19:00
in F (インエフ) · Oizumi-gakuen, Nerima
- Host: Pianist 坂本千恵 and the owner
- Cover: ¥1,800 + 2 orders
- For bass players: The owner is a bassist and plays in the host pair.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most Wednesdays to Sundays
SOULTRANE Jazz Jam
19:30 (Sat and Sun: 15:00 and 19:00)
Jazz Bar SOULTRANE (ソウルトレーン) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating piano and bass duo, sometimes with a horn (10 Oct 2026: 嶋津健一, piano; 藤田耕平, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,000 music charge on jam days, drinks extra (special jams ¥2,500 to ¥3,000)
- Good to know: Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and holiday nights, and some nights are live shows. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
A few times a month
SHIZUKA Jazz Jam
19:30 to 22:30 (weekend and holiday afternoons 15:00 to 18:00)
Tea Time & Jazz Bar SHIZUKA · Nishi-Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating, usually piano and bass (2 Oct 2026: 杉山美樹, piano; 酒井一郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,750 + 1 order minimum
- Good to know: The bar is closed from 23 Oct to 22 Nov 2026. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
First Wednesday, first Saturday, second Sunday afternoon, third Sunday and fourth Wednesday of the month, plus extra dates
Jammin' Jazz Jam
19:30 (second Sunday 14:00 to 17:00; fourth Wednesday 19:00 to 22:00)
Jazz Cafe Dining Bar Jammin' (ジャミン) · Toritsu-daigaku, Meguro
- Host: Changes by series (first Wednesday: Hisakazu Noguchi, piano; fourth Wednesday: 千葉香織, piano, and 牛山健太郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,800 incl. 1 drink (first Saturday ¥3,000 + order; fourth Wednesday ¥1,700 incl. 1 drink)
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several nights a week
JAZOO Asakusa Jazz Jam
Check the venue for the time
JAZOO Asakusa (JAZOO浅草) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating (October 2026 hosts include pianists Hisakazu Noguchi and 三原彩子, organist 福永貴之 and bassist 茂上剛)
- Cover: ¥1,500 to ¥3,000, depending on the session
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some nights are Showa pop, chanson or non-genre sessions.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Sunday jazz jams in Tokyo
Several times a week
Tokyo Club Jazz Jam
Varies by session: 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:30 or 19:00 starts
Tokyo Club Suidobashi (東京倶楽部 水道橋店) · Suidobashi / Ochanomizu, Chiyoda
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: 茂上剛, bass; 三原彩子, piano)
- How it runs: Singers and instrumentalists each get slots; bring plenty of charts. Walk-ins are OK unless it's full. The venue says about half the players are beginners.
- Cover: ¥3,300 incl. 1 drink; evening sessions have a 2-order minimum (+¥550)
- For bass players: Upright bass (Oriente HO-20) and bass amp on site.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. Booking online is free and holds a spot, since numbers are capped.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most days
JACK&SUZIE Jazz Jam
13:00 to 16:00, plus some evening sessions from 18:00 or 19:00
Jazz Live Bar JACK&SUZIE* · Kameari, Katsushika
- Host: Rotating, mostly piano and bass pairs (9 Oct 2026: 藤田秀雄, piano; 渡部拓実, bass)
- How it runs: Diners are welcome during sessions.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge + 2 orders (9 Oct 2026)
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates; some sessions are vocal, Showa song or all-genre jams.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Fourth Sunday of the month
Takeshi Nonoguchi's Fourth Sunday Jam
13:30 to 17:00 and 19:00 to 22:30
Takadanobaba Sunny Side (高田馬場サニーサイド) · Nishi-Waseda (Takadanobaba), Shinjuku
- Host: Takeshi Nonoguchi
- How it runs: An afternoon session and a night session. Beginners OK; singers join the night session every month, and drummers are especially welcome.
- Cover: ¥2,500 music charge per session
- For bass players: The host plays electric bass.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Second and fourth Sunday of the month
Kintsubo Session
14:00 to 17:30
Live Izakaya Kin no Tsubo (ライブ居酒屋 キンのツボ) · Yoga, Setagaya
- Host: Katsumi Tani with a pianist (Hisakazu Noguchi on 11 Oct and 22 Nov, 寺島優樹 on 8 Nov 2026)
- How it runs: No food is served during the session.
- Cover: 1 drink included (price not posted on the venue's schedule)
- For bass players: Co-host Katsumi Tani plays bass.
- Good to know: No session on Sun 25 Oct 2026 (private event).
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
About 8 times a month, mostly afternoons
COCOPALM Jazz Session
14:00 to 17:00 (some evenings 19:30 to 22:30)
Live Bar COCO PALM (ココパーム) · Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami (by the JR north exit)
- Host: Rotating pianist and bassist (4 Oct 2026: Rieko Sobajima, piano; 上床真理子, bass)
- How it runs: Some dates are a beginner-friendly session (超ゆるジャズセッション, ¥2,000 + 2 orders).
- Cover: ¥2,500 + 2 orders
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Almost every day except Tuesday
J-flow Jazz Jam
18:00 to 22:00
Jazz Session Cafe J-flow · Kinshicho / Ryogoku, Sumida
- Host: Rotating pro hosts (9 Oct 2026: 岡崎正典, sax; 瀬戸萌歌, piano; 竹田康友, bass; 芳賀元気, drums)
- How it runs: Listeners welcome. If your repertoire is limited, tell the staff when you arrive. Separate beginner sessions and workshops run too.
- Cover: From ¥2,000 + 1 order, set by each host (¥2,800 to ¥3,000 + order in early Oct 2026)
- For bass players: House upright bass with adjustable string height, plus guitar and bass amps.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a week
LIVE UNTEN 45 Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00 (weekend afternoons 14:00 to 17:00)
LIVE UNTEN 45 · Yotsuya-sanchome, Shinjuku
- Host: Rotating (Harunobu Tsuchida, organ, on 1 and 22 Oct; 中尾剛也, guitar, and 程嶋日奈子, bass, on 8 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: Doors open 30 minutes before the start.
- Cover: ¥3,500 incl. 2 drinks
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates. On Sun 25 Oct you must reserve a spot by instrument, two bassists max.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Several times a month, on Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays
dot&blue Jazz Jam
19:00 to 22:00
dot&blue · Akasaka, Minato
- Host: Usually 堀江大輔, with a rotating pianist (Akiko on 12 Oct 2026)
- How it runs: Players are asked to keep the volume down, especially drums.
- Cover: ¥2,200 to play + 2 orders; listeners ¥1,100 + 2 orders
- For bass players: 堀江大輔, the host on most dates, plays bass.
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Every Sunday
KO-KO Sunday Session
19:00 to 22:00
KO-KO (渋谷KO-KO from sonoka) · Dogenzaka, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating, usually piano and bass (11 Oct 2026: 速水真理, piano; 鈴木克人, bass)
- How it runs: It can run to 22:30, depending on the night.
- Cover: ¥2,800 incl. 1 drink
- For bass players: A bassist hosts every listed date.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most nights, plus some weekend and holiday afternoons
Lezard Session
19:00 to 23:00 (afternoons 13:30 to 17:00)
Daikanyama Lezard (代官山レザール) · Daikanyama, Shibuya
- Host: Rotating (9 Oct 2026: Mackie, piano; 野村進一, bass)
- How it runs: Calendar entries marked ※S are open sessions anyone can join.
- Cover: From ¥4,000
- Good to know: Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Most Wednesdays to Sundays
SOULTRANE Jazz Jam
19:30 (Sat and Sun: 15:00 and 19:00)
Jazz Bar SOULTRANE (ソウルトレーン) · Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating piano and bass duo, sometimes with a horn (10 Oct 2026: 嶋津健一, piano; 藤田耕平, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,000 music charge on jam days, drinks extra (special jams ¥2,500 to ¥3,000)
- Good to know: Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and holiday nights, and some nights are live shows. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
A few times a month
SHIZUKA Jazz Jam
19:30 to 22:30 (weekend and holiday afternoons 15:00 to 18:00)
Tea Time & Jazz Bar SHIZUKA · Nishi-Asakusa, Taito
- Host: Rotating, usually piano and bass (2 Oct 2026: 杉山美樹, piano; 酒井一郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,750 + 1 order minimum
- Good to know: The bar is closed from 23 Oct to 22 Nov 2026. Check the calendar for dates.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
First Wednesday, first Saturday, second Sunday afternoon, third Sunday and fourth Wednesday of the month, plus extra dates
Jammin' Jazz Jam
19:30 (second Sunday 14:00 to 17:00; fourth Wednesday 19:00 to 22:00)
Jazz Cafe Dining Bar Jammin' (ジャミン) · Toritsu-daigaku, Meguro
- Host: Changes by series (first Wednesday: Hisakazu Noguchi, piano; fourth Wednesday: 千葉香織, piano, and 牛山健太郎, bass)
- Cover: ¥2,800 incl. 1 drink (first Saturday ¥3,000 + order; fourth Wednesday ¥1,700 incl. 1 drink)
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Third Sunday of the month
Daytime Jazz Live and Session
Check the venue for the time
Golden Egg (ゴールデンエッグ) · Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- How it runs: An afternoon of live jazz plus a session.
- Good to know: The venue hasn't posted the time, fee or hosts for October and November, so check the calendar before you go.
Venue listing Checked October 8, 2026
Before you sit in
Jam etiquette
- A1Use the sign-up sheet if there is one, and ask to sit in. If a bassist is already on the stand, ask: “Hey, is it cool if I play?”
- A2Don’t push to the front. In Will’s words: “Don’t try to always be the first one to play. Don’t kick anybody off especially if nobody knows you.”
- A3Time your walk. When Will hears the band “playing the head out of the song,” that’s when he starts making his way up.
From lesson 5 of From Unknown to Unavailable. All five tips
Go deeper
From Unknown to Unavailable
A field manual from NYC bassist Will Lyle for bassists who can play but aren't getting the call, and don't know why.
FAQ
Which nights have jazz jams in Tokyo?
As of October 8, 2026, our list has jams on Monday (12), Tuesday (11), Wednesday (12), Thursday (10), Friday (13), Saturday (13) and Sunday (14). Check the venue listing on the day you go, since nights change.
How do I sit in at a jazz jam as a bass player?
Put your name on the sign-up sheet if there is one. If a bassist is already playing, ask if you can take a tune. Don’t try to go first every time, and don’t bump anyone. New York bassist Will Lyle starts walking toward the stand when he hears the band play the head out.
Other cities
Browse every city on the Jam Finder
Better Bass Lessons isn’t connected to any venue on this page. Listings checked October 8, 2026.