4 recurring jazz jam sessions in Kyoto, sorted by night. We checked each one against the venue’s own website, calendar or ticket page on October 10, 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.
Tuesday jazz jams in Kyoto
Several times a month, on changing days
Sahouril Jam Session
19:00 to 22:00 evenings; 14:00 to 17:00 weekend afternoons
Jazz Live Sahouril (さうりる) · Saiin, Ukyo-ku
- Host: Bassist 今田博史 with a rotating pianist
- Cover: ¥1,500 music charge (Sat 24 Oct afternoon ¥2,000)
- Good to know: October dates: Thu 8, Sun 11, Sat 24 and Tue 27. Days change every month, so check the calendar.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Wednesday jazz jams in Kyoto
First and third Wednesday of the month
Vocal Session
From 19:30
le club jazz (ルクラブジャズ) · Sanjo, Nakagyo-ku
- Host: 星山啓一 (piano), 衛藤修治 (bass)
- How it runs: A session for singers, backed by the piano and bass hosts.
- Style: Vocal session
- Cover: ¥2,300 incl. 1 drink
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Thursday jazz jams in Kyoto
Several times a month, on changing days
Sahouril Jam Session
19:00 to 22:00 evenings; 14:00 to 17:00 weekend afternoons
Jazz Live Sahouril (さうりる) · Saiin, Ukyo-ku
- Host: Bassist 今田博史 with a rotating pianist
- Cover: ¥1,500 music charge (Sat 24 Oct afternoon ¥2,000)
- Good to know: October dates: Thu 8, Sun 11, Sat 24 and Tue 27. Days change every month, so check the calendar.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Friday jazz jams in Kyoto
Most Fridays
Sit in Jazz
From 19:30
le club jazz (ルクラブジャズ) · Sanjo, Nakagyo-ku
- Host: 角田浩 (Hammond B-3 organ)
- How it runs: Anything from solo piano to singers sitting in, and instrumentalists are very welcome. The organist backs everyone.
- Style: Organ-led, singer friendly
- Cover: ¥1,500, drinks extra (from ¥500)
- Good to know: Some Fridays are regular gigs instead (23 Oct, 6 Nov), so check the schedule.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Saturday jazz jams in Kyoto
Several times a month, on changing days
Sahouril Jam Session
19:00 to 22:00 evenings; 14:00 to 17:00 weekend afternoons
Jazz Live Sahouril (さうりる) · Saiin, Ukyo-ku
- Host: Bassist 今田博史 with a rotating pianist
- Cover: ¥1,500 music charge (Sat 24 Oct afternoon ¥2,000)
- Good to know: October dates: Thu 8, Sun 11, Sat 24 and Tue 27. Days change every month, so check the calendar.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Sunday jazz jams in Kyoto
Every Sunday
Sunday Jam Session
18:30 to 22:30
le club jazz (ルクラブジャズ) · Sanjo, Nakagyo-ku
- Host: Rotating house band (e.g. 金丸精志, piano; 椿原栄弘, bass; 西本憲史, drums)
- How it runs: Bring your instrument and sit in with the house band. Sunday has been session night here since 1997.
- Cover: ¥2,000 to play (students too), ¥2,500 for others
- For bass players: Every listed host band includes a bassist.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Several times a month, on changing days
Sahouril Jam Session
19:00 to 22:00 evenings; 14:00 to 17:00 weekend afternoons
Jazz Live Sahouril (さうりる) · Saiin, Ukyo-ku
- Host: Bassist 今田博史 with a rotating pianist
- Cover: ¥1,500 music charge (Sat 24 Oct afternoon ¥2,000)
- Good to know: October dates: Thu 8, Sun 11, Sat 24 and Tue 27. Days change every month, so check the calendar.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 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 Kyoto?
As of October 10, 2026, our list has jams on Tuesday (1), Wednesday (1), Thursday (1), Friday (1), Saturday (1) and Sunday (2). 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 10, 2026.