A Jazz Bar in Jimbocho

“Adirondack Cafe” is a hidden jazz spot in Jimbocho.
Since first visiting in January this year, participating in a session in April, I have finally secured my debut performance at a piano duo live show on October 7th.

An Authentic Jazz Live Space with Commitment to Sound Equipment and Cuisine

While Jimbocho is strongly associated with its used bookstore district, there is actually a hidden gem where you can enjoy high-quality live jazz performances. That place is Adirondack Cafe. The master, a record enthusiast who lived in New York, opened this establishment in Jimbocho, providing a space filled with jazz love throughout the day, from lunchtime to bar hours.

When I discovered this venue in January this year, it possessed overwhelming charm in both sound equipment and cuisine compared to other establishments. Rather than just being a cafe bar, it’s a place worthy of being called a sanctuary where true music lovers gather.

Jazz History and Culture Breathing Within the Store

The interior is stylish, with jazz-related posters, artwork, CDs, and records displayed everywhere. The numerous vintage posters adorning the walls cover a wide range of periods from the golden age of jazz to the present day, creating an atmosphere like a small jazz museum. I was delighted to see many jazz singer posters as a singer myself!

Items that appear to be gifts from regular customers line the displays and counter, conveying that this is a beloved establishment. It’s also impressive how the master’s New York experiences are reflected in the store’s creation, making it a precious space where you can experience the atmosphere of authentic jazz clubs in Jimbocho. I was moved by the authentic store creation that only a master with overseas musical experience could achieve.

Owner’s Thoroughly Considered Soundproofing Equipment

With the single-minded desire to “let people hear jazz with good sound,” the master installed sound-absorbing materials like those used in movie theaters. This thorough commitment has become a major attraction of Adirondack Cafe.
I’ve attended several live performances there, and indeed, the acoustics allow acoustic music to reach all five senses magnificently.
The acoustic environment where even subtle resonances can be heard clearly is ideal for professional performers as well. It can be said to be the ultimate environment for those who want to seriously enjoy jazz live performances.

CDs recorded from live performances at Adirondack Cafe appear to have been released, making me feel the depth of the owner’s commitment and love.

A Five-Sense Jazz Experience: The Charm of Signature Potatoes and Hamburgers

I absolutely love this establishment’s potatoes.
The hamburgers with fries seem to be specially priced during Monday lunchtime, and I’ve targeted that several times to eat there.
These potatoes achieve the ideal finish of crispy outside and fluffy inside, and they taste exceptionally good when eaten while listening to jazz.

Ever-Evolving Diverse Menu

New menu development seems to happen regularly, and there are dessert menus and special menus that change each visit, making it a jazz bar that never becomes boring, no matter how many times you visit.

The meal, dessert, and drink menus are all substantial, creating a relaxed time before and after live performances.
It’s truly delightful that you can simultaneously enjoy jazz live performances and exquisite cuisine.

From April Session Participation to First Live Performance

Participation in the Memorable First Session

When Adirondack Cafe’s inaugural session was held in April 2025, I participated as a vocalist.
Being a new initiative, I had mixed feelings of anticipation and anxiety about what kind of atmosphere it would create, but when I actually participated, it became a wonderful experience.

All the participants looked very happy, and there were many young people around my age or younger, making it a vibrant and wonderful session.

The sight of people across generations who love jazz gathering and interacting through music truly embodied the community-forming power that jazz possesses.

When Adirondack Cafe’s inaugural session was held in April 2025, I participated as a vocalist.
Being a new initiative, I had mixed feelings of anticipation and anxiety about what kind of atmosphere it would create, but when I actually participated, it became a wonderful experience.
All the participants looked very happy, and there were many young people around my age or younger, making it a vibrant and wonderful session.
The sight of people across generations who love jazz gathering and interacting through music truly embodied the community-forming power that jazz possesses.

Evaluation from the Owner

After listening to my singing, the owner commented, “You’re doing something difficult!” which made me very happy.
This evaluation from the owner confirmed that my musical approach was heading in the right direction.
His ability to see through not just technical completion but also my attitude toward music made me feel the owner’s musical depth anew.

Meeting Pianist Takayuki Yagi

The session host at that time was pianist Takayuki Yagi.
Both his performance and natural musical dialogue were very enjoyable to listen to, and after the session, I went to hear Mr. Yagi’s trio live performance.

Toward the Realization of a Duo Live

Through this flow of events, a live performance as a piano duo with Mr. Yagi was decided for October 7, 2025.

The piano duo format is a new challenge for me, and I’m genuinely delighted to be able to sing with a wonderful pianist in an environment overflowing with jazz love.

Being able to sing in the musical space that the master has built up, the warm atmosphere of regular customers, and above all, this special place where people who love music gather is the ultimate joy.

I hope to contribute even a little to the development of musical culture befitting this intellectual district.

Live Show Information and Details

October 7, 2025 (Tuesday) Live Show Details

Venue: Adirondack Cafe
Performers: Takayuki Yagi (Piano), Aigetsu Kishaba (Vocal)
Format: Piano Duo Live

About Reservations

Due to limited seating, advance reservations are recommended for those considering attendance.
For details, please contact the venue directly.

Venue Information
Adirondack Cafe
Location: Jimbocho, Tokyo
Operating Hours: Lunchtime and bar hours
*For detailed operating hours and access information, please contact the venue directly.