KAKULULU
Higashi-Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Tucked into the quieter lanes of Higashi-Ikebukuro (東池袋), KAKULULU is the kind of intimate music kissa that feels like a secret handed down by locals: a narrow, warmly lit room lined with shelves of records, a compact stage for nightly performances, and a counter where regulars swap recommendations over coffee or a carefully mixed drink. Unlike the bigger venues in central Ikebukuro, KAKULULU cultivates an attentive listening culture—vintage turntables and a well-tuned sound system mean every needle drop and whispered vocal is heard with clarity, whether the program is late-night jazz, folk, or experimental Japanese pop. The décor blends nostalgic kissaten woodwork with posters from past shows, and the staff—often musicians themselves—curate playlists and invite impromptu collaborations, so you may arrive for a quiet set and stay for a spontaneous jam. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic slice of Tokyo’s underground music scene: approachable, unpretentious, and alive with the kind of local energy that rewards curiosity.
Tucked into the quieter lanes of Higashi-Ikebukuro (東池袋), KAKULULU is the kind of intimate music kissa that feels like a secret handed down by locals: a narrow, warmly lit room lined with shelves of records, a compact stage for nightly performances, and a counter where regulars swap recommendations over coffee or a carefully mixed drink. Unlike the bigger venues in central Ikebukuro, KAKULULU cultivates an attentive listening culture—vintage turntables and a well-tuned sound system mean every needle drop and whispered vocal is heard with clarity, whether the program is late-night jazz, folk, or experimental Japanese pop. The décor blends nostalgic kissaten woodwork with posters from past shows, and the staff—often musicians themselves—curate playlists and invite impromptu collaborations, so you may arrive for a quiet set and stay for a spontaneous jam. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic slice of Tokyo’s underground music scene: approachable, unpretentious, and alive with the kind of local energy that rewards curiosity.