poupée de son
Fukuoka - Imaizumi, Kyushu
Tucked down a quiet side street in Imaizumi, poupée de son is a tiny, listening-first kissa that feels like a private record salon in the middle of Fukuoka’s lively central neighborhood; step inside and you’re greeted by warm wood, soft lamp glow and a wall of carefully chosen vinyl that reads like a passport through jazz, bossa, chanson, Japanese city pop and tasteful modern obscurities. The owner—part curator, part bartender—sets a deliberate tempo: volumes are kept intimate so each crackle and cymbal bloom, drinks are crafted to match the mood (think bittersweet coffee cocktails and delicate sweets), and conversations are hushed in respect for the music. Its compact layout makes every visit personal, whether you’re there for a solo evening of attentive listening, an impromptu DJ set, or one of the occasional live-acoustic nights that draw locals who know how to listen. For travelers craving an authentic slice of Japan’s cafe-and-music culture, poupée de son offers an unpretentious, high-fidelity retreat where discovery is part of the charm.
Tucked down a quiet side street in Imaizumi, poupée de son is a tiny, listening-first kissa that feels like a private record salon in the middle of Fukuoka’s lively central neighborhood; step inside and you’re greeted by warm wood, soft lamp glow and a wall of carefully chosen vinyl that reads like a passport through jazz, bossa, chanson, Japanese city pop and tasteful modern obscurities. The owner—part curator, part bartender—sets a deliberate tempo: volumes are kept intimate so each crackle and cymbal bloom, drinks are crafted to match the mood (think bittersweet coffee cocktails and delicate sweets), and conversations are hushed in respect for the music. Its compact layout makes every visit personal, whether you’re there for a solo evening of attentive listening, an impromptu DJ set, or one of the occasional live-acoustic nights that draw locals who know how to listen. For travelers craving an authentic slice of Japan’s cafe-and-music culture, poupée de son offers an unpretentious, high-fidelity retreat where discovery is part of the charm.