STUDIO MULE
Shibuya, Tokyo
Tucked down a quiet side street in the heart of Shibuya (渋谷), STUDIO MULE feels like a secret cleared from the city's neon rush — a compact, listening-focused kissa that wears its love of sound on its sleeve. Inside, warm wood, low lighting and vintage amplifiers create a snug, almost private atmosphere where conversation yields to music; the owners curate a tight selection of vinyl and tape, spinning anything from deep jazz and rare funk to Japanese city pop and tucked-away folk, often with thoughtful liner-note introductions or impromptu commentary. More than a bar or coffeehouse, it’s a hybrid studio-kissaten where local musicians drop by for late-night rehearsals and intimate live sessions, so you might witness a rehearsed take or a spontaneous duet in the same evening. For travelers seeking an authentic Shibuya music experience, STUDIO MULE offers the pleasures of analogue warmth, knowledgeable hosts, and a community of listeners — perfect for anyone who wants to hear Tokyo’s quieter, more reverent side of sound.
Tucked down a quiet side street in the heart of Shibuya (渋谷), STUDIO MULE feels like a secret cleared from the city's neon rush — a compact, listening-focused kissa that wears its love of sound on its sleeve. Inside, warm wood, low lighting and vintage amplifiers create a snug, almost private atmosphere where conversation yields to music; the owners curate a tight selection of vinyl and tape, spinning anything from deep jazz and rare funk to Japanese city pop and tucked-away folk, often with thoughtful liner-note introductions or impromptu commentary. More than a bar or coffeehouse, it’s a hybrid studio-kissaten where local musicians drop by for late-night rehearsals and intimate live sessions, so you might witness a rehearsed take or a spontaneous duet in the same evening. For travelers seeking an authentic Shibuya music experience, STUDIO MULE offers the pleasures of analogue warmth, knowledgeable hosts, and a community of listeners — perfect for anyone who wants to hear Tokyo’s quieter, more reverent side of sound.