The Best Places to Listen to Hip-Hop in Tokyo

Harlem is a venue like no other. Since its opening in 1997 it has become an icon on the Tokyo clubbing scene and the go-to place to hear and see both local and international artists. Drawing an impressive 160,000 visitors every year, the club’s fresh line-up and championing of raw hip-hop talent is sure to be a stalwart in the city’s music scene for years to come.

Since its 2011 launch, Sound Museum Vision – commonly known simply as “Vision” – has become one of the biggest players on the Tokyo club scene. Thanks to their diverse line-ups and enviable sound system, the team behind this Shibuya icon see swarms of visitors partying on the massive main dance floor almost every night of the week. Though the focus isn’t entirely on hip-hop, the main stage often plays host to big names, or you can check out the smaller rooms which regularly have hip-hop-influenced DJs on the decks.

Though this may seem like an odd addition to this list, the tranquil Yoyogi Park in Harajuku is a surprisingly great place to discover some of the city’s emerging hip-hop talent. Given that Harajuku is the unofficial hip-hop centre of Tokyo, many hopeful and aspiring rappers, DJs and beatboxers set up a stages in the lush surroundings of the park. One act to look out for is local favourite Ill Effects, a hip-hop/electro DJ who regularly pops up in the park for an impromptu party. Ill Effects and his crew of loyal followers make Yoyogi their own open-air nightclub, pumping blistering party tunes overlaid with freestyle raps.

The biggest club in Tokyo, ageHa, opened in 2002, is becoming the super-club party destination for anyone rolling through the city. It’s a half-hour bus journey from Shibuya to its Shin Kiba location, but well worth the trip for the three separate stages, outdoor area, and pool (although you’re not actually allowed to swim). If big-name international DJs aren’t your vibe, the semi-regular MC battle events are a highlight for the sheer energy of a live freestyle battle between Japan’s lyrical masters. Bear in mind the MCs be rapping in their native language, but the atmosphere is electric even if you can’t understand what they’re saying.

Known for being a venue that plays indie and rock, Liquid Room in Ebisu is another popular venue to visit if you’re into hip-hop. If it’s international touring acts you’re after, chances are they’ll make an appearance at this stylish venue. Thanks to its quality sound system, Liquid Room has become a local favourite for many big names like Japanese hip-hop legend KOHH and US rapper Tyler the Creator.