The Charm of Record Cafes
Did you know that cafes where you can listen to records have been gaining popularity recently? In fact, it’s not just cafes; more and more bars and restaurants are also offering the chance to enjoy records. So this time, let me introduce the appeal of cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can listen to records.
What is a Record Cafe?
A record cafe is a new style of establishment that combines the warm tones of analog records with the cozy atmosphere of the cafe. In an age where digital music is mainstream, there is something uniquely appealing about the sound of records. While there may be some imperfections, such as noise, the richness and dimensionality of analog sound stir the hearts of listeners.
Record sound also blends perfectly with the ambiance of a cafe. Amid the everyday sounds of brewing coffee, clinking glasses, and casual conversations, the background music from records transforms the space into something truly special.
An Extraordinary Experience at a Record Cafe
One of the reasons record cafes are so popular is because they offer a unique experience unlike your daily routine. The moment you step inside, you’re already in a different world. The retro, stylish interior and the sight of neatly arranged records create a photogenic view that makes you want to grab your camera.
From the moment you select a record and place the needle, the special experience begins. The ritualistic aspect of analog music brings a sense of excitement. Music that typically fades into the background as ambient sound draws your full attention when it’s played on a record.
Not Just Cafes: Other Places to Enjoy Records
It’s not only cafes where you can listen to records. Bars and restaurants offering the marriage of music with drinks and food are also on the rise.
Imagine savoring your favorite whiskey at a bar counter while jazz plays in the background, or enjoying a delicious meal with friends at a cozy dining spot where soul music sets the mood. Music elevates the experience of both food and drink, creating a deeper connection.
So, how was that? Cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can listen to records offer a new kind of experience, allowing you to savor both music and the venue’s charm. Take a break from your daily life, and spend some relaxing, enjoyable time in one of these places. It’s sure to become a special memory.
Recoya Recommendations! Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants Where You Can Listen to Records
[Tokyo] KOTOBUKI Bar&Record Store
KOTOBUKI BAR & RECORD STORE in Ikenoue, just a 3-minute walk from Ikenoue Station, offers bar services as well as buying and selling records. The bar not only serves drinks and snacks but also offers a variety of dishes, making it usable as an izakaya.
[Tokyo] CITY COUNTRY CITY
CITY COUNTRY CITY, owned by Keiichi Sokabe, is a cafe bar & record shop specializing in pasta. The shop primarily offers used analog records, especially dance music from various genres, selected from overseas buying trips held several times a year.
[Tokyo] Yomu-Kiku-Nomu
Yomu-Kiku-Nomu is a quirky “bookstore/record store where you can drink,” located on the 4th floor of a building in Harajuku, Jingumae. Alcoholic drinks are also available in bottles and cans for takeout.
[Tokyo] Craft Beer and Records manu’a
This establishment offers a selection of 8 types of craft beer and carefully selected music from a collection of over 4,000 analog records.
[Tokyo] HarunoAme (Ambient Specialty Record Store and Cafe)
Located in Togoshi/Nakanobu, this store offers records, coffee, and craft beer. It specializes in ambient music and aims to create a space where everyone can experience a beautiful everyday life.
[Tokyo] SUB Store Tokyo
A record & secondhand book cafe located in Koenji.
Located near Koenji Station, this cafe offers coffee, alcohol, and light meals while listening to your favorite music. You can also enjoy Indonesian cuisine prepared by the owner from Jakarta. The name “SUB Store” is an abbreviation for “Small – Unique – Bookstore.” The cafe also hosts live events and other activities.
[Yokohama] Green Door
At this cafe bar attached to a record shop, you can enjoy music with carefully selected acoustics. They carry a wide variety of records, from used LPs to SP records, and allow you to sample records from 7 to 16 inches. It’s also a multi-functional spot offering audio equipment sales and AV equipment maintenance.
[Gifu] Cafe&Bar aLFFo
This is a cafe bar located in front of Kogane Park in Gifu City.
[Osaka] COMPUFUNK RECORDS
COMPUFUNK RECORDS is a long-established record shop in Kitahama Higashi, Osaka City. It also features a bar and event space.
【Nara】Pleased To Meet Me
This is a record store and café located in Nara City. Inside, you can enjoy a variety of drinks such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, along with light meals like curry and dishes using falafel.
In addition to new and used records, the store sells CDs, cassette tapes, books, and retro items across all genres. There’s even a discount corner for bulk purchases. You can relax and browse for your favorite piece of music.
【Hiroshima】RECORD SHOP MIZO
Located in Higashi-Senda-machi, Hiroshima City, this record shop also serves delicious coffee.
【Kumamoto】Record House Woodstock
Established in 1977, this record shop in Kumamoto City specializes in secondhand records, with a collection of around 30,000 vinyl records from various genres.
The store is spacious, featuring an adjoining café and bar where you can enjoy coffee and alcoholic beverages. On weekends, it hosts live events, DJ performances, and workshops, making it a hub for enjoying music in all forms.
【Okinawa】vida loca – A Place to Enjoy Authentic Mexican Cuisine and Music
This is a place where you can enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and music. It features a DJ booth and a section selling new and used records. The used records come from Record Station, DJs from Yokohama and Okinawa, and vida loca’s collection.
