Ebijyu

At Ebijyu, a bar in a residential part of Nishi-Koyama, the focus is on taking time over music with a drink in hand. Guests describe a record collection spanning soul, music from the 70s to the 80s, Japanese pop and French songs. One visitor requested a track tied to a personal memory and heard it played soon afterwards. Listening while learning a little about a song’s background can give even a familiar favourite a new appeal.

There’s more to do than browse the records or talk about music: guests can also move to the beat in a small dance space. Some enjoy their drinks while watching others dance, and one visitor appreciated the owner’s conversation about the music, even without knowing much about it.

The drinks include whisky and other spirits, as well as cocktails, beer and wine. One guest paired whisky with popcorn. Rather than a place for a full meal, Ebijyu is a bar for drinks and light snacks, making it a possible stop after dinner. It opens from 19:00 until 0:00 the following day, Tuesday to Saturday, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. In Shinagawa Ward, it’s a place to see what the records have to offer tonight.