Best Bars with Live Music in Kobe

Feb 28, 2024

Best Bars with Live Music in Kobe

Despite being only a small city, Kobe has an active nightlife. In particular, it has a number of bars with live music — some with performances every night of the week. Although Kobe is best known for jazz, you’ll also find venues with many other styles of live music.

1. Sone

The oldest jazz bar in Kobe, Sone has live jazz performances throughout the week to accompany delicious food and cocktails. You have to pay a cover charge to enter, but this will allow you to listen to all four live sets.

Where: 1-24-10 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward (map)
Open Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 1:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sunday

2. The Cave Kobe

The owner of The Cave Kobe is a huge fan of the Beatles. He has created a space for tribute shows in a basement bar that resembles the Cavern Club in Liverpool, complete with similar eclectic decor. Anyone who likes the Beatles should definitely pay this bar a visit.

Where: 1-5-9 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday

3. Garage Paradise

Known as being one of the best places for live music in Kobe, Garage Paradise is always hosting high-quality musicians and singers who perform Western songs. Although you’ll need to pay a coverage charge, the prices for drinks and food are reasonable. Plus, there’s a free pool table and plenty of space to dance.

Where: 1-13-7 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tuesday to Saturday

4. Varit

Every night is different at Varit. From hip-hop to rock and roll, you can listen to live music from numerous genres. To make sure the music will be to your taste and to find out when the show starts, check the schedule before you go.

Where: Kenso Building, B1F, 2-13-3 Shimoyametedori, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: Varies

5. Denial

If your definition of live music includes karaoke, you may like to pay Denial a visit. As a small bar, everyone shares the same karaoke machine, meaning you’ll see a range of performances throughout the night — and have the chance to perform yourself. Denial is favored over other karaoke bars for the wide range of songs on offer, including international avant-garde music.

Where: 1-5-4 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward (map)
Open Hours: 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sunday to Thursday; 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday

6. Club Gessekai

For a nostalgic atmosphere, head to Club Gessekai. This cabaret turned live house (a Japanese term meaning a venue with live music) features a semicircular stage surrounded by comfortable sofas where you can enjoy a variety of performances with a drink.

Where: Takamoto Kanko Building, 1-3-8 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day

Although there are fewer options for nightlife in Kobe than in nearby Osaka, this is a great destination if you want to enjoy live music away from the crowds. Plus, whatever your tastes, you should be able to find a place that resonates with you.

Hisashi Eguchi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons