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 other styles of live music. Here’s a pick of the best.
1. Sone
The oldest jazz bar in Kobe, Sone has live jazz performances throughout the week to accompany delicious cocktails and food including sirloin steak. You have to pay a cover charge to enter, but this will allow you to listen to all live sets throughout the evening.
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
Website: https://kobe-sone.com/
2. The Cave
The owner of this popular downtown basement bar is a huge fan of the Beatles. He has created a space for tribute shows that resembles the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, complete with similar nostalgic décor. Fans of the Fab Four and 60s music in general 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
Website: https://cavekobe.wixsite.com/cavekobe
3. Garage Paradise
Known as being one of the best places for live music in Kobe, Garage Paradise is always hosting quality musicians, singers, and DJs playing R&B, jazz, soul, and house. Although you’ll need to pay an entry fee, the prices of drinks and food are reasonable. Plus there’s a free pool table and a dance floor if you fancy a boogie.
Where: 1-13-7 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward (map)
Open Hours: 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tuesday to Saturday
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/67739396/garage-paradise-garejiparadaisu/
4. Padoma
Opened in 2022, Padoma is one of Kobe’s newest live music venues. It’s a proper old skool haunt that puts on a variety of rock, pop, and alternative acts from both in and out of town, with gigs on most nights of the week.
Website: https://padoma.jp/
5. Otohatoba
This underground bar is popular with night owls and those seeking out sounds that exist outside the mainstream. Based in the vibrant Sannomiya district, it pitches itself somewhere between a bar and a club. You can enjoy rare live performances here as well as cool DJ sets.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otohatoba/?hl=en
6. Club Gessekai
For a nostalgic atmosphere, head to Club Gessekai. This cabaret turn live venue 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
Website: https://gessekai.net/
Although there are fewer options for nightlife in Kobe than nearby Osaka, this is a great destination if you want to enjoy live music away from large 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
