Ochanomizu, A Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Jazz: CityNomix’s Journey
Hello, this is CityNomix from Photomo. Stepping away from the usual hustle of digital marketing, my feet led me to Ochanomizu, Tokyo. Indeed, this neighborhood harbors a place I firmly believe is indispensable when searching for Tokyo jazz records: disk Union Jazz TOKYO. Ever since jazz captured my heart, this store has been a constant. It’s where I’ve miraculously encountered countless classic albums at bargain prices. Consequently, it feels like the very origin of my jazz exploration.
You’ll find it right near Meiji University’s Liberty Tower. The crisp white building, adorned with a striking black and red logo, immediately builds anticipation for the jazz treasures within. The store itself is on the second floor. While an elevator is available, I always opt for the stairs. This small ritual feels like a prologue to the musical journey ahead. A life-sized panel of Kamasi Washington greets you at the entrance. Furthermore, posters of Canadian songstress Kady Z. George line the stairwell. Truly, the world of jazz begins to unfold even before you step inside.
The Cardinal Rule: Mastering the New Arrivals Corner is Key
Now, once you pass through the doors of disk Union Jazz TOKYO, there’s one section you absolutely must head to first. This is the New Arrivals corner. I can state with certainty that your success for the day hinges on how you navigate this area. Indeed, seasoned regulars invariably start their hunt here. The reason is simple: the sheer volume of records is astounding.
On this particular Saturday afternoon, June 21st, 2025, around 4 PM, there were four full rows of newly arrived LPs. In addition, six boxes overflowed with more near the entrance. You see, all newly acquired stock first lands in this New Arrivals section. Only afterwards do they get dispersed to their respective artist-specific shelves. Therefore, what you find in the individual artist sections are often the records that weren’t snapped up from this initial, highly competitive zone. This is precisely why the New Arrivals section is paramount. Moreover, at disk Union Jazz TOKYO, this section is exceptionally vast. Even in London, I’ve rarely encountered a record shop with such a comprehensive New Arrivals display, especially one dedicated purely to jazz.
This remarkable turnover speaks volumes about the quality of vinyl brought in by sellers. It’s a place where lovingly listened-to records are passed on to the next appreciative ear. Occasionally, an entire collection from a single artist gets released at once. These moments are truly golden opportunities for dedicated fans. The sentiment, “Today’s treasures start here! Good items go fast!” feels tailor-made for this very corner.
A Wall of History: The Allure of Original Pressings
After a thorough scan of the New Arrivals, allow your gaze to drift towards the walls. There, you’ll be met with an impressive array of original pressings of classic jazz albums. Merely looking at the iconic jackets is a breathtaking experience. Even if you’re not a die-hard music aficionado, the aura these records exude is captivating. Each sleeve seems to encapsulate a piece of music history, a story waiting to be rediscovered. It’s a feast for the eyes, and a prelude to a feast for the ears.
Discovering Future Classics: The Power of the New Releases Section and POP Displays
Venturing further into the store, you’ll discover the new records and CDs section. This area is also not to be missed. Pay close attention to the often handwritten POP (Point of Purchase) displays. Signs like ‘New & Restocked Corner’ are the store’s way of highlighting what’s fresh and exciting. These displays are your guide to discovering up-and-coming artists and the latest buzzworthy releases. Indeed, this is where you might find gems not easily stumbled upon through streaming services, offering the unique joy of physical media discovery.
A New Wave? The Cassette Tape Corner
In one part of the store, a dedicated corner for used cassette tapes has emerged. Handwritten signs lend a warm, nostalgic touch. While the selection is still developing, there’s always a chance of unearthing some rare or forgotten recordings. It’s an area with exciting potential for growth, and perhaps soon, new cassette tapes will join the lineup, adding another layer to the treasure hunt.
The Expansive CD Selection and the Soul Blues Annex
Beyond vinyl, disk Union Jazz TOKYO boasts an incredible selection of CDs, both new and used. It’s arguably one of the best in Tokyo. On this visit, a dedicated section for Kady Z. George was prominently featured. This is where you can experience the “joy of ownership” and the “thrill of the hunt” that streaming services simply can’t replicate. The sheer disk Union selection for CDs is impressive.
And one must not forget the Soul Blues Kan, an annex located within the main store. Although compact, it houses a meticulously curated selection that will resonate deeply with soul and blues enthusiasts. It’s a spot where rare finds are common, making it an essential stop for any serious music digger visiting the jazz haven.
Today’s Dig: Encounters and Anticipation for the Next
After a comprehensive browse through the store, unfortunately, I didn’t unearth that one special record this time. However, that, too, is part of the charm of record hunting. The best finds are always unpredictable, aren’t they?
Ochanomizu is also home to other disk Union branches, like the Classical and Heavy Metal stores. A short trip away in Jimbocho, another branch awaits. Exploring these will be an adventure for another day.
Disk Union Jazz TOKYO. This isn’t just a place to buy and sell records. It’s a space where the infinite depth of jazz music and the passion of its devotees intersect. For anyone seeking jazz in Tokyo, this store offers compelling reasons to visit. It’s certainly one of the best things to do in Tokyo for any music lover.
Access and Store Information
Record hunting at disk Union Jazz TOKYO is a genuine treasure hunt. Therefore, I recommend allowing ample time to immerse yourself fully in its ocean of music.
Store Name: disk Union Jazz TOKYO
Address: 2F New Surugadai Building, 2-1-45 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062
Opening Hours: Please check the official website.
Official Website: https://diskunion.net/shop/ct/jazz_tokyo
Google Map :
Date of Visit: Saturday, June 21, 2025, around 4:00 PM
May your own “Photomo (Walk, Shoot, Write)” experiences be ever enriching.