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3 Live Music Venues You Gotta See in Nagoya

2025-06-30

As someone who spent their university years in Nagoya and was active in the local music scene, I’d like to introduce a few live music venues in Nagoya that I personally recommend!
*Please note: These recommendations are based on my personal preferences and experiences. There are many other great venues in Nagoya that are worth visiting, but due to space limitations, I wasn’t able to include them all here... Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to introduce more in a future article!

1. StiffSlack VENUE

Shimizu, Kita Ward, Nagoya
Nearest station: Meitetsu Seto Line – Shimizu Station
Official Website: https://www.stiffslack.com/venue/202506.html

StiffSlack VENUE is a space where you're likely to discover unique bands and fresh sounds, with a strong focus on genres like post-rock, post-hardcore, math rock, emo, indie rock, and shoegaze. The venue mainly features bands from the local Nagoya scene, but also regularly hosts acts from across Japan—and even international bands from time to time!

Highlight of StiffSlack VENUE:
A Live House with a Built-In Record Shop

StiffSlack isn’t just a live venue; it’s also home to a record shop that specializes in deep, curated selections of post-rock, post-hardcore, shoegaze, math rock, emo, indie rock, electronica, and experimental music. From CDs and vinyl to T-shirts, there's plenty to explore.
One of the best parts? During band changeovers, you can browse through records and discover new music while waiting for the next set—it’s a perfect blend of live music and crate-digging.
The shop and venue both feature bright white walls and a stylish interior that creates a welcoming and modern feeling atmosphere. Unlike the typical dark and intimidating image of some live houses, StiffSlack feels open, bright, and approachable, which is perfect for newcomers and regulars alike!

StiffSlack is located directly beneath Shimizu Station on the Meitetsu Seto Line. It’s just a 0-minute walk—you can’t get any closer than that! Its convenient location is definitely a plus.
The elevated area between Shimizu Station and nearby Nikigasaka Station is home to the Sakuramachi Shopping Street, which features a charming lineup of restaurants, cafés, and sweets shops. If you’re heading to StiffSlack, be sure to take a stroll through this local area as well. It’s the perfect pre- or post-show destination.

2. Kanayama Brazil Coffee

Kanayama, Naka Ward, Nagoya
Nearest Station: JR / Meitetsu / Subway – Kanayama Station
Official Website: https://kanayamabrazil.net/index.html

Founded in 1971, this cozy café has over 50 years of history and is known for its house-roasted coffee. You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t this a café, and not a live music venue?” And you’d be right!
Kanayama Brazil Coffee is a traditional kissaten (Japanese-style café), not a live house, but it regularly hosts live music events featuring both well-known artists and local indie musicians.
With its nostalgic charm and unmistakably Nagoya-like atmosphere, it’s a unique spot where you can enjoy both great music and great coffee.

Highlight of Kanayama Brazil Coffee:
“More than just a café...”

Step inside and you’ll immediately feel the sense of history in this place, as if countless people have stepped away from the bustle of the city to spend quiet moments here. During the day, the café welcomes all kinds of visitors: those sipping on their coffee or smoking, enjoying a meal, or simply chatting.
Within this retro, culturally rich atmosphere, the space also hosts live performances and art exhibitions that blend tradition along with a willingness to embrace new ideas. It’s this unique balance that makes Kanayama Brazil Coffee so beloved by so many.

The café menu is impressively varied, making it a great spot to visit even outside of live events. Their sizzling hotplate-style Napolitan spaghetti is a personal favorite of mine and I highly recommend it.

3. K.D Japon

Chiyoda, Naka Ward, Nagoya
Nearest Station: JR / Subway Tsurumai Station
Website: https://kdjapon.jimdofree.com/

Situated under the elevated JR Chūō Main Line tracks, K.D Japon is a stylish live house with a really swanky atmosphere. The entrance feels a bit hidden, and when I first went there, I almost walked right past it.
Because the stage isn’t separated by barriers, the distance between performers and the audience is very close and it creates a strong sense of connection. If you want a good view of the performance when it’s crowded, it’s best to go near the front or to the second-floor seating.

KDハポンの注目ポイント
「ハポンにしかない雰囲気が好き」

Although the capacity is small, the wooden pillars, stairs, doors, and the concrete structure of the elevated tracks above create a unique atmosphere that you won’t find in other venues. Right by the entrance is a spiral staircase that leads to the second-floor seating. Watching the performance from above is also a great experience.
This calm and intimate space really enhances the artists’ performances. Personally, I have fond memories of the solo live show by indie rock band Empty from Nagoya. Their nostalgic yet fresh sound perfectly matched the atmosphere of K.D Japon.
The venue hosts artists from a wide range of genres, making it a place where you can discover various types of music. It is one of the key hubs for Nagoya’s indie music scene.
K.D Japon also offers a wide selection of drinks and food, so every time I visit, I have a hard time deciding what to order. Their vegetable curry is especially delicious, so be sure to try it if you go.

4. Summary

This time, I introduced three live music venues in Nagoya that I highly recommend visiting! What do you think? Each has its own unique character and charm, making them interesting places to check out. I mainly focused on indie-oriented venues and those with distinctive genres. If you’re interested in the indie music scene, I especially encourage you to visit the venues introduced here.
Nagoya has so many great live houses that it was impossible to cover them all. Whether you live in Nagoya, are planning to see a live show, or are just visiting the city, please be sure to explore not only the venues introduced here but also many others across Nagoya!