Masako
ジャズ喫茶マサコ
Shimokitazawa · Jazz Kissa
A listening cafe for records and serious sound.
Masako is Shimokitazawa's oldest jazz kissa — opened in 1953, closed by redevelopment in 2009, and revived in 2020 with the founder's records and art intact. Loud jazz on vinyl above a yakiniku joint, known for its anko (sweet red bean) butter toast. Cash only, closed Thursdays.
⚠️ Note: Cash only, no listed phone. The entrance is easy to miss — second floor above a yakiniku restaurant. Not to be confused with Masako Parfun, the 2025 second branch nearby.
As seen on Instagram
Original post by @jazzkissamasako
How to visit
- Address
- 2-31-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours
- 12pm–10pm (last order 9pm); closed Thu
- Price
- $
- English (?)
- Limited
- Reservations
- Not required
First-timer tips
- Best for
- Vinyl at full volume plus anko butter toast in Shimokitazawa's oldest surviving jazz room, revived in 2020.
- Avoid if
- Cashless travelers, Thursday visits, or anyone wanting quiet conversation — the records play loud.
What makes it special
Masako opened in June 1953 — the oldest jazz kissa in Shimokitazawa — and in its first life hosted visiting players of the stature of Charles Mingus and Mal Waldron. Redevelopment closed it in 2009; in April 2020 Moeko Hayashi reopened the room with the late founder Masako Okuda’s record and art collection intact. The current shop sits up a staircase above a yakiniku restaurant in the tangle east of the station, and the jazz plays properly loud. A second branch, Masako Parfun, opened a block away in August 2025 — a sign the revival took.
How to visit
About six minutes from Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu and Keio Inokashira lines), east side: find the yakiniku restaurant at 2-31-2 Kitazawa and take the stairs to the second floor. Open noon–10pm (last order 9pm), closed Thursdays. Seventeen seats, non-smoking, cash only, no listed phone — updates run through @jazzkissamasako on Instagram.
FAQ
What should I order?
Coffee and the anko (sweet red bean) butter toast — the toast menu is what regulars and reviews keep coming back to.
Is this the same place as Masako Parfun?
Masako Parfun is the second branch, opened in August 2025 a short walk away. This listing is the main shop at 2-31-2 Kitazawa, above a yakiniku restaurant.
Cash or card?
Cash only — no cards, e-money, or QR payments.