Apple Jump

Apple Jump

アップル・ジャンプ

A compact basement room to listen closely

Tobu West Ikebukuro Sunlight Mansion B1, Nishi-Ikebukuro 3-33-17, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
(03)5950-0689
〒171-0021東京都豊島区西池袋3-33-17東武西池袋サンライトマンションB1

Ikebukuro Station (JR Yamamote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan Shinjuku Line, Tohokuhonsen Tokkyu-Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Tobu Tojo Line)

A few minutes walk from exit C3, down an underground walkway from the station, west side of Ikebukuro Station. Straight out the exit, head down Rikkyo Dori, and veer left, and you can see the club to the right of a good-sized park. Map and photos on site. 

The cover charge is 3,000 yen to 3,800 yen. There are two sets from 19:30 and sometimes daytime shows on weekends or public holidays. There are also occasional days off. 

http://applejump.net
https://www.jazzinjapan.com/clubs-and-venues/applejump 
https://www.facebook.com/AppleJump/
@applejump2009
https://x.com/applejump2009 

Apple Jump is a relative newcomer to Tokyo’s jazz scene, but it has gained a reputation for opening its space to the best new musicians in the city. Most musicians play as support for other bands, but once they start to have several CDs in their names, they often play Apple Jump as their first regular leader live shows. Some of the best keep coming back year after year. 

And understandably, since Apple Jump is an easy place to like. Unpretentious in design, its simple, focused, box-like interior is all that is needed. There’s nothing extra. It’s a compact, cool-looking box of a basement room. The musicians and audience sit close, on the same rough concrete floor as the “stage,” so everyone joins together as one. 

There is no feeling of being a customer here, just another human being needing music. The musicians also love playing here since they do not need to separate themselves. The space looks like a practice room but feels like you have lucked upon a special conclave of esteemed musicians. 

Drinks and food are simple but done right. Pizza toast is about as advanced as the food gets, but the range of drinks is extensive. It is an easy place to ease into a right-at-home feeling. Chairs are simple but comfortable, and you can move them around without bashing into the person beside you. 

The building is in a lively area not far from Ikebukuro station, with plenty of other cafes, bars, and restaurants that like to be off the well-beaten paths of the bigger roads. The owner clearly loves music. His calming presence keeps things running smoothly without all the pressures of most clubs.

The club also has excellent sound dynamics, without any need for miking and amping. The room is “live” but in a way that sounds natural. Hearing instruments directly makes the music that much more special. The laidback vibe is infectious to musicians, fans, and all who pull back the heavy front door and sit down.