Techno in Tokyo

When you think of techno you often think of its birthplace in Detroit, Berlin's infamous club Berghain, the UK rave scene and so on... That's where the party's at, right?

Tokyo's music scene is incredible, there are a vast range of clubs, record shops, bars, festivals and music orientated cafes that offer music lovers a place of comfort, and a place where like-minded people can exist as a sub-culture. Here is a guide for my fellow techno lovers who NEED to visit these places if ever in Japan:

First on my list, with good reason, is WOMB.

Location: 2-16 Maruyamacho Shibuya, Toyko, 150 - 0044

Ranked #4 in the world by MixMag Magazine

Events overseas:

Fabric, London

Space Ibiza, Ibiza

Past artists:

Richie Hawtin

Sven Vath

Shiba San

plus many top and upcoming Tokyo artists

Second on my list is a backstreet record shop called Big Love Record Store

Location: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 2 Chome−31−3

The 'go-to' record shop in a quiet area of Harajuku, Tokyo run by husband and wife Masashi Naka and Haruku Hirata. This quirky little shop offers drip coffee and beer (yes you read that right) on tap. I will most definitely be visiting this record shop when I arrive in Japan and I recommend that you do to!

Finally, at last but not least... The Hangar

Location: Japan, 〒153-0051 Tokyo, Meguro City, Kamimeguro, 1 Chome−14−6 メゾンベルウッド1階/地下一階

This is everything you could want all at once if you're like me... Food, sake and techno (yes this is a real place) all by the beautiful Meguro river. Owner Yoshiaki Soma upgraded his sake bar into a hip restaurant and gallery with an extremely high-skilled chef. Below the restaurant, Soma has wonderful hand-crafted sake utensils on display and sometimes uses this room for events such as Richie Hawtin's launch for Enter. Although this is more high-end, I would definitely suggest forking out and reserving a table at The Hangar, I know I will be.