BAR > Jazz Spot Bokunen, Kanazawa

There is every chance you have never heard of Kanazawa as it is not the first stop for tourists visiting Japan but that just means that you are missing out.

Jazz Spot Bokunen has been spinning records and pouring whiskey since 1992 and let me tell you it is worth considering a visit. Kanazawa is about 490 kilometres from Tokyo which would take you close to six hours by car but only two and a half by Shinkasen express which will take you there direct (Hokuriku Shinkasen).

The town is full of beautiful attractions a historic fort, beautiful gardens and a traditional area of historic tea houses and geisha houses. Similar to Kyoto on a much smaller scale.

Bokunen is hidden away in a courtyard and while there are signs on the street that light up to indicate you are in the right place, it is down a dark lane, up some stairs, into a courtyard (which has an Italian restaurant in it) and across some stone pavers on the traditional garden and into the bar.

Once inside it is clear this is a music venue with one wall dedicated to the enormous collection of vinyl and the other side a large bar and kitchen.

With an absolute focus on playing Jazz vinyl the hosts (I am making an assumption here) husband and wife? Split the duties, he cooks the food. She pours the drinks and plays DJ. Each album is a careful selection and once the disc is playing she places the sleeve in a position so it is clear who is playing and which album, she even has a sign to indicate if it is side A or B!

FOOD

We had low expectations as this is a venue predominately as a music venue, not so much for the food but it was really tasty. With some simple pasta options, sardines, pickles, nuts and olives we feasted and grooved and worked our way through the drinks menu. Locals come here to listen to music so don’t be surprised at people sitting quietly enjoying a drink and drifting away with the music.

LINKS

• http://www.ebokunen.com