I first stumbled into a listening bar—known in Japan as a jazz kissa or listening kissa— on my second trip to Tokyo, a city that can turn any obsession into a full-blown art form. A kissa is no ordinary bar or café. Here, the main event isn’t booze or chatter— it’s the record spinning on a high-fidelity system. Think of it as a movie theater for music: phones down, outside world shut out, total immersion in the album.

The Japanese listening kissa is the original blueprint for today’s vinyl lounges. These spaces first appeared in 1950s post-war Japan, when imported records and hi-fi equipment were luxuries few could afford at home. Instead, people gathered at dedicated cafés and bars designed for deep, focused listening. Each kissa has its own vibe—one might favor classical, another folk or ambient. The soundtrack always comes from the owner’s carefully curated record collection.

Tucked in the backstreets of Shimokitazawa—Tokyo’s bohemian neighborhood of record shops, vintage boutiques, and basement bars—my favorite hideaway is Masako Jazz & Coffee. The space is pure atmosphere: wood-paneled walls, chairs worn soft by decades of listeners, and shelves lined with Coltrane, Mingus, and Miles. At the center, a pair of towering vintage JBLs command the room, speakers that make music feel larger than life. Unlike LA’s laptop-clogged cafés where the music fades into background noise—Masako hums with a different energy. It’s hushed. Sacred. No phones or cameras allowed—only you and a needle giving shape to sound: raw, immediate, transcendent.

On my last visit, the café was filled with young people—likely students from the nearby university—heads bowed, bodies still. A couple in their first flush of dating sat directly in front of the speakers, eyes closed, listening to Bennie Maupin’s The Jewel in the Lotus as if it were a live set.

Opened in 1951 by Masako Okuda, the café quickly became a neighborhood icon, drawing jazz legends touring Tokyo in the 60s. Today, it’s run by Moeko Hayashi—keyboardist for Minyo Crusaders—which only deepens its lived-in, underground, authentic cool. Masako embodies the essence of a neighborhood jazz kissa—the kind of place you slip into after a long day, escaping the chaos to recharge your spirit with a soothing cup of tea and some tunes.

Nick Dwyer, director of A Century in Sound, a documentary series on listening bars, put it best: “In Japan, there’s a huge respect for the things people love. One of the best illustrations I can give is the movies—when the credits roll, people sit still until every name has passed. Then the lights come up and everyone claps. That’s the kind of respect you feel inside a kissa.”

And the flame is spreading. Listening lounges inspired by Tokyo’s scene are popping up everywhere—New York, Paris, London, Honolulu. Lucky for us, LA has its own kissa-inspired, audio- phile sanctuaries. Here are a few of our favorites—so turn up the volume and turn down the conversation.

GOLD LINE

Opened in 2018 and co-founded by DJ Peanut Butter Wolf of Stones Throw Records, this vinyl-driven cocktail lounge showcases thousands of records from his personal collection, including rare and out-of-print gems. Bartenders and guest DJs spin exclusively from the in-house library. With moody mid-century design, curated cocktails, natural wine, McIntosh amps, Altec Lansing speakers, and a vintage Rock-Ola jukebox, Gold Line is an audiophile haven. Guests can perch on cozy bar stools or sink into backroom couches while soaking up everything from Japanese funk to 90s hip-hop. Unlike a traditional kissa, the bar isn’t hushed—but the house-party volume keeps the music front and center. IG @GoldLineBar

IN SHEEP’S CLOTHINGS

In Sheep’s Clothing was LA’s first listening bar, opened in 2018 in the Arts District with a jazz-kissa–inspired vinyl experience powered by a legendary Klipschorn system. It was a gorgeous space—and my personal favorite. Though it closed during the pandemic, the collective quickly pivoted, hosting residencies throughout LA, running a pop-up record shop at Row DTLA with dublab, and curating listening sessions, performances, and release parties. They cultivate an eclectic, exploratory vibe— ambient, experimental, jazz, obscure soul, downtempo, and soft rock—music that rewards deep listening. Playlists feature artists like Carlos Dafé, Haruomi Hosono, Henry Threadgill, and Wendy & Lisa, spanning everything from jazz and funk to Latin, pop, and beyond. InSheepsClothingHifi.com

ZIZOU

Zizou is Lincoln Heights’ hi-fi hideout—part French-Moroccan dining, part sonic playground. The star isn’t merely the menu, it’s the sound: custom JBL-Altec-inspired speakers built by co-founders Maati Zoutina and Boris Macquin. Playlists flow on feeling, not genre—slow and low one night, moving the next. Every track lands warm, textured, alive, like vinyl in 4D. With lush plants, a late-night glow, and a system that hushes conversation, Zizou makes dining a full-body listen. IG @Zizou_LosAngeles

DARLING

Chef Sean Brock’s new restaurant Darling in Emerald Village isn’t just about live-fire California cuisine—it’s a sensory sanctuary with a kissa twist. The attached hi-fi lounge, crafted with speaker artisan MAXV, features seven custom speakers, vintage Tannoy gear, and a Swiss mixer, setting music on vinyl at the heart of the experience. With walls clad in records, cozy banquettes facing the turntables, and cocktails flowing, the analog vibe pairs beautifully with the kitchen’s analog-focused, fire-kissed dishes—a feast for the ears and palate. Darling.la

Audio Element

Southern California’s go-to premier hi-fi showroom, with locations in Pasadena and Carlsbad. From beginner-friendly to audiophile-grade gear, they offer expertly curated turntables, amps, speakers, and complete systems. Their turntable bar and private listening rooms let you audition setups—from $1,495 turnkey packages to high-end installations—with pro setup and tailored tuning. Audio-Element.com

Common Wave

A hi-fi audio dream in Downtown LA—part design-driven showroom, part social listening lounge, part rare record shop. With six demo systems, curated analog and digital gear, expert setup services, and a welcoming vibe for audiophiles and casual music lovers alike, it delivers serious sonic bliss. CommonWave.net

Atomic Records

Burbank’s Atomic Records is packed with thousands of original-press LPs, many in excellent condition. Fair pricing, trade-ins, and a knowledgeable crew make it a must-visit for vinyl enthusiasts. AtomicRecordsLa.com

On Maritime Records

With locations in Highland Park and Melrose, On Maritime specializes in dance 12-inches, rare finds, and global grooves. DJs and collectors flock here for its deep bins, fair prices, and in-store sets. OnMaritimeRecords.square.site

Record Safari

In Los Feliz, Record Safari is a laidback vinyl haven—open daily and stocked with new and used records. With buy/sell/trade options and a curated, genre-spanning selection, it’s a favorite for both serious diggers and casual browsers. IG @RecordSafari_La

Permanent Records

Part record store, part bar, part live-music venue, Permanent Records in Cypress Park is a true roadhouse. Shop racks of near-mint LPs while sipping drinks or catching a set. PermanentRecordsLa.com