Shinjuku’s Kabukicho is a district that never stops reinventing itself. Yet hidden within one corner of the neighborhood, is a place that feels as though time has stood still while still radiating a distinctly modern energy. This is THE 27 CLUB, created on the former site of the once-iconic Hinomaru Cabaret.
Red carpets, weighty sofas, and a towering circular light installation define the dramatic interior. Night after night, celebrities from Japan and abroad, along with creatively minded young visitors, gather at this one-of-a-kind nightlife destination. Here, we take a closer look at the appeal of this after-dark cultural playground.
The Showa Cabaret, Reborn for a New Era
For many music fans, the name THE 27 CLUB will immediately sound familiar. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse are among the legendary artists associated with the term, all having passed away at the age of 27. While their deaths came far too soon, the idea of the “27 Club” has also become a symbol of eternal youth.
It feels as though creative director Kaito Yamamoto envisioned this space as a tribute to youth and talent that never fade with time. Once a cornerstone of Showa-era cabaret culture, the venue has now been reborn in a new form as a creative hub generating fresh cultural energy.
A Red Spiral Staircase and the Glow of Hinomaru
Upon opening the door, the first thing that catches the eye is the massive staircase inherited from the former Hinomaru Cabaret. Often described as a space where every corner looks picture-perfect, the interior offers far more than simple retro nostalgia.
The weight and glamour once associated with Showa-era cabarets are fused with contemporary lighting and sound design, resulting in an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic in its unreality. This one-of-a-kind location has also become a favored venue for music videos by top artists such as aiko, Da-iCE, and Eve, as well as events hosted by luxury fashion houses including Balenciaga and Celine.
Inspired by the Energy of Studio 54
What THE 27 CLUB aspires to recreate is the spirit of the legendary nightclub Studio 54, which defined New York nightlife in the 1970s. It is envisioned as a place where people of different ages, professions, and nationalities come together, creating the kind of spontaneous chemistry that can only exist within that moment and space.
As redevelopment continues to reshape Kabukicho into a cleaner and more polished district, THE 27 CLUB intentionally preserves a sense of mature allure and controlled chaos. In many ways, it feels like a luxurious counterpoint to a modern society increasingly driven by efficiency and convenience.
Daytime Café, Nighttime Spectacle
The building offers two entirely different experiences depending on the time of day.
During the daytime, it operates as Niinana Kissa, a retro-style café produced by Mika Oizuki, a former assistant to Yohji Yamamoto. The menu features carefully crafted cream sodas, lemonades, and other playful drinks designed with a younger audience in mind, balancing nostalgia with a sharp contemporary edge. With its generously spaced sofa seating and atmosphere that prioritizes comfort over efficiency, it is a place best enjoyed at a leisurely pace on a weekday afternoon.
At night, the venue transforms into THE 27 CLUB, where live stage performances take center stage. Though currently held on an irregular schedule, the club hosts three distinctive recurring events:
Baileys : approachable song-and-dance entertainment welcoming even first-time guests
Hi! Carat : a retro-inspired musical performance by dancers with theme park backgrounds
X : a solo performance show centered around pole dancing
Stepping Into THE 27 CLUB
Some readers may hesitate at the venue’s bold, glamorous atmosphere or find Kabukicho itself difficult to approach. Yet the staff describe it differently: “In reality, it’s a surprisingly welcoming space where everyone from young visitors to older generations comes together.”
For first-time visitors, starting with Niinana Kissa during a weekday afternoon is highly recommended. What begins with a single cup of coffee may naturally lead to returning another night for a live show, and that sense of discovery is part of the venue’s appeal. As an after-dark social space bringing energy to the nights of Shinjuku, THE 27 CLUB invites visitors to feel at ease, embrace the spectacle of it all, and become part of its ongoing story.
THE 27 CLUB
Location: 3F, 2-36-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Official Website: https://the27club.jp/
