Going past Kiyousumi station and across the bridge is a green painted strange looking two story house. Going to the front you will see a red sign with the name “Bar Nico”.
A well known man from the apparel industry opened this bar 12 years ago. It is bustling everyday, with a good interior and a lineup of local musicians that you can’t help but love.
While you climb the dimly lit stairs you may feel like you are going underground. From outside the bar you will hear sounds of the low bass. There is an air of excitement.
The current manager, Kota Kobayashi can trace his desire to work at Bar Nico back to when he lived in England to study. During his time abroad he actually did very little “studying”, as he spent most of his days doing part time work at a record store and playing music. After returning to Japan he worked at a few restaurants and bars before meeting Bar Nico. “Everything I enjoy is at Bar Nico--music, food, and the company of those at the counter. When I first stepped into the place without question I decided I wanted to work here,” Kota said.
Driftwood and craft goods line the store, and the tables of the place are usually near capacity. Take a seat at the counter and have a drink. There is a large mix of different genres of music played here including techno, house, electronic and R&B.
There are regular guests who gather here regularly and also travelers who are stopping by for just one night. Despite the occasional language barriers, patrons often rise above this difference and enjoying one another’s company while throwing back drinks.
People sitting at the counter are often friendly to chat with. While enjoying the drinks and music you will lose your sense of time, nationality, and where you are.
Is this Fukagawa?
Those drinking at the bar till close don’t lose their cool. Koto still guides the guests until the early morning hours. Here is another place for neighbors and travelers to connect in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.
Fukagawa is a place you will look forward to returning. Hopefully you will once again meet the locals you bumped into during your day here.
While sharing alcohol and music you can go beyond the boundaries of language, nationality, and time. And by sharing your feelings with those in the neighborhood you can become a neighbor.
After the trip you may feel that this town is somewhere you could envision yourself living.