There are a few good night clubs in Kyoto, such as World Peace Love which we saw in our coverage of the Pontocho area last month. However, one club stands out as a space open to all genres of music and a place where music, fashion and art come together in Kyoto, and that's LAB.TRIBE.

Situated near the Sanjo station and the Kyoto City Hall, a bit at a distance from the lively scene in Pontocho and Kamiyamachi, the building where LAB.TRIBE is housed on the basement level doesn't give away too much.

And yet, once you go down the steps and join the party, you'll soon understand why LAB.TRIBE, in the 12 years since it has existed in its current incarnation, has earned a special place in the hearts of Kyoto residents and the artists and musicians who are invited to perform there.

According to LAB.TRIBE manager Ms. Goto, LAB.TRIBE was created with the purpose of creating "an entertainment space transcending all genres" for fashion, art and music. Live painting and other kinds of artists frequently perform live during events.

While it is open to all genres, and often hosts house and techno events, LAB.TRIBE has earned a particularly strong reputation in the hip-hop scene, having even hosted such greats as hip-hop DJing pioneer Grandmaster Flash.

Ms. Goto explains that LAB.TRIBE prides itself on doing things other clubs don't, for example hosting fetish party events. Moreover, they are friendly to various types of subcultures, occasionally hosting anisong DJ events.

LAB.TRIBE extends a warm welcome to foreign visitors, offering them a special discounted admission, so please check out LAB.TRIBE's calendar of events on their website and go there when you visit Kyoto!

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By - Ben K.