★ Editor's Top Pick

Rockbar Painkiller

Kokubunji, Tokyo

Near Kokubunji Station, Rockbar Painkiller is a hard rock and heavy metal bar named, of course, after the Judas Priest classic. The owner left a long company career in 2016 to open a long-dreamed-of rock bar, has been to Wacken Open Air, the world's biggest metal festival, six years in a row, and still fronts a band with high-pitched screams and a Flying V. The owner's taste leans melodic: Michael Schenker, UFO, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Helloween, Sonata Arctica, Hammerfall and Avantasia are favorites. Rare music videos play on a 100-inch screen, and the bar hosts live shows and jam sessions. Drinks include beer, bourbon, whisky and shochu, with light bar snacks rather than full meals. Smoking is allowed inside on regular nights; on event nights, smokers step outside. Some English is understood, but a translation app on your phone is often the quickest way to chat.

✓ ConfirmedSource: the bar's official websiteLast checked: 2026-10-04How we check Report a mistake or closure

About Kokubunji

Kokubunji is a residential city in west Tokyo on the JR Chuo Line, roughly 20 to 30 minutes from Shinjuku. Chuo Line rapid and special rapid trains both stop here, and the station is also the terminus of the Seibu Kokubunji and Tamako lines. The streets around the station have a relaxed mix of small bars, cafes and izakaya, and the Chuo Line continues west to Tachikawa.

Good to know

Smoking: Depends on area or time
English: Basic English

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Rockbar Painkiller

About Kokubunji

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