Kichijoji’s SILENCIO: Where Eclectic Tunes Meet a Chill Vibe

A Spot That Beckons You to Visit

Once you find a favorite spot, the motivation to explore new places tends to fade. There’s a certain satisfaction in returning to a place you love. But when a place catches your eye, you naturally feel drawn to it. I remember thinking, “I have to visit this place,” the moment I saw SILENCIO’s Instagram. Around the same time, my friends also recommended the place to me. SILENCIO had become a bit of a hot topic in my circle.

This shop, named after the Portuguese word for “Silence,” regularly posts photos of records on its Instagram. The impact it had on me was immense. The selection is primarily jazz and Brazilian music, but it also includes rock, folk, soul, reggae, and occasionally hip-hop, R&B, ambient, new age, electronic, and contemporary music. The way these genres are arranged is quite unique.

Although it seems eclectic at first glance, a vague sense of the shop’s vision emerges. It’s hard to describe the details, but it feels both diverse and somehow cohesive. Just by looking at this lineup, you can sense that SILENCIO has a unique atmosphere all its own. The selection of records creates a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Upon visiting the shop, you’re struck by its simple and sophisticated interior, which contrasts sharply with the eclectic record collection. It’s a very small place, with only a few seats around a central counter, but it creates a relaxing atmosphere. The soft impression of cube-shaped wooden speakers and dried flowers blending into the decor contributes to the comfort of the space. Everything in the shop feels well-integrated and natural. Next to the turntable, there’s a rotary mixer, known for its excellent sound quality and favored by DJs who are particular about audio quality. Everything in the shop is subtly arranged and somewhat modest. The owner, Mr. Arayama, has a calm and gentle demeanor that mirrors the shop’s ambiance.