If you owned one of the largest collections of ‘70s rock records
you might just decide to open your own bar. Right? That’s what
Nori Inoue must have thought when he started Circuit. However,
as the name suggests, Nori had other reasons too. There were his
go-kart buddies, for example, who needed a place to hang out.
Not that Nakano is in close proximity to the Chiba go-kart circuit.
But then again, if you’re a racing fan distance doesn’t matter.
Visiting the amazing maze of little two-story houses on the north
side of Nakano Station is worth the trip from Shinjuku Station
any time. It’s only three stops on the Chuo line — or one stop
if you catch the express. Equipped with a Swiss compass and enough
Evian to sustain you for a few hours in case you get lost, the
adventurous journey can begin. Take the little lane alongside
the tracks in the direction of Shinjuku, turn left between the
EDC building and the little corner restaurant — and bravely enter
the maze. Now follow the map past several pachinko parlors, dozens
of cabaret-like entertainment spots, and hundreds of little snack
bars until you spot the wooden Circuit kamban on little ???LOVE
ROMANCE??? Street. You then climb up the steep flight of stairs
lined with record jackets to the second floor, to be greeted by
a blast of ’70s rock from Circuit’s deluxe sound system.
Two booklets grace the counter. The smaller one, neatly lined
with velvet, is the drink and food menu. The larger one is the
rock menu. Soft drinks are a mere ¥400 all night, while beers
and other alcoholic beverages start at ¥500. Snacks begin at ¥400,
with the highly recommended chili beans. In short, prices are
less than what other places charge during happy hour. And here
comes the kicker: Circuit does do requests! Choose from among
600+ albums, and Nori will play a full side for you and everybody
else at the bar. Because Nori’s collection exceeds 600 by a mile,
he rotates his albums in such a way that regular customers won’t
have to worry about hearing the same old song twice for at least
88 months — unless it’s an evergreen, of course.
All said, Circuit is a cozy little bar offering a quiet corner
to relax or to party all night. And who knows, you might even
pop into a Schumacher in the making, what with Nori and his racing
buddies hanging out.
