You don't necessarily need to see live jazz to have some great jazz experiences in Japan.

Type in "Jazz Kissa" on google maps when you're wandering around these towns and you'll find little bars with great hifi setups that exclusively play jazz music. The reviews are pretty good for figuring out if they're worth a stop or not.

I made an effort to stop by a few on my last trip and had some great experiences.

I've been having trouble finding good ones in Tokyo. Blue Note Tokyo seems nice but is pricey and often sold out far in advance. I've seen some others I'd like to go to, but they double as cigar bars and my lungs don't enjoy smoke.

We saw a sax quintet play at The Pit Inn in October, it's a nice little basement club

I used to like jazz club Overseas in Osaka. Just a small place but very nice people. Also in Tokyo all my best experiences were at small intimate places where you got to know the owners or at least have a nice conversation about jazz with them.

They don't want tourists in them.