Paper Moon is an Ikebukuro jazz bar with the old Tokyo grammar: a small counter, a serious record collection, whisky, and a room that rewards people who know how to sit still. Fifteen seats is enough to make every conversation part of the room.
The draw is jazz rather than cocktail theatre. It is closer to the jazz-kissa line than the newer record-bar wave, with a long-running owner-led format and a fourth-floor remove from the street.
Best for solo listening, late jazz records, and anyone who prefers a compact counter to a designed listening lounge.