Bluegrass & Country Music in Japan

Hello there/ Konnichiwa!
    In 2013, I went to Japan with my brother Tom to explore the bluegrass and country music scene which we’d heard was pretty vibrant. We made friends from Tokyo to Kumamoto, picking in small bars and Honky Tonks (yes, they exist in Japan, believe it or not!) and eventually I thought I’d like to try hosting trips there. I am half Japanese, so I already felt a connection with Nihon, but going there for music and feeling the language barrier dissolve once we started playing was very enjoyable. I speak very basic Japanese and I’m far from fluent but it’s something I continue to work on.
   There’s a fair bit of walking on my trips, so if you have bad knees or joints, you might need to think it over before you commit. It’s also a “grass roots” sort of an experience. There’s no coach travel and we’re pretty much in amongst every day Japanese living the whole time.
    Our hotels are three to three and half star - small rooms, but comfortable. There’s a buffet breakfast each morning with Japanese and Western options.
     Japanese food is good and not expensive. Vegetarian options are available in some places however gluten free can be a bit tricky. There is gluten in a lot of Japanese food. You’ll also notice there’s food everywhere. You’re not going to go hungry in Japan!
   It’s hard to explain it all - you have to see it for yourself. A trip of three hours on the Shinkansen can be very enjoyable;  it's amazing to see the country whipping past your window and you can sit back in your comfortable seat and enjoy a beverage, meal or a sleep.
   If you come on this little adventure, I want you to have a ball…….and if you come with an open heart and mind, I’m sure you will!