Travel Day 1: Japan Album Release Tour 2024 As with most of my tours in Japan, this one began the same way—my driver, super fan, and dad drove me to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. After a brief goodbye, I grabbed my alto sax case, which always travels as hand luggage, and my suitcase, which went straight to baggage drop-off.
I like to get through that process as quickly as possible, ensuring my saxophone stays safe with me at all times. Afterward, I treated myself to some great white wine at my usual spot in the airport before heading to the gate. My seat on the plane was conveniently at the emergency exit row—no row in front of me, just the added responsibility of helping in case of a crash. 😉 I’ll spare you the boring details of the 14-hour flight: bad food, average movies on tiny screens—it’s essentially a 14-hour twilight zone.
I landed at Narita Airport around 11:00 am, which is usually a smooth experience. This time, however, customs was a mess, taking over an hour. Thankfully, my suitcase was already waiting for me at baggage claim.
To my surprise, a dedicated fan was waiting for me, while chatting with a camera crew from a popular Tokyo TV show“Why did you come to Japan?” that interviews travelers arriving in Japan, and ofcourse I was a famous saxophonist from Amsterdam;) Their main question: “Why did you come to Japan?” This turned into a nearly 40-minute interview, with one of the three crew members translating on the spot. It was funny—hilarious even—but after about 20 minutes, I was ready to wrap it up. I made sure to talk about my tour and its 12 shows across Japan. After a quick selfie and goodbyes, I headed off to take care of my arrival essentials.First up: pocket Wi-Fi. Staying connected is key for me. Then, I reserved my seat on the Skyliner train to Tokyo, a fast and reliable ride that gets you to the heart of the city in just 45 minutes.
The start of my tour was in and around Tokyo. I chose a hotel close to the Yamanote Line. This loop line hits all the major tourist hotspots, making it super convenient to navigate Tokyo and connect with other train and metro lines. I usually prefer Ueno and Ueno Park. it has an older vibe and is easier to get around, plus the Skyliner stops there.
Although these trips to Japan are always like water—flowing naturally—I still like to prepare in advance. Before leaving, I use Google Maps to locate the nearest convenience stores, konbinis, nearby ramen shops, and how far the station is. These small preparations help me embrace the “water” way of travel, where flexibility is key. While my gigs are meticulously planned, the journey itself—the unexpected invites, wrong trains, and random conversations—feels like the ocean, ever-shifting. Accepting that flow makes the experience so much richer.
By now, it was about 2:30 pm, just in time for a quick walk around Ueno Park before heading to my hotel. I was staying at an APA Hotel near Komagome Station, just a few stops from Ueno. I like APA Hotels they’re consistent, clean, and the staff is always great. Some even have an onsen!
That evening, after some late-night wandering through Tokyo’s glowing streets and a quick konbini stop for snacks, I returned to my room. Unpacking my essentials, I carefully placed my saxophone in the corner, a quiet reminder of the days ahead. My thoughts drifted to my bandmates—at least three of the original group would join for the first show. Reuniting with them always felt like stepping back into a familiar rhythm. This tour, however, also promised new collaborations with a mix of bass players and drummers, each bringing their own energy and style. The idea of these fresh combinations excited me, knowing they’d shape our music in unexpected ways.
I spent some time reviewing setlists, thinking about the unique energy of each venue. With every tweak and note, my anticipation grew. Eventually, the fatigue of the day caught up with me. I set my phone aside, stretched out on the bed, and let the hum of the city outside ease me into sleep. Dreaming of the show we would do at Salt Peanuts, Ekoda, Tokyo
