Day 10: Japan Album Release Tour JINSEI 2024 – Travel and Gig at Jazz Bar Coltrane, Kusatsu
The day began around 10 a.m. with plans to visit a ramen shop Satoshi had recommended, Shinakan, known for its authentic flavors and local charm. I met up with Satoshi and Katsunari in the hotel lobby, ready for an early culinary adventure. Shunichi decided to spend the morning exploring the sights of Kurashiki, which left the three of us to enjoy the ramen experience.
After a short drive, we arrived at the shop, tucked away in a quiet corner of the town. It felt special from the moment we saw it—a small, unassuming building exuding a sense of warmth and authenticity. The signage and exterior hinted at the care and tradition behind the food served within. The shop opened its doors promptly at 11 a.m., and we were the first customers of the day, eager to see what made this spot one of Satoshi’s favorites.
Stepping inside, we were greeted by a cozy interior, beautifully decorated with an eclectic mix of personal and local items. It felt as if the owner had infused their personality into the space, with every detail telling a story. From vintage posters to handmade ornaments, the decor was inviting and uniquely Japanese, offering a glimpse into the culture and community of the area.
After lunch, the guys dropped me off at Kurashiki Station, leaving me to continue my journey on my own while they took the car. My suitcase and saxophone were safely with them, which made navigating the trains much easier. It felt liberating to travel light for a change, allowing me to focus on the journey ahead.
Kurashiki Station was familiar territory; I had stayed near it on previous tours, so I felt confident about my next steps. The station was bustling with its usual mix of locals and tourists, and I quickly found my way to the ticket machines. I planned my route carefully: first, a local train to Okayama, and then a seamless transfer to the Shinkansen heading for Kyoto. Thankfully, my trusty Pasmo card made it all so convenient. It’s one of the best tools for traveling around Japan, allowing quick access to trains without the hassle of buying tickets for every leg of the journey.
The first leg of the trip, from Kurashiki to Okayama, was a short ride. I enjoyed gazing out of the train windows at the countryside, a peaceful interlude before the high-speed excitement of the Shinkansen. Upon arrival in Okayama, the station’s lively atmosphere greeted me, filled with travelers heading in all directions. I paused to check the schedule and quickly secured a ticket for the Nozomi Shinkansen, known for its speed and comfort.
The Shinkansen ride to Kyoto was, as always, a highlight of traveling in Japan. As the train glided effortlessly along the tracks, I marveled at the efficiency of the system and how it turns even long journeys into enjoyable experiences. The scenery outside shifted between urban landscapes and patches of natural beauty, and before I knew it, the train was slowing as we approached Kyoto.
Kyoto was my planned stop for the afternoon, a chance to enjoy some downtime before heading to Kusatsu for the evening gig at Jazz Bar Coltrane.
By early afternoon, I arrived in Kyoto. Despite some light rain, it was a pleasant day, and I decided to visit Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, conveniently located near the station’s main exit. On my way there, I stopped for a good coffee at a café near the temple. Although Kyoto is often packed with tourists, the temple grounds were surprisingly quiet for a Saturday—a stroke of luck. 😊
The temple was stunning. Its grounds include a moat filled with koi and other fish, and at the centre stands the Founder’s Hall, one of the largest wooden structures in the world. This hall enshrines an image of Shinran, the founder of Shin Buddhism, whose ashes rest in a nearby mausoleum. The temple’s history, dating back to 1272, and its peaceful atmosphere left a deep impression on me. I wandered the grounds for nearly two hours before heading back to the station.
From Kyoto, it was a smooth 40-minute train ride to Kusatsu. Arriving at the station, I used Google Maps to navigate my way through the quiet streets toward Jazz Bar Coltrane. The walk was refreshing, giving me a chance to soak in the calm evening atmosphere of Kusatsu, a contrast to the bustling energy of Kyoto.
When I arrived at the bar, the owner greeted me warmly as he prepared for the evening. Jazz Bar Coltrane immediately stood out as a place with real character and charm. The interior exuded sophistication, with shelves lined with high-end whiskies and other spirits that catered to true connoisseurs. Vintage JBL speakers adorned the walls, a nod to an era when sound quality and design were as much about art as function. Adding to the ambiance was an impressive vinyl collection, giving the space an authentic, nostalgic jazz vibe. It felt like the perfect venue for an intimate, music-filled evening.
Soon after, Tsutomu Takei arrived, and it was great to see him again—it had been since 2018. He even brought me some mouthpiece stickers, knowing I’d been going through them like sushi! Before long, the rest of the group arrived, and we did a quick soundcheck as the room began to fill with guests.
The gig was a blast, blending my compositions with some standards, each given our unique twist. After the show, Tsutomu, Katsunari, Shunichi, and I caught the last train to Osaka. Satoshi stayed behind in Kusatsu and planned to meet us the next day for another gig, in Osaka, where we would play with the same lineup.
