Day 9: Japan Album Release Tour JINSEI 2024 – Travel and Gig at Piano Hall Avenue, Kurashiki

The day started early as we checked out of the hotel by 10 AM. After packing my small case and storing everything in the hotel lobby, I met up with Shunichi and Johan. We planned to meet Katsunari at the train station around 11 to begin the journey to Kurashiki for the concert at Piano Hall Avenue.

Before heading out, I managed a quick Facebook video post and grabbed some warm cans of coffee—comforting on a rainy day, which seemed perfect for a long train trip. The journey to Kurashiki would take about six hours in total.

We took a regular train to Kagoshima first and then boarded the shinkansen to Okayama. Johan left us earlier as he would spend some time in Hiroshima and would visit the gig in Osaka and join me for some free time. I would be free for 3 days after the date in Osaka. As always, I enjoyed the shinkansen experience: the smooth ride, breathtaking views, and the way time seems to fly by. I picked up a bento box at the station before boarding, making the trip even better.

From Okayama, we transferred to a local train that brought us to Kurashiki. Satoshi had already arranged a hotel for us, which was conveniently close to both the station and the venue. After checking in, we planned to meet at Piano Hall Avenue at 6 PM for soundcheck.

I’ve played at Piano Hall Avenue before, and it’s a venue steeped in character. Nestled in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, the area is a blend of traditional charm and retro-modern aesthetics. The Kurashiki River flows through, lined with old buildings, stylish shops, and cafes repurposed from townhouses. It’s a hub for tourists, with cultural landmarks like the Ohara Museum of Art and Ivy Square. I remember exploring this area years ago—it’s a place where you could easily spend an entire day soaking in the atmosphere.

The gig itself was a highlight. Reuniting with Satoshi on stage was special; his artistic presence brings so much depth to the music. After the show, we stayed a while to enjoy some drinks and discuss the next day’s travel plans. Our next gig would be in Kusatsu at Jazz Bar Coltrane, where we’d be joined by Tsutomu Takei, an incredible tenor player. Having collaborated with him in the past, I know we blend effortlessly—a true joy to play with.

For the following two dates, including Kusatsu and Osaka, Satoshi had arranged accommodations in Osaka, which made logistics easier.

After a short walk back to the hotel, I stopped by a conbini to grab some food and drinks before calling it a night. The next morning, I planned to meet Satoshi and Katsunari for an early ramen lunch Satoshi recommended. While they would drive to the venue together with Shunichi, I’d travel solo to Kusatsu, ready for another exciting day of music and exploring some parts of Kyoto, as I would have time for this before going to Jazz bar Coltrane in Kusatsu.