Japan tour 2018, day 7
Cloud 9, Narita
I overslept this morning, but after my shower, I stepped out to explore the surroundings of my hotel located in Shinjuku, Tokyo Takadanobaba. This neighborhood was going to be my home base for the rest of the tour.
The weather was back to its usual self, with no more typhoons. I had ample time before Satoshi was due to pick me up at 4 pm, so I took the opportunity to wander around Takadanobaba. The street near my hotel was teeming with affordable food options. Contrary to popular belief, Japan is not as expensive as people think, especially compared to the Netherlands. Food, transportation, and hotels are surprisingly budget-friendly. My hotel was arranged by Gaku, and he secured me a great deal. The hotel was brand new, having just opened a few months prior. I have noticed that most hotels I have stayed in Japan have excellent service, spotless cleanliness, and the staff is always accommodating. My hotel was conveniently located close to the train station and I found a cozy coffee shop in a large shopping center just across from the station. After my morning coffee, I strolled around the bustling streets of Takadanobaba and had some delicious soba at one of the many restaurants in the area. The majority of the people in the soba place were students and even though the Japanese are known for being shy, I always seem to make a connection with them.
After consuming the quick meal, I returned to the hotel and passed by Jazz Spot Intro, a well-known venue for youthful jazz musicians. A few years ago, I had the privilege of performing there with Ryo Shibata during one of their nearly nightly sessions.ng there all the time. I love sessions but because off my schedule on this tour I would not have an opportunity to check out one of the sessions during this trip.
At 4 PM, Satoshi was waiting for me at the hotel to take me to Narita. The drive took approximately 90 minutes, but it was a smooth and relaxing journey. I utilized the time to capture some footage of the trip.
This was my first opportunity to reunite with my friend and saxophonist, Yuichiro Tokuda, during the tour. He had organized the concert we were performing that evening at Cloud 9. Upon parking the car, we were greeted by Yuichiro, who was already outside the club. It was wonderful to see him again after so long.
Embark on a journey to Narita, a charming city nestled in the heart of Chiba Prefecture, Japan. A hub for international travelers, Narita is home to Narita International Airport, the gateway to the bustling metropolis of Greater Tokyo.
Step back in time as you discover Narita’s rich cultural heritage. Dating back to the Japanese Paleolithic period, the city has a fascinating history that is waiting to be uncovered. Explore the site of Narita Airport and marvel at the ancient stone tools that have been discovered, estimated to be over 30,000 years old.
The area is also dotted with numerous Jōmon period shell middens and Kofun period burial tumuli, showcasing Narita’s fascinating past. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural legacy, as you wander through the streets and learn about its significance in the Nara period.
With Narita’s ideal location, equidistant from the Pacific Ocean and Tokyo Bay, surrounded by small rivers, it was once a bustling political and commercial center. Furthermore, the city has long been a pilgrimage destination, drawing visitors to the revered Buddhist temple of Shinsho-ji, founded in 940 AD.
This was my fourth time performing at Cloud 9 and I was greeted warmly by the owner, Toshiharu Ohura. Gaku and Shunichi were already there and after a quick sound check and rehearsal, Yuichiro invited the entire band to dine at a friend’s restaurant, Takehiko Isikawa. I had been to this restaurant twice before and it was always a special experience. We walked the streets of Narita together and because we were a bit early, we stopped for snacks and a Super Dry beer at another place. After this intermission, we headed to the restaurant where the food was once again amazing and we enjoyed some delicious Sake. After dinner, we returned to Cloud 9 and started our first set shortly after.
Cloud 9 is a true jazz bar with a lot of atmosphere, just as these types of places should be. It’s always hot and smoky. This night, there was a lot of energy on stage and we gave it our all. Between sets, I have a tradition of visiting a nearby establishment. Every time I go, it’s different – the owner, the menu, but it always has a relaxed vibe. This year, it has transformed into an urban-style game café with soft-tip darts and classic pinball machines. Due to Narita’s popularity among tourists and expats, most young people speak fairly good English.
