Summer is here—a time when many of us hit the road or take to the skies for festivals, performances, or just a well-earned getaway.
If you’re bringing your shinobue along for the journey, whether by plane or car, a little care in packing can make a big difference.
In this post, I’ll share how I travel with my shinobue, including the bags I use, how I prepare for flights, and how I protect it during road trips.
With the right setup, you can keep your shinobue safe, no matter where your summer adventures take you!
Traveling by car
When I drive to gigs or rehearsals, this is the bag I use.
DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag for 19”-25” Snowshoes, Snowshoes Backpack with Pockets for A Pair of Poles and Other Accessories, Easy to Carry with Shoulder Strap and Handle (Patent Design) Bag Only
DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag
At 26.8 inches (68 cm) long, this bag is the perfect size for carrying long shinobues comfortably.
I can also fit other essentials in it—like a laptop in its sleeve, a notebook, costume, snacks, business cards, and more.
It’s lightweight, practical, and very easy to use, which makes it one of my favorite travel companions.
It looks like this exact model is no longer available, but with a bit of searching, you might be able to find something similar or a good secondhand option.
NEVER leave your shinobues in the car unattended.
Traveling by air
When I fly, I always carry my shinobue with me in my carry-on bag and place it in the overhead compartment.
I avoid checking them in because I’m honestly too worried the airline might lose them—it's just not worth the risk!
In the U.S., most airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22 inches in height, so I make sure to use a bag that meets those size requirements.
This is the one I personally use when I travel by air.
KAKA Classic Laptop Backpack, Travel Hiking & Camping Dayback for Women Men, Water-Resistant Big College School Bookbag Fits 17 Inch Laptop and Notebook Black
KAKA Classic Laptop Backpack
Its 21.6-inch length is perfect for meeting most airline carry-on size requirements.
For my longer shinobues, which are a bit longer than the bag itself, I place them in diagonally—and they fit just fine.
Even my longest flutes fit.
As you can see in the image above, I place my long shinobues diagonally inside the bag.
To keep them secure and straight, I fill the bag evenly with clothing around them.
I’m not sure why this stylish and sturdy bag that travels the world with me only costs $25.99—but I’m definitely not complaining!
Put the shinobue in a box
No matter which bag I use, I always place my shinobues inside some kind of cardboard structure for extra protection.
When I traveled to Japan last month, I first put my shinobue in a shinobue bag, then placed it inside one of the lovely cardboard boxes from Japan.
They’re lightweight, sturdy, and add an extra layer of peace of mind—plus, they look beautiful too!
I also used "MagicWater Supply Mailing Tube - 2 in x 18 in - Kraft - 2 Pack - for Shipping and Storage of Posters, Arts, Crafts, and Documents" available on Amazon.
I was able to put multiple shinobues in one tube.
Be sure to play the shinobues before you put them in the shinobue bags to trap the moisture inside.
If you don't want the fuss, just take a Suzuki plastic shinobue with you!
Many people use them exclusively for travel—and it’s such a smart idea.
They're lightweight, durable, and easy to care for.
You can simply toss one in your backpack and go —no need to worry about cracking or damage on the road.
I hope these tips help you travel with confidence. The world is waiting to hear your music—take good care of your shinobue, and enjoy the journey!
Bamboo Forest in Wakayama Prefecture
Protect Your Shinobue in Style: Introducing Kamakura Blue Shinobue Bags 💙
Kamakura Blue was born from friendship, tradition, and a shared love for beauty and craftsmanship.
My dear friend Yuri-san and I went to school together in Kamakura, a coastal town in Japan known for its deep history, serene temples, and breathtaking ocean views. It's a place where nature and tradition live side by side—and that spirit lives on in everything we create.
Each Shinobue bag is handcrafted by Yuri-san, using authentic Japanese fabrics selected for their beauty and quality.
This one is made with authentic Ro (a type of summer kimono) fabric
No two are exactly alike—each one is a small work of art, made with care and intention.
These bags are not only beautiful—they’re also practical. They protect your shinobue from scratches and reduce the risk of cracking, especially when traveling or storing your flute.
Kamakura Blue is more than a name—it's a feeling. A calm sea breeze, a quiet temple path, a handmade gift from a lifelong friend.
🎋 Today (July 13) is the last day to register for my in-person class in Phoenix!
Join Me for a Rare In-Person Class in Phoenix – No Conference Pass Required!
On August 29 and 30, I’ll be teaching shinobue classes at the North American Taiko Conference in Phoenix—and you don’t have to attend the full conference to join!
Each class is just $60, and open to anyone interested in learning or deepening their shinobue practice.
Because enrollment is small, this is a unique chance to receive personalized attention and connect in an intimate, encouraging environment.
Whether you’re just starting out or already playing, I’ll guide you with practical techniques and help you connect with fellow shinobue learners who can support your journey beyond this class. 💓
🌸 Let’s build a community around this beautiful instrument—together.
If you're in Arizona or Southern California, it's just a short drive to get there!
And I'm thrilled to share that two of our fellow readers of this newsletter are already planning to fly in from out of state! 🥰
The registration process can be a little clunky, so please reply to this email if you are interested in registering and I will help you get registered!
Lecture/Concert at a beautiful Japanese Garden the next day 🌸
After two days of teaching at the Taiko Conference on Friday and Saturday, I will be at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (Rohoen) on Saturday, August 31, sharing more about shinobue.
This beautiful and authentic Japanese garden is located near downtown Phoenix.
We're excited to let you know that we'll be hosting activities inside the charming Japanese tea room, especially since it will be quite warm outside.
The tea room is cozy, so we will have 12 tickets available.
Tickets are now available here! Get yours before we sold out!
One of the Most Meaningful Videos I've Ever Shared
During my recent visit to Japan, I had the chance to play shinobue for my neighbor, Kamiya-san. He gave me my very first part-time job at his bakery when I was 15, and over the years, he’s felt like a second father to me—especially after I lost my own dad at 18.
Kamiya-san is also an accomplished shakuhachi player, holding a shihan license. So when he listened to my playing, smiled, and even hummed along—it meant the world to me.
I hope his smile warms your heart as much as it did mine.
I went on a beautiful hike in Kamakura with my cousin, and took this video by Doso shin (Gods of protection). If you haven't checked it out, it's a must!
It was very hot (in the 90's = 32 C) and humid in Japan and there were mosquitos in there, but I really wanted to share the beautiful serenity of Japanese bamboo grove with a sacred torii gate! Hope you'll enjoy it!
Are you interested in Japan? Imagine diving into their culture and learning to play a beautiful ancient musical instrument! Why not give the shinobue a try? This lovely Japanese bamboo flute is easier to learn than you might think. Many folks (even without any musical experience) are discovering the rich traditions of Japan through this amazing instrument. I invite you to check out my website, saitomusic.com, where you'll find a wealth of free information that used to be available only in Japanese. You can easily purchase a beginner shinobue there at an affordable price. Also, don’t miss my YouTube channel, “Miki Saito Shinobue Adventure,” where I share anime and video game covers and fun tutorials. And be sure to subscribe to my free newsletter to support you on your shinobue journey! I can’t wait to see you there!
