Little Pieces of Home in Japan

My sincerest apologies to my readers for my long procrastination on my blog. It has been far to long! However, I had to wait until the creative juices were flowing at the optimum level ( honestly I was experiencing a little bit of writers block) and was busy hanging out with my hubby, bike riding, exploring etc. But now I've got several stories and thoughts to share with you, so here it goes! 

Although there is an extremely vast contrast between American culture and Japanese culture, occasionally we'll discover something that gives us a little taste of home. Sure there are definite improvements in our lives that have resulted from our big move to Japan such as spending more quality time together spiritually and with nature, the beautiful art of public transportation that Japan has mastered, and the gift of discovering and viewing something new everyday. However, sometimes a girl just wants her Classic Rock radio station back playing some Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, or perhaps some Beatles. Sometimes a girl, especially this girl, craves her favorite Mexican restaurant from back home, or fries and a burger! The list could go on and on....

However when I'm feeling a little aggravated from the abundance of tempura and noodle serving restaurants, and the strange American rap music that they play in stores but don't actually know what the song is saying, Japan comes through for me once again and I am given a little piece of home! 

Much to my surprise, my classic rock craving was fulfilled a few weeks back when we attended the JET program pub quiz that one of the long time JET participants puts on as a way for the group to get together, laugh, drink, and just have a great time together. Many of you might not know this, but one of my observations about Japan has been that there are several hidden gems whether it be a bar or restaurant, that very few people know about. When walking down the street, especially if you are a tourist and don't know what to look for, you would never know that down that alley or inside that little building could be some of the most authentic representations of Japanese culture. There are sometimes tiny bars that serve only drinks, maybe only sake and beer, that only have a few seats at the bar. Sometimes it's a restaurant that is positioned in a tiny dimly lit alleyway, that could be fantastically delicious, but you would never know it's there! A peak inside might reveal some business men having drinks, or maybe even a geisha! 

That being said, how Alan (the long time JET) found this bar is beyond me! It is on the second floor of this small building on a street that few cars go down and is good for bike riders and pedestrians. The bar is quite small and narrow, and could only accommodate about 35 people comfortably. When you walk in you are met with the sweet sound of music, not just any music, rock music! This isn't something that you see, or should I say hear, everyday in Japan so it was quite the shock to me! The owner is a very interesting character that stands out against the clean cut image of Kyoto with shoulder length black hair and classic rock records and posters that line the walls of the bar. 

The owner behind the bar with all of his records and c.d.s

A poster that was on the wall right next to my seat 

He has just about any classic rock song you could think of, whether it be on vinyl or c.d., he'll play whatever you want. We had an absolutely fantastic time at the pub quiz, speculating the answers to the questions with our team members, laughing at Alan for his hilarious ramblings (he's a great host), and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of the bar. The music was just the piece of home that we needed!  

A view of what the bar looks like 

Intense Deliberation 

Tune in for Little Pieces of Home in Japan PART 2 for some more western inspired Japanese experiences. Thanks for reading!