Catch a traditional Japanese flute performance at this outdoor market near Tokyo

Searching for authentic experiences away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city? Look no further than Machida, about an hour from the city centre. Here you can try spinning wool on a sheep farm, for example, and later this month the city is holding a shinobue (bamboo flute) concert in a bamboo grove.

The 40-minute concert is brought to you by musicians Sachiko Yamaguchi and Yuko Kumagaya, who have been performing as the duo Yamakumaya since 2019. Their shinobue performances combine traditional Japanese folk songs and Western melodies, made all the more ethereal among the breathtaking bamboo.

After the show, stick around for a brief lesson to practise the basics of the shinobue (in Japanese only). Bring your own shinobue if you happen to have one lying around the house, or use one of the instruments provided at the event.

The concert is the highlight of the day, but it's not the only thing going on. Next to the performance venue you'll find an outdoor market, where you can try local foods and support local artisans by purchasing their handmade crafts. As the market takes place near the aforementioned bamboo grove, the items on sale include bamboo-related products ranging from artisanal soap to home decor.

The whole shebang takes place on April 25 at the Yoridoko Community Center from 11am to 3.30pm, with the concert happening at 1pm. To get to the community centre, take the Odakyu line to Tsurukawa Station or Tama Center Station, then catch the 32 bus to Nakajuku (中宿) – the centre is a few minutes' walk down the street.

The market itself is free to attend, but paid registration is required for the flute concert. Tickets are ¥1,700 for adults (¥1,500 in advance) and ¥800 for middle school students and under (¥700 in advance). Reserve your spot here by April 22 and pay upon arrival.

More from Time Out Tokyo

Ueno Zoo is set to open a 'roller-coaster' people-mover in 2029

See the world's most famous work of Japanese erotic art now in Kabukicho

10 art exhibitions to check out in and around Tokyo this spring

These new renderings how what the area west of Shinjuku Station might look like 10 years from now

Feed sheep and spin wool on this farm tour near Tokyo

Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.