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A view of the Ginza shopping district in Tokyo, Japan.
An American tourist found a viral dive bar in Tokyo while on a trip to Japan. No one looked at him when he walked in the front door.
The well-known establishment is Rocky Top, a Japanese bluegrass bar in the popular shopping district of Ginza. Patrons had a good reason for not acknowledging the man’s presence.
Video of the experience was posted to Instagram by user @okay.josee. If you ever get a chance to visit, you might receive the same welcome.
Japanese Bluegrass music is hot.
And there’s no better spot to listen than Ginza Rocky Top. According to its website, the bar opened in the 1980s for live music enjoyment.
Styled after a mountain hut from the American pioneer era, it provides visitors all the “pickin'” and “singin'” their ears desire.
The bar also offers dining and is easy to access. Located a 10-minute walk from transportation, in offers both entertainment and convenience.
At this point in time, the venue’s focus is on bluegrass and country music. Japan’s bluegrass scene is unrivaled outside of the US.
Bluegrass’s roots trace back to England, Ireland, Scotland, and West Africa. The introduction of blues and jazz themes helped mold it into what we hear today.
The United States is currently the largest hub for the genre in the world. Japan is making a push.
Bluegrass music has thrived in the area since the end of World War II. I was personally unaware of the nation’s decades-long love for finger pickin’.
I have now been introduced. If I’m ever in Tokyo, Rocky Top will be on my list of stops, though it’s doubtful patrons will know I’m there.
Why didn’t anyone look at the American tourist?
It’s simple. They were lost in the music! Jose entered the bar with his phone in hand. Video captured a handful of customers completely enthralled by the sweet sounds of the Bluegrass Police, a popular band formed in Tokyo in 2010.
Here’s a clip of the group playing at the now viral establishment during a previous show. They can absolutely jam.
Jose got a firsthand look at the band during his visit to Rocky Top. Not one head turned when he opened the door. No one could take their eyes off the stage.
The travel vlogger posted his experience on social media this week. That video has since racked up nearly 265K likes, 114K shares, and just under 2.5K comments.
It’s gone so viral that top musicians have taken note, including Grammy-winning Americana artist Sierra Farrell.
Jose walked into a bar in Japan. No one noticed he was there – for all the right reasons.
If you weren’t previously privy to Japanese bluegrass music, consider this your official introduction. And if you’re ever in Tokyo, be sure to stop into Ginza Rocky Top for a listen.