🇯🇵 Drum Feng in Japan: A Journey of Rhythm, Growth & Camaraderie

In March 2025, Drum Feng embarked on a truly unforgettable adventure — bringing 30 students from our Song Mastery Class on an 8-day, 7-night experiential learning trip to Japan. More than just a drumming bootcamp, it was a journey that blended culture, friendship, rhythm, and personal growth.

Who Went

The participants were a vibrant mix of students aged 27 to 73, each having learnt with Drum Feng for 1 to 3 years. Though they attended classes on different days, they shared a common rhythm, dedication, and love for drumming that brought them together on this journey.

“It might seem a little daring of me to join a trip with people I hardly knew — but it turned out to be an incredibly joyful and enriching experience.”– Tiffiny

Where We Went

Our journey began with visits to a local sake brewery and the historic Nakasendo Old Street, immersing ourselves in Japan’s old-world charm.

We then spent five days in the scenic Hirugami Onsen area, nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture — a place not only known for its tranquil hot springs, but also famous for its cherry and peach blossoms in spring, accompanied by beautiful starry skies at night. To our delight, our first group of students even got to witness a fireworks display just outside our ryokan, adding a magical touch to the evenings after long days of training.

The peaceful countryside setting made it the perfect backdrop for our intensive training sessions and evening reflections.

On our final day, we explored the serene Sanko Inari Shrine, followed by the majestic Inuyama Castle and its charming castle town — a beautiful, slow-paced finale to round off an incredibly packed and meaningful week.

The Drumming Experience

The trip focused entirely on learning and self-improvement.

Students underwent physically demanding and culturally different training, giving them a brand-new perspective on rhythm and technique.

“整整六天的密集训练，虽然肉体上很疲累，但是精神上却很愉悦…想不到在暮年时还能享有这样完美愉快的体验。”– Phoon Hoi Yoke

Despite differences in age, everyone rose to the challenge — pushing themselves and lifting one another through it all. What emerged was a shared spirit of resilience, support, and unity.

“Thank you all, team mates, for working hard together, suffering (physically), laughing together, loving and encouraging each other. That brought this journey to a happy ending.”– Esther Kan

Culture, Food & Camaraderie

Outside the studio, Japan’s food, natural beauty, and warm hospitality left a lasting impression. From daily onsen baths to seasonal delicacies and picturesque sights, each moment away from drumming offered just as much to remember.

But perhaps the most cherished moments came from our nightly group sharing sessions. These gatherings — filled with genuine laughter, stories, and quiet gratitude — helped the students grow closer with each passing day.

“The reflection and sharing really helped us connect and understand one another better.” – Tiffiny“ Glad to have met and made friends with fellow members. Fighting!” – Catherine Tian

GROUP A

GROUP B

Growth Beyond the Drum

Throughout the journey, we witnessed incredible transformations in our students:

• 🌟 Courage to try something new

• 🤝 Teamwork across generations

• ❤️ Supportive spirit that uplifted one another

• 🥁 Deeper appreciation for the art of drumming and cross-cultural learning

“It is an unforgettable experience — Drum Feng made sure we were well taken care of in all aspects.” – Cynthia Wong “One of the most thoughtfully executed group activities I’ve been in.” – Ong Wei Mei

For many, this journey went beyond technique — it became a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with why they drum in the first place.

This trip was filled with so much magic — and in many ways, it perfectly reflects what Drum Feng stands for.

It’s about the people, the community, the joy of shared experiences, and the spirit of continuous learning. Whether through drumming, travel, or connection, we believe in creating opportunities where growth happens — and where every beat brings us closer together.

What’s Next?

YES — there will be more!

Drum Feng is planning future experiential learning trips, but for now, they remain exclusive to our Drum Mastery students.

If you've ever thought about taking your drumming to new heights while discovering the world through rhythm, community, and culture — this is your sign.

The next chapter in our rhythmic adventure might just have your name on it!

Join our community of passionate individuals!

Join us!