Tips for Traveling with Shinobue
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
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, costumes, 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
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 diagonally—and they fit just fine.
Even my longest flutes fit.
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.
You can purchase them on my store page.
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!