Kyoto · KYOTO TRADITIONAL MUSIC EXPERIENCES
Good kyoto traditional music experiences fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Make matcha, taste sweets, and hear live koto music at a small Kyoto tea ceremony near Nishiki Market, with optional kimono photos.
“Wonderful host and koto performance from Yurika. Enjoyed the tea ceremony, matcha and sweets. Not usually a matcha lover, but Yurika showed us how to enjoy it. The koto music was beautiful.”
Learn taiko in Kyoto with an English-speaking guide, calligraphy, a professional demonstration, hands-on drumming, and a final costume photo.
“This is my 1st time playing and learning some very important information on Taiko Drums. I really enjoyed playing with the Taiko Drums. It also brought back memories on reading music notes for me. And in general I love Drums myself. I want to Read more”
Learn shamisen privately in Kyoto with English-speaking teacher Jack, Japanese tea, a traditional song, and a friendly jam session.
“I had a great time! I was able to learn how to tune and play a shamisen as well as seating and posture needed dto play properly! This will help me greatly as I learn to play my own shamisen! The teacher, Jack, made the experience personal and answered the questions I had with sincerity!”
Hear koto and shamisen in a small Kyoto home, then try the koto yourself in an intimate, beginner-friendly music class.
“This koto experience was incredible and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Japanese traditional instruments/music! The performer is very talented and her koto playing leaves you feeling emotional - her ability to project her voice was singing is impressive too. The translator/presenter was very knowledgeable about the koto/shamisen and provided some interesting facts about their origins and how to read the music score. Both the performer and presenter were helpful when I was learning how to play the koto in the session, helping me with techniques and when playing a piece with the performer. Everyone involved in this project are so friendly and enthusiastic about their craft! Next…”
Learn shamisen basics in a small Kyoto class with instructor Jack, tea, photos, scales, and a playful jam session for up to five people.
“Unique experiece in Kyoto, outside of crowded venues. Jack is an amazing instructor and time flies quickly while learning the beauty of shamisen. Can't recommend this experience enough.”
Learn Sakura on the traditional koto in a private Kyoto lesson with a professional performer, tea, music, and all equipment included.
“For those who would like to dive into Japanese culture, or would like to know more about Japanese culture, I would suggest to have a try at this Koto workshop, its a fun musical instrument that is not hard to learn, I had much fun playing tRead more”
Learn to play the koto in Kyoto with a patient English-speaking instructor, a live performance, Sakura Sakura, and a 90-minute hands-on lesson.
“It was a very special experience to learn a little bit about how to play this instrument. I have never been able to play an instrument before but here I actually felt that this was something I could learn the basics of. The teacher was absolutely fantastic and I am so glad she gave the lesson even if it was just for me.”
Cruise Arashiyama by private yakatabune with shamisen music, maiko stories, traditional games, and seasonal river views.
“A really rewarding and soothing activity We took a river walk with Kohaku, who played the shamisen (a traditional instrument) and sang for us! She taught us a really simple and fun Japanese game! We had a great time chatting with her, she's super cute, and I totally recommend the activity! Thanks Kohaku ♥️”
