Shamisen Experience: Kyoto's Cultural Soundscape

Discover Kyoto’s cultural heart with a hands-on shamisen lesson near historic temples. Perfect for beginners seeking an authentic Japanese musical experience.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 11-8 Murasakino Nakakashiwanochō - The Shamisen is a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument. Our dojo offers workshops that include the following topics:
    How to Hold the Bachi: Discover the correct way to grip the Shamisen pick.
    Posture for Playing the Shamisen: Learn the proper posture for playing.
    Rhythm Practice: Participate in rhythmic…
What's Included
  • Souvenir: Take home a small, unique souvenir to commemorate your experience.
  • Rental Shamisen and Accessories
  • Samue: Wear traditional samue to further immerse yourself in the experience.
  • Photo/video session
  • Tea and coffee
  • Demonstration by a professional instructor
  • A demonstration performance by the instructor
Additional Information

Our Shamisen Dojo provides a distinctive experience that is ideal for both beginners and travelers. Here’s what sets our activities apart:
[Cultural Exchange]
Situated in Kyoto’s historic Nishijin district, our dojo offers an opportunity to delve into Japanese culture through the traditional Shamisen, linking visitors with local heritage.
[Freedom to…

Location
11-8 Murasakino Nakakashiwanochō
Reach Shamisen Dojo by taking any of the following buses: #6 #46 #59 #206. Please get off at Kenryuko-mae. Turn the left on the next corner and you will find our signboard along the street on your right side.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(31 Ratings)
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Paradise11508129649
Oct 24, 2024
Amazing experience with an amazing instrument and an amazing instructor! - An amazing experience, whether you have prior musical experience or not. The Shamisen is a wonderful instrument, and Jack is a wonderful instructor. We got to experience the basics of Shamisen, play a basic melody and even do some improv. Jack's love of the Shamisen shined throughout the entire experience, and his enthusiasm was very contagious :) This experience was, personally, the highlight of our trip. Musicians, music lovers, or even just curious people with no musical experience - I really can't recommend this enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelsey_m
Oct 20, 2024
Great experience - The teacher was great! Very nice and informative. His english was great 👍🏻. Awesome rainy day experience in Kyoto. Loved the shamisen.
Review provided by Viator
Emilydy7577zs
Oct 15, 2024
Great experience - The class was amazing. I wanted to try to play the shamisen, even though I have very little music experience. It's a good instrument for beginners because there's only 3 strings. The instructor is very knowledgeable and passionate about the shamisen. He's patient when teaching, so there's no feeling of embarrassment when you mess up. It was a great experience to play and hear the shamisen. It's definitely worth it to take a class, even if only once!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dream17110674501
Oct 4, 2024
Memorable and Unique Shamisen Cultural Experience - We had so much fun learning about the shamisen, the fundamental techniques to play the shamisen (in a traditional samue!), as well as learning about the music history behind the traditional Japanese instruments, and the musical scales in Japanese scores! The experience is incredibly eye-opening and unique. It is an absolutely cool experience especially for music enthusiasts. Jack-san made the whole learning experience super fun and beginner-friendly. Thank you Jack-san for teaching us Min-yo scale! Go to Kyoto, experience Shamisen, Highly recommended!! :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian_b
Sep 30, 2024
Best Kyoto experience - We had the most amazing time with Jack learning the traditional song on the shsmisen. His expertise and passion for the instrument made the experience truly unforgettable. Jack was patient, engaging, and really brought the music to life, making sure we connected not just with the notes but also the cultural significance behind them. Highly recommend this unique and enriching experience for anyone looking to dive deeper into traditional music!
Review provided by Viator
Raymond_t
Sep 29, 2024
An incredible experience - Learning how to play the shamisen was a musically enriching experience. The teacher was very good at explaining the techniques and was patient. I would highly recommend this to anybody who is musically inclined or has any interest in engaging hands-on with traditional Japanese culture. -Austin
Review provided by Viator
Alexandrebu1637gx
Sep 27, 2024
Amazing shamisen experience !! - We discovered the shamisen, Japanese history and music teachings with Jack-San. It was a wonderful experience, from learning the basics of the instruments to play a traditional song and even jam !! Thank you Jack-San, I cannot wait to play shamisen again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexandre_b
Sep 27, 2024
Absolutely go there if you love music or Japanese culture - Loved this session ! Jack-San is a very humble and kind person, you will be amazingly received and he will teach you the basics of shamisen, even if you don’t play any instrument. He’s an amazing teacher, and a talented musician. After only an hour, we were able to play a traditional Japanese song, and even to jam alongside Jack. Arigato gozaimasu Jack-San.
Review provided by Viator
Voyage58696277102
Sep 27, 2024
All-English taught triangle line, standard English. Careful. - Very nice triangular music experience. Teachers themselves are experienced performers and communicate naturally with participants. Teach in full English or Japanese and share the history and culture of the triangle. There’s more of a feeling of true integration into Japan on Trips.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielsebalhor
Sep 27, 2024
Learn and experience traditional Japanese music - The shamisen learning and playing experience was amazing! Shamisen master Jack was a fantastic instructor, teaching us not only the instrument, but as well as educating us in it's history and japanese music theory details. Highly recommend for both experienced and total beginners musicians and music enthusiasts!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $97
up to 4 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).