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Taiko Experience: Traditional Japanese Drumming for All
5.0
84 Ratings
Kyoto
Discover the joy of Taiko drumming! Engage in a full-body workout, relieve stress, and connect with Japanese culture. Perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Discover the joy of Taiko drumming! Engage in a full-body workout, relieve stress, and connect with Japanese culture. Perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
3-chōme-20-18 Daizōji - From Kyoto Station for a 12-minute train ride, followed by an 10-minute cab ride to the venue.
First, you’ll get a brief explanation of Taiko’s history, showing its importance in Japanese culture.
Next, you’ll try simple calligraphy, writing your wishes on a Hachimaki (a traditional Japanese headband).
You’ll then watch a…
- 3-chōme-20-18 Daizōji - From Kyoto Station for a 12-minute train ride, followed by an 10-minute cab ride to the venue.
First, you’ll get a brief explanation of Taiko’s history, showing its importance in Japanese culture.
Next, you’ll try simple calligraphy, writing your wishes on a Hachimaki (a traditional Japanese headband).
You’ll then watch a powerful Taiko demonstration by a professional instructor.
After that, a friendly instructor will teach you the basic movements and techniques of Taiko drumming. The lessons are tailored to your skill and fitness level.
Finally, you’ll play a simple piece of music with your fellow participants. The experience ends with a commemorative photo in traditional Japanese costume, including a happi and hachimaki.
What's Included
- Car to and from the studio, about 2000yen (4 people can get on one cab)
- Guide: Languages offered: English
- Japanese Hachimaki (Headband)
- One-way ticket to JR TAKATSUKI station
- Taiko (Japanese drum) instructor
- Japanese drum Taiko experience
- Car to and from the studio, about 2000yen (4 people can get on one cab)
- Guide: Languages offered: English
- Japanese Hachimaki (Headband)
- One-way ticket to JR TAKATSUKI station
- Taiko (Japanese drum) instructor
- Japanese drum Taiko experience
What's Not Included
- For those observing without participating in the drumming, the cost is 9000 yen per person.
- Please pay in cash (Japanese yen) at the drum studio on the day of the tour.
- Please notify us if there are any observers. Without notice, transportation may not be arranged.
- For those observing without participating in the drumming, the cost is 9000 yen per person.
- Please pay in cash (Japanese yen) at the drum studio on the day of the tour.
- Please notify us if there are any observers. Without notice, transportation may not be arranged.
Additional Information
Taiko is a traditional musical instrument that anyone can enjoy right away.
The experience of practicing together, playing one song, and becoming one with others is one of the most valuable experiences in Japan.
This studio’s drums are made in the traditional way, by hollowing them out of a large single tree and they are very rare.
You can enjoy real…
Taiko is a traditional musical instrument that anyone can enjoy right away.
The experience of practicing together, playing one song, and becoming one with others is one of the most valuable experiences in Japan.
This studio’s drums are made in the traditional way, by hollowing them out of a large single tree and they are very rare.
You can enjoy real Japanese drums.
The Taiko experience is not only an enjoyable musical experience, but it is also a full-body workout that relieves stress.
The experience is suitable for all ages and levels of ability, so everyone can enjoy it.
Since ancient times, Taiko has been deeply connected to the lives of the Japanese people.
Through Taiko, you can learn about Japanese culture and history, as well as the spirituality of the Japanese people.
- Please be at the meeting place 10 minutes prior to the start time. Please note that due to the train time, if you are late for the start time, you will not be able to participate even if you call us.
- Duration includes experience and transfer time
- Children under 7 years old are not allowed to participate.
- It takes about 12 minutes by JR train from Kyoto Station to Takatsuki Station, which is the nearest station to the studio. However, if you take a taxi directly from Kyoto, it will take more than an hour and the taxi fare will be quite expensive. With traffic jams, it could take even longer, so we do not recommend taking a taxi directly from Kyoto to the studio.
- Important Info again!! About Meeting place and time. Due to the train’s schedule, we cannot wait for latecomers, and no refunds will be issued. So please make sure to arrive in time. Unfortunately, even if you contact us, we cannot wait for you. Kyoto Station is large. Please arrive with plenty of time to spare and check the meeting place in advance at Kyoto station. If you get lost at Kyoto Station, ask the station staff where the central exit (not the Shinkansen central exit) is. It’s not Shinkansen Central Ticket Gate.
Location
Kyoto Station
Central Ticket Gate of JR kyoto station (NOT Shinkansen Central Ticket Gate)
Details: The meeting point is on the north side of JR Kyoto Station, where you can see Kyoto Tower. It is located on the ground.
Your guide holds Taiko,Japanese Drum signboard.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(84 Ratings)
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Nc1844
Nov 27, 2025
High energy interactive traditional Japanese Taiko drumming lesson for the whole family near Kyoto and Osaka! - Our family of four with a 6.5 year old and 8 year old had a blast with Michiko as our English speaking guide and Aoi our professional taiko drumming instructor for a 1.5 hour experience.
Michiko kindly met us at the Kyoto Central train station and clearly communicated with us via WhatsApp for a seamless pickup experience. She had already purchased our train tickets for us, and we took a train 2 stops to Takatsuki (12 min) and then the studio’s van picked us up for a quick 5km drive to the studio. They had enough drums for a class of 15 students, but we got lucky and were the only students for a private experience!
The entire package was very well organized with an initial presentation on the history of taiko drumming in Japan followed by writing a blessing on a keepsake hachimaki head band worn during our lesson and final mini performance. Photos allowed during, and video only allowed for the finale. Staff was so warm and encouraging of our very first attempts at taiko.
We like to think our children’s little bit of experience with piano and our self taught limited guitar and ukulele helped us pick up the song more quickly, but the truth is that they had a great teaching system with magnetic signs. The pieces were taught little by little with repetition and connecting it all together.
I would recommend eating a snack beforehand with kids because we got picked up at 10:30am and wrapped up by 1:00pm for a late lunch before continuing our journey to Osaka. Water is allowed during the lesson, and my arms were definitely tired from the fun drumrolls.
I was too late to find a reservation with Taiko Lab in either Kyoto or Osaka, so I feel like we won the lottery when we were able to snag a spot with Waidako Masaya, which is a local adult education school dedicated to professional taiko drumming with 100+ students. The drums are made from one entire piece of hollowed wood (instead of multiple pieces like a wine barrel), so each drum is extremely valuable and makes the most beautiful resonant sound!
Michiko described Takatsuki as a “bedroom” city or quiet suburb where commuters to equidistant Kyoto and Osaka live away from the hustle and bustle. I was a bit confused initially since the Viator tour booking was titled “TAIKO, Japanese drum experience from Kyoto”…. not IN Kyoto, but it all worked out since we were planning to leave Kyoto for Osaka that same day anyways so we brought our luggage with us, which we could have easily checked in at the Takatsuki train station but they kindly let us store in their van (not normal!). They have bachi drumming sticks for sell for too.
We would 2000% recommend investing in creating this special memory in an authentic Japanese drumming experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Utahtami
Nov 16, 2025
Amazing insight to drumming - Michiko was our guide. She met us at Kyoto station & led us through the whole event. She was very informative & her English was very good. Despite our reservations about a "class" in Taiko, it was insightful of the whole process. And a lot of FUN! Aoi was a skilled performer and patient instructor. We are glad we had this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nan_h
Nov 12, 2025
Taiko drumming with a professional drummer - This was fun! We aren't musicians and we were able to participate and follow along. Michiko met us at the train station and we took a short train ride to Takasuki and we were picked up by the taiko studios van. The staff were super supportive and encouraging. Love this experience! Thank you so much!!
Review provided by Viator
Duongminh_n
Oct 28, 2025
Living culture - Michiko-san was very helpful in translating in english the whole time.
Overall very fun experience with explanations on the history and use of taiko drums. We were also treated with an impressive demonstration by Aoi-san.
Review provided by Viator
Tip12man
Oct 25, 2025
Fantastic cultural and musical experience - Great experience! Our guide met us at the designated meeting point and provided a great tour on the way to the studio. Once there we quickly became immersed in the history and the method of taiko drumming. The experience is structured so that you learn a series of sections of a taiko piece and as you progress in the lesson it all comes together. Everyone at the studio was great - a very worthwhile experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lol
Oct 19, 2025
Taiko drums experience. A fabulous way to beat on drums to your hearts content. Loud, energetic and great fun for all ages - A good experience even if it was a little pricey.
We were met at Kyoto Station by Ayako, who was very attentive from the start and had a good command of English. We then took a local train to where the studio was located and were met by Aoi who drove us to the studio.
There was a brief introduction with regards to the Takio drums and a good set of notes and visuals with Aoi replying to all our questions. She had made the decision to turn professional 2 years ago having started from around 8 years old with her uncles inspiration.
After the introduction we were given a rendition by her. The energy, focus and shear delight shone through. Clearly she has found her calling in life. Her proud positiveness made us feel she was gifted.
She plays in displays throughout Japan and although she is the youngest member of her troupe she kept us engaged and enthralled.
There was just me and my wife on this tour, however this meant we had the total attention of both women. In effect a private lesson.
A perfect workout for the mind and body as you crave to hit the drums without mistakes to the beat we practiced line by line.
My only minor comment is that you need to bring your own refreshment and not offered the chance to buy something.
My wife who was apprehensive absolutely loved this activity as did I.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suchi_n
Oct 13, 2025
So-re! - Mom and I took this class. Michiko picks you up at Kyoto station and take a 20min train ride to another city to get to the studio. learn a lot and there is a professional drummer teaching you how to drum. so fun. she was fantastic also. sat in awe watching her play. had a great time!!
Review provided by Viator
Jyesnic
Oct 4, 2025
Best workshop ever! - The taiko drum experience completely blew us away! We were escorted to a real drum studio, learned about the history of taiko drumming, saw a live performance, and then were taught how to play a song. What took this experience to the next level, though, was the care and dedication of our guide, Azumi, who spoke English fluently, and connected with each participant. She and the drum instructor/performer, Aoi, shared stories and helped us express our own values and stories in Japanese characters for the headbands on our costumes. It was a cultural exchange that taught skills and lifted up each participant. What an incredible experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie_g
Sep 13, 2025
Great learning experience & learnt new skills. - Time flew as we learned the basics of the taiko. Mr Sakurai was a very patient teacher & our two guides Akayo & Michi were the best hosts for our session.
It was held at a professional taiko studio & we were stepped through the drumming sequences so that our final performance that we videoed on our own phones looked like we nearly knew what we were doing. There was no attempt to upsell anything & they were happy for any photos.
Lots of laughs along the way to learning step by step.
I would recommend this to everyone of any age & you don’t need any experience.
Review provided by Viator
Stanley_s
Sep 29, 2025
The Taiko Drumming... - The Taiko Drumming experience was fun and Michiko was very enthusiastic. Michiko explained the history of Taiko and the significance of drumming throughout Japanese history. The professional demonstration was one live drummer playing with a video recorded drummer and it was very impressive.
Review provided by Viator
