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 - Kyoto boasts a diverse array of cultural activities, including tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, calligraphy lessons, and samurai workshops. Among these, a special focus is placed on traditional music with a distinctive and innovative experience—learning the Shamisen in English. This makes the facility one of…
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
(41 Ratings)
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James_s
Dec 29, 2024
A Traditional Music Experience - Jack is a very personable guy, and has a passion for the instrument. He speaks English well and can hold some conversations, but most importantly gives good instructions! I have some experience with the shamisen, and he was very attentive and keen to point out things that I could improve on. Really great time. I would recommend planning a trip around seeing Kinkaku-ji or Nijo-jo and then going to the Shamisen Dojo. As those attractions are near his studio.
Review provided by Viator
C3395outhomasc
Dec 25, 2024
Amazing shamisen teacher and lesson! Great experience - Fantastic and unique Kyoto experience! Jack sensei was an extremely welcoming and capable instructor. We went and had my 2 teenage boys learn to play. His explanations and demo performances of different styles of shamisen as well as the music theory was well thought out and well executed. Even a music beginner like myself could follow his explanations and his performance demos were amazing. We all learned so much in 90 minutes and really gained an appreciation for the instrument and Japanese music from the classic to the funky! More tangibly, Jack sensei proactively took pictures and videos of the lesson to give to us as a memory of the experience. We look forward to following Jack sensei’s music and hope he’ll visit our city one day so we can return the kindness and consideration he so generously gave us on this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lucil0um
Dec 22, 2024
Magical experience - It was simple amazing !! Sensei Jack was so welcoming and such a good teacher !! The place is beautiful and traditionnal. Having the opportunity to get introduced to this instrument is such an amazing experience, and even more in this kind of environment :) I would absolutely recommend it to anyone, it’s very worth it !! 10/10 I loved it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture57183014387
Dec 14, 2024
Great experience - It was an amazing experience! It was my first time playing the shamisen, but by the end everyone was able to play it a bit. I think the teacher's teaching is better. On the way, we also heard the teacher play the powerful shamisen. I highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V790tabeny
Dec 8, 2024
The greatest musical experience of my trip! - We had the most incredible time with Sensei Jack! He is a master of the shamisen and a true lover of music. He was such a great teacher and very patient with us. The time flew by as we were talking about the music we love and playing fantastic melodies from traditional Japanese scales and song. The jam session was a highlight and I will be returning to Japan as soon as I can to get more lessons from him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ben
Dec 5, 2024
Great Teacher and Great Experience - Jack was an incredible teacher. First time ever playing the Shamisen, and I didn't feel judged or pressured at all. He even gives you the choice of what style you want to learn and gives you time to practice, jam out, and perform. Absolutely amazing experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephen_b
Dec 4, 2024
I had a great time! I was... - 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!
Review provided by Viator
701ritaz
Dec 3, 2024
Amazing lesson of Japanese music - Thank you for the lesson! It was a pleasure to learn about traditional Japanese instrument. I enjoyed it so much! It’s unique and unforgettable experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marharyta_z
Dec 3, 2024
Unforgettable experience - Thank you so much for the lesson! It was a pleasure to dive into traditional Japanese melody. Jack is very friendly and positive. After his lesson I want to continue the practice of shamisen
Review provided by Viator
Aleksandrasc8977jh
Nov 20, 2024
The best experience in Kyoto - I have long wanted to try playing the shamisen, and as soon as I saw that such lessons were being organized in Kyoto, I decided to book a lesson. The instructor is a very nice person who knows how to explain everything well and teach you how to hold the instrument correctly as well as how to play it. In addition, during the lesson, he introduced the different styles of playing the shamisen and a brief history of the instrument. I highly recommend to everyone who is curious about how to play the shamisen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 4 guests
1 Adult
January 2025
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