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 - Experience Shamisen lessons in English, making this facility a unique treasure in Kyoto.
    During the session, participants can savor Japanese tea while engaging in pleasant conversations with the owner, who is a skilled Shamisen musician. The curriculum is carefully crafted to be accessible for beginners, ensuring…
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

The main attraction is the opportunity to learn directly from a seasoned Shamisen player boasting 20 years of expertise.
Finding Shamisen lessons conducted in English in Japan is quite uncommon.
In only 30 minutes, participants will be able to perform a popular traditional Japanese tune! Additionally, they can enjoy a meditative Shamisen experience while…

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
(49 Ratings)
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Luise
Mar 5, 2025
Super fun and motivating! - The teacher is very lovely and enthusiastic and although it took some time getting used to the improvising part on my end the experience was really fun and encouraging and might have even solved some knots in my brain when playing shamisen. I can highly recommend this experience for absolute beginners and shamisen players in their early stages, like me. I hope I'll be able to take some more lessons or at least come back on my next trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel
Mar 4, 2025
Best experience - It was the best experience we had. He is very patient in teaching and also very very good at teaching, as well as playing. We also had a wonderful small tea break and an inside into the culture of shamisen. I wanted to purchase a shabo and he even helped me reach out to the shop in Tokyo
Review provided by Tripadvisor
欣吟陳
Feb 28, 2025
Excellent experience - Great environment and atmosphere The owner is a very professional player Even if there is no musical foundation Playground owner jack will all carefully teach Very recommended to experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
342petrub
Feb 22, 2025
Perfect musical experience! - Such an amazing experience! Jack gave me and my wife a private shamisen lesson, complete with tea and souvenirs. The atmosphere was a perfect blend between serious musical exploration and friendly discussions and cultural exchange. A truly authentic insight into Japanese music and culture! We would like to extend a very special thank you to Jack for being helpful both in the context of the lesson, and outside of it, giving us helpful orientation advices and tips for Kyoto! Will definitely do it again when we come to the city and we highly recommend this to anyone looking for an authentic musical experience in Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explore48592519767
Feb 11, 2025
An amazing first encounter with the shamisen - I had an amazing first encounter with the shamisen at this workshop! Jack, the talented shamisen artist, goes far beyond just teaching you how to play the instrument , he shows you how to truly enjoy it and connect with its soulful spirit. His lively yet sincere guidance creates an inviting atmosphere where curiosity is all you need to get started. This experience isn’t about perfection, it’s about immersing yourself in the beauty of traditional music and discovering a new way to express yourself. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone eager to explore the fascinating world of shamisen. Just bring your curiosity, and let the music carry you away!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N404yfhannahc
Feb 9, 2025
Amazing Shamisen Lesson! - This experience was incredibly wonderful! Jack is a fantastic and kind teacher. This experience allows you to learn a full song in just 30 minutes! Super unique and fun to learn a bit more about traditional Japanese instruments. There’s a moment for tea as well allowing you to learn more about Jack and his wonderful space he’s created! I highly recommend this experience when you’re in Kyoto!!!!!! Thank you Jack for such a lovely time!
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L157lh_
Feb 6, 2025
Wonderful experience! - It was a wonderful experience! He is so good at teaching and always praises good points of us, which helped me keep the motivation and excitement! Even though it was the first experience for me to play the Shamisen, I could learn how to communicate through the instruments and how fun it is!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daytrip23440601984
Jan 23, 2025
Inspiring first touch with the legendary shamisen - Jack is a great teacher: skillful, kind and supportive. I had never touched a shamisen instrument before, but after the 90 session I could play a classical Japanese tune and even improvise a little. The atmosphere in the room was warm and promoted creativity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Duffyo2024
Jan 7, 2025
A Magical and Charming Shamisen Experience in Kyoto! - まるで夢のようでした!Every aspect of the experience was simply incredible: being able to play the shamisen for the first time, learning "Sakura, Sakura", receiving Japanese tea, having a great conversation with Jack-sensei, getting to know the minyo scale and even having an improvised jam session. I wouldn't have thought so much was possible in just one lesson, but thanks to the expert teacher, you can really learn a lot in just 90 minutes. Jack-sensei also tailors the lesson to your own experience and interests, so it is perfect for anyone and everyone. I don't know how I'll be able to wait until the next time I can come back to Kyoto for another lesson! Maybe by then I'll finally be able to hold the shamisen without needing to use my left hand :P ありがとうございました!また今度。もしケンタッキーへ来たら、一緒にバンジョーも弾きましょう😄
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
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up to 4 guests
1 Adult
March 2025
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