Concerts Played with Traditional Instruments in Kyoto

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

1 hour

Mobile ticket

This experience is a private concert held in a cozy home, unlike the traditional townhouses and temples of Kyoto. Exclusively for one group, it offers a warm and intimate atmosphere, just like being in a Japanese family's home.

The program begins with a brief introduction to the koto and shamisen, followed by a live performance featuring a diverse repertoire. Afterward, you’ll have time for a Q&A session and photo-taking. Additionally, only those who reserve the experience can participate in a hands-on koto session, where you’ll try playing a simple piece and experience its charm firsthand.

Perfect for adventurous travelers and families, this private experience promises a unique and unforgettable time.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

WiFi on board

Participation in the Koto and Shamisen concert, brief introduction and explanation

Landing and facility fees

Coffee and/or Tea

Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Gen Home Saiin

10-12 Mibu Nishiotakecho, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto Japan

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Gen Home Saiin

Step into a traditional Japanese home transformed into a stage where the timeless sounds of the Koto and Shamisen resonate. 'Harmonies of Japan' offers an intimate concert experience featuring soul-stirring pieces like 'Chidori no Kyoku', 'Rokudan no Shirabe', and 'Kajimakura', among other classical pieces, as well as modern and original compositions. Crafted by legendary figures such as Yoshizawa Kengyo, Yatsuhashi Kengyo, and Kikuoka Kengyo, each performance is infused with deep emotion, making for an unforgettable encounter with Japan’s rich musical heritage. Post-concert, seize the rare opportunity to engage directly with the professional musicians in a Q&A session. With limited seating, this event promises an up-close experience with the heartfelt warmth of traditional Japanese culture. Secure your place now for a truly memorable journey through the harmonies of Japan.

Admission Included

Options

【Private】Concert

Exclusive Concert for 1 Group: A plan for one group to enjoy a traditional Japanese instrument performance.
Duration: 1 hour

【Private】Concert & Koto Class

Exclusive Concert & Class: A plan for one group to enjoy a traditional Japanese instrument performance.
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

【Public】Concert

Concert Only: A plan to enjoy traditional Japanese instrument performances.
Duration: 1 hour

【Public】Concert and Class

Public Concert and Class: A plan for one group to enjoy a performance and try playing the koto.
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Reviews

4.98

48 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Beautiful
228danac,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommend this experience. The show was so beautiful and in an intimate setting which allowed for questions with the host and performer. We had the privilege of watching Kyoko Asakawa play and her love for the instruments is so wonderfully clear. Our favourite piece was 'London no yoru no ame' (Michio Miyagi). 10/10 beautiful and so lovely for the soul.
Unique and special experience
GRISEL T,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A unique and special experience, a welcoming place and beautiful interpretations from the history of the instruments and beginnings and origins. But interpretations range from the past in history to contemporary pieces. In English and very organized and detailed. The Chidori no Kyoku piece made me cry. A beautiful experience.
Unique experience
714griselt,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Beautiful experience, unique, special, welcoming and I loved the performances from the past to the contemporary and the history of each instrument and the introduction excellent.
Too little music too much talk.
391ilsem,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
It was highly informative, and the performer was extremely talented. It took us a long walk to get to the location and the cost was quite high for only 5 pieces being played. We found the actual music part of the evening too short. we would have liked more music and less talk. Although it was very stimulating to hear about the instrument and its history too. So all in all it was a wonderful event, but too short. We felt sad that we did not hear more music, as it was so unusual and so very beautiful. The cost for the concert was quite high for only 30 minutes of actual music. But the music was truly exquisite. and the performer was incredible. So we recommend that the talk could rather be 30 minutes and the actual performance one hour. Thank you.
Beautiful traditional and contemporary musics performed in Koto and Shamizen
diogoaugus2m,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We've enjoyed a beatutiful presentation with traditional and contemporary musics in Koto and Shamizen played and sang by Furan! Besides there were a brief explanation about the instruments' history and characteristics. As well there were informations about each music performed. The team of Gen are very nice people who helped us to understand a little about traditional japanese music. Special thanks to Furan, Audrey, Shohei and Natthawara from Gen.
Unmissable traditional Japanese performance
ciara k,
Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The best experience we’ve had in Kyoto. A stunning intimate performance which offered insight into traditional Japanese music and instruments. We would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto to attend this experience
Amazing and Intimate Show
javil977,
Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kyoko’s performance was incredible, accompanied by a helpful assistant/translator who explained the history and instruments. She played a mix of ancient and modern pieces on shamisen and koto. Highly recommended for anyone interested in traditional Japanese music and talented artists!
One of the highlights in Kyoto
girlrilaz,
Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We enjoyed this performance a lot. One of our highlights in Kyoto. She played beautifully and I liked the introduction and history of the instruments at the start. My MIL and I did the lesson at the end and we both really enjoyed it. Highly recommend this.
Enjoyed an unfamiliar way of music-making away from the crowds
A7096QZdimitriosk,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Well-presented and well-performed by the very friendly hosts in a cozy environment. Two instruments were represented in the program, each with its own, special appeal. We were treated to both traditional and modern pieces. Very interesting brief introduction to the history, manufacturing method, playing technique and musical notation.
Outside the mainstream, an authentic experience
Jegohi98,
May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was one of our favorite experiences in Japan. We were really looking forward to hearing the shamisen, and the koto surprised us even more! The experience was incredible, and they couldn't have made us feel more comfortable. They were very friendly, very patient with us as we learned, and of course, the concert was a joy. You can't remain indifferent to this marvel and the incredibly refined technique. Thank you for this magnificent experience.