Shamisen Discovery in Kyoto 【Group】

Overview

1 hour

Mobile ticket

Against the 90-minuets authentic class, this 60-minuets class allows for a casual approach in everyday clothing, focusing on enjoyment and skipping the more complex explanations.

This class is designed for those who have never played an instrument before or who have limited time and budget.

A professional instructor will guide you through a fun and engaging session! Let's fun together!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

This experience will be the perfect introduction to Shamisen culture for you. You can gain a concise understanding of its history and playing techniques from a professional instructor with over 20 years of experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to freely session with the instructor using the five signature sounds of Japan. While individuals are more than welcome, bringing friends along will make the experience even more enjoyable. What’s included in the 60-minute course: ・An introduction to basic information about the Shamisen (types, history, etc.) ・A photo session holding a Shamisen ・A lesson on basic Shamisen playing techniques ・Introduction to one Shamisen scale ・Free time to play the Shamisen freely ・A jam session where the instructor provides accompaniment, and participants can freely create melodies Additionally, we have lefty Shamisen available for left-handed players.

What‘s Included

Green Tea

Rental shamisen

Photo-session with the Shamisen you like

Private transportation

Options

Shamisen Discovery in Kyoto 【Group】

Reviews

5.00

23 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Such an unique experience!
issabelem2014,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I always loved the shamisen and to be able to learn it and from such a knowledgeable and good teacher it was a great experience! Myself and my partner really enjoyed it and it was the highlight of our Kyoto trip for sure. I definitely recommend if you’re interested in music or just want to experience something unique while in Kyoto.
Unique music experience in Kyoto with a great instructor
chapuism2025,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Unique experiece in Kyoto, outside of crowded venues. Jack is an amazing instructor and time flies quickly while learning the beauty of shamisen. Can't recommend this experience enough.
An experience we’ll never forget
Wander59965640882,,Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had so much fun during the workshop. Jack is an amazing music teacher (and very inspiring musician) who really tunes in with his students. He will guide you step by step. We enjoyed it very much. So don’t hesitate and book this lesson when you want to give yourself an experience you’ll never forget!
Wonderful music lesson!
864priyankaa,,Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was such a lovely experience, highly recommend both to those with a music background and those without! The instructor is so kind and gentle and we were able to play through a song by the end of the hour. As a westerner trained in classical music it was really interesting to see how Japanese traditional music compares and learn a new style of playing. I would definitely do this again on another trip to Kyoto! Thank you so much.
So fun! Perfect hands on activity!
Q7348MWjeremyt,,Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My 17-year-old son and I had an amazing experience with Jack. He truly is a master! He played a bit for us and we were blown away. Compared to the many other tours and activities we’ve been doing over the past two weeks in Japan, this ranks near the top for fun, hands on, and feel good.
A Wonderful Introduction to the Art of Shamisen
53janik,,Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience was amazing and great learning moment! Jack is excellent teacher, very polite and fun. Recommending!
Lovely musical experience with a wonderful Sensei!
692udays,,Jun 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Jack Sensei is incredible! His love for music and dedication to his craft shines through in every aspect of the lesson. He was quickly able gauge my understanding and adapt the session accordingly. He was also knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Indian Classical music in addition to Shamisen, which made it a very interesting conversation as well. I just wish I could have done the full 90 minute experience!!
In Kyoto you can have a unique three-taste musical instrument experience
Amy7770,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This triangular experience is really cool! Teacher's teaching method makes it easy to understand and enjoy learning When learning, teachers are very professional and have extensive teaching experience. Immediately point out the points that can be corrected, how to do better, timely encouragement The atmosphere of the whole course is very pleasant Experience the special Japanese culture Added some highlights to my trip
It's a great entry point for the shamisen!!
Roam59347549193,,May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was the first time in my life that I had touched the shamisen, but it was a very easy-to-understand lesson and a very satisfying experience. I was very happy to be able to enter the shamisen world with growing interest and confidence, because I was taught gently and clearly what I was not doing well, and I was praised specifically for what I was doing well. In addition, the teacher has a wide range of musical knowledge and experience, and even those with musical experience can receive fruitful instruction. I highly recommend it. 零然我第一玩三線，但老師課程很有系，檪�明超清楥，锫闩到很撣的上課。學生彈錯的時候，老師一直耐心CORRECTION 如果學生彈的錬不，联師馬上稱讚，具體告學生哪衣好，因此學生可以不淖加強印，三之的興职感到confidence。老師很熟悉音樂的KNOWLEDGE，也有豐富經闩，如果具有或樂器的人也可以學到東東。 I highly recommend it.
Amazing Music Lesson with Shamisen Master
benwU6700WB,,May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Attended a Shamisen lesson with Jack, and had the best time. Jack is an amazing instructor and person. He taught us about the history of the instrument, some scales used in the traditional Japanese music, and how to hold/play the instrument. By the end of the lesson we were all jamming together and improvising on the shamisen. I’d highly recommend this lesson to any music lover, instrumentalist, or anyone interested in learning about traditional Japanese music. Thanks Jack!