TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Car to and from the studio, about 2000yen (4people can get on one cab)

Guide: Languages offered: English

Japanese Hachimaki （Headband）

one-way ticket to JR TAKATSUKI station

Taiko （Japanese drum）instructor

Japanese dram Taiko experience

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.

What To Expect

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.

Options

TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto

Reviews

4.96

81 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Living culture
DuongMinh N,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Fantastic cultural and musical experience
tip12man,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Taiko drums experience. A fabulous way to beat on drums to your hearts content. Loud, energetic and great fun for all ages
lol s,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
So-re!
Suchi N,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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!!
Best workshop ever!
jyesnic,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
The Taiko Drumming...
Stanley S,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
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.
Great learning experience & learnt new skills.
Julie G,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Fantastic time having a music lesson
LightPacker326944,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was fun!!!!! Our family of 4 loved everything about the Taikido Drum experience. The drums are so resonant, you feel the sound all the way through the chest. It was awesome to learn about the drums; even better to hear our sensei play; and an absolute delight to get to try it ourselves. Mr. Sakura skillfully and patiently helped us learn a piece. The drums are very forgiving, so that after about 30 minutes of fun learning and practice, we were able to play the piece together and sound reasonable. The whole experience was an awesome music lesson on an instrument we would never get to play. Our guides made everything easy, meeting us at Kyoto station and helping us navigate the train to get to the studio, just a brief train journey away. We had such a great time!
Taiko Drum Experience
James P,
Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The Taiko drum experience was very well organized. Michiko was very kind and helpful. The instructor was very professional as well. Both her and the instructor went out of their way to encourage participation and make sure that everyone had an enjoyable time. The experience involves learning about the history of Taiko drumming, practicing a song and culminates in a group recital of the song. I would highly recommend this cultural experience.
Great experience - heaps of fun!
A495POtamarab,
Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our Taiko Drumming experience was fantastic! Michiko guided us on the train from Kyoto station to the drumming workshop - she was incredibly friendly and even helped teach us some Japanese slang! We learnt the history of Taiko and once at the workshop learnt how to play through a few different rhythms. The whole experience was super organised and easy to understand. For anyone interested in music, this was a great experience!