TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto
Overview
Available languages
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.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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
74 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Taiko Drum Experience
James P,
Jul 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00The 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.
Wonderful!
Alyssa E,
Jul 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Michiko our guide and Aoi our Taiko musician were both fabulous! It was so much fun to experience this part of Japanese tradition. We wrote kanji on headbands and learned some simple measures of music. It was a great experience!
Phenomenal experience
Elizabeth R,
Jun 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00We felt so lucky to learn about the tradition of taiko and get a lesson from Aoi. A unique and exhilarating experience! Akemi, our guide and interpreter, was helpful from the start. Five/five stars, would recommend.
Feel the beat.
Mary L,
May 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour guide Kumi-san (EE tours) is friendly and punctual and met us at the train station. She spoke excellent English. She shared insight on the local region and culture during our train ride. Our instructor Aoi-sensei then picked up by private car and comfortably driven to the Wadaiko Masaya studio. We received an excellent presentation on Taiko and its place in Japanese culture, an awesome performance by the instructor, customized our headbands (hachimaki), learned to a play a piece of music. The instructor and guide worked in tandem to bridge language barrier to create a fun learning environment. Highly recommended for everyone regardless of musical background and ability. We performed the piece of music then had an opportunity for photos. We were then driven back to the train station, A very enjoyable, memorable, and enlightening workshop.
Great fun!!
Brandon H,
Mar 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Such a great cultural experience. It was amazing to learn the history of taiko and be able to do our own performance. The kids (11 and 8) had a great time as well.
Related Experiences
Operated by EE tour