Shamisen Experience in Kyoto 【Private】
Recommended by 100% of travelers
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Kyoto, Japan
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Learn a new skill while visiting Kyoto—how to plan a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument called a “shamisen”. Rather than sharing the lesson with lots of people, this is a private lesson, which means you can benefit from the teacher’s undivided attention and one-to-one guidance. During the lesson, get plenty of expert tips, and learn to play a traditional Japanese song.
- Swap sightseeing for a chance to learn how to play a traditional instrument
- No experience required: Enjoy a beginner-friendly lesson just for you
- Stay hydrated: The lesson includes a Japanese tea break
- Receive a special gift—a souvenir to remember your experience
What's Included
- Rental Shamisen and Accesarres
- Samue ; to further immerse yourself in the experience, you will wear traditional samue.
- Photo/video session
- Coffee and/or TeaTake a quick break from the lesson and enjoy a cup of Japanese green tea.
- Souvenir ; Take home a small, unique souvenir to commemorate your experience.
- A demonstration performance by the instructor
- Demonstration by a professional instructor
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Murasakino Nakakashiwanocho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8312, Japan
If you find a red vending machine, turn right into the small alley just before it, and you'll find the Shamisen Dojo about 50 meters ahead.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 86 reviews
Derek_R, Dec 2025
Jack-san is an excellent sensei. Took his time teaching me the basics and even taught advanced things he normally wouldn't. If you wish to try your skills and taste japanese traditional music. This is you sensei!
M_C, Aug 2025
I was welcomed by Jack the professional shamisenist teacher. I immediatelly understood I chose the right dojo to learn this traditinal Japanese instrument. Within one hour only, he was able to teach me how to play the instrument properly, the history and the different genres precisely. Finally I was even able to manage to play an Okinawa folk song.
Worth a visit if you are into whether the cultural or musical instrument in Kyoto.
Really impressed and will definitelly get back for my next lesson the soonest.
James_S, Dec 2024
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.
Stephen_B, Dec 2024
I had a great time! I was able to learn how to tune and play a shamisen as well as seating and posture needed dto play properly! This will help me greatly as I learn to play my own shamisen! The teacher, Jack, made the experience personal and answered the questions I had with sincerity!
Marharyta_Z, Dec 2024
Thank you so much for the lesson! It was a pleasure to dive into traditional Japanese melody. Jack is very friendly and positive. After his lesson I want to continue the practice of shamisen
Kelsey_M, Oct 2024
The teacher was great! Very nice and informative. His english was great 👍🏻. Awesome rainy day experience in Kyoto. Loved the shamisen.
Brian_B, Sep 2024
We had the most amazing time with Jack learning the traditional song on the shsmisen. His expertise and passion for the instrument made the experience truly unforgettable. Jack was patient, engaging, and really brought the music to life, making sure we connected not just with the notes but also the cultural significance behind them. Highly recommend this unique and enriching experience for anyone looking to dive deeper into traditional music!
Raymond_T, Sep 2024
Learning how to play the shamisen was a musically enriching experience. The teacher was very good at explaining the techniques and was patient. I would highly recommend this to anybody who is musically inclined or has any interest in engaging hands-on with traditional Japanese culture.
-Austin
Alexandre_B, Sep 2024
Loved this session ! Jack-San is a very humble and kind person, you will be amazingly received and he will teach you the basics of shamisen, even if you don’t play any instrument. He’s an amazing teacher, and a talented musician.
After only an hour, we were able to play a traditional Japanese song, and even to jam alongside Jack.
Arigato gozaimasu Jack-San.
Noam_O, Oct 2024
חוויה מדהימה לכל, גם אם אתם מגיעים עם ניסיון מוזיקלי מראש וגם אם לא.
השמיסן הוא כלי נגינה ייחודי וכיפי מאוד, וג׳ק מלמד את הנגינה עליו בהתלהבות מדבקת.
החוויה הזאת הייתה ההיילייט של כל הטיול לדעתי, ואני לא יכול להמליץ עליה מספיק לכל המעוניין.
בארץ אין דברים כאלו, וגם מבחינה מוזיקלית השמיסן הוא ייחודי מאוד ועומד בנפרד מכלי נגינה מערביים כמו גיטרה, פסנתר או אחרים.
חוויה מדהימה ואני ממליץ עליה בחום לכולם, לא משנה אם יש לכם רקע מוזיקלי או לא.
From $96.56
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Shamisen Experience in Kyoto 【Private】
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