Shamisen Experience: Kyoto's Cultural Soundscape

Discover Kyoto’s cultural heart with a hands-on shamisen lesson near historic temples. Perfect for beginners seeking an authentic Japanese musical experience.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 11-8 Murasakino Nakakashiwanochō - Experience Shamisen lessons in English, making this facility a unique treasure in Kyoto.
    During the session, participants can savor Japanese tea and engage in pleasant conversations with the owner, who is a skilled Shamisen musician. The curriculum is carefully crafted to be accessible for beginners, ensuring that…
What's Included
  • Souvenir: Take home a small, unique souvenir to commemorate your experience.
  • Rental Shamisen and Accessories
  • Samue: Wear traditional samue to further immerse yourself in the experience.
  • Photo/video session
  • Tea and coffee
  • Demonstration by a professional instructor
  • A demonstration performance by the instructor
Additional Information

Gain direct instruction from a seasoned Shamisen player boasting 20 years of expertise.
Finding Shamisen lessons conducted in English in Japan is exceptionally uncommon.
In only 30 minutes, you will be able to perform a famous traditional Japanese tune! Additionally, you can enjoy a meditative Shamisen experience while soaking in the ambiance of a…

Location
11-8 Murasakino Nakakashiwanochō
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(86 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Tanyanb7570ie
Apr 4, 2026
Amazing shamisen lesson! - Jack is such an awesome teacher and so good at putting you at ease. We had a great time learning the basics of this amazing instrument!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
877jalenj
Apr 3, 2026
Cosy Dojo. Cool sounds. - It was a fun and chill smooth experience. The lesson was easy to follow and Jack was a good teacher. The Dojos aesthetics are calm and cosy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trevorck4448hw
Mar 20, 2026
Do this if you're in Kyoto. If you're not going to be in Kyoto, change your plans, go to Kyoto, and do this. - My wife and I had incredible experiences every single day of our trip to Japan, and this was honestly the standout favorite for both of us. Jack is super friendly, easy to have a conversation with, and most of all is a fantastic instructor! He taught us fundamental scales used in various regions and eras of Japan which felt like we were really engaging with part of the musical culture and history of Japan. Each one he'd show the scale ascending and descending, then would shred some improv showing the emotions each scale could evoke. By the end of the lesson we were doing improv solos of our own (admittedly much less impressive than his). We also learned some traditional Japanese songs perfect for beginners (we've both had Sakura stuck in our heads since we left the Dojo). Jack went above and beyond our expectations, and we both plan on doing online lessons with him in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Floydk944
Mar 14, 2026
Better than I imagined!! - This lesson and experience was even better then if I imagined it myself. Jack is an experienced teacher and player and keeps the lesson geared toward instruction AND fun at the same time! I can see anyone wanting to learn and play a literally in a living Japanese art form would love this experience. Now I think I am hooked on this instrument thanks to Jack!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E3316yjdavidk
Dec 31, 2025
Shamisen in Kyoto - This was a wonderful experience. Very simple to book online. I travelled to the dojo by bike which was easy to find. Jack is an accomplished player and a skilled teacher. He is calm and encouraging. The 90 minute lesson went by quickly and I left with a deeper appreciation for an instrument I had little knowledge of before visiting Japan. A great way to mark New Year’s Eve in Kyoto. Thank you Jack!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A1370xueliasd
Dec 24, 2025
Amazing instructor - Me and my family came into the Dojo, all of us except my dad had no experience on any instruments. Jack changed that quick, me and my family got the hang of the shamisen quick, and learned to play many songs! The dojo looks really nice too. Everything about this place was amazing, but Jack was what made it amazing. And to anybody reading this, check out the music he produces, it’s amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y9943ydderekr
Dec 13, 2025
MUST READ - I'm going to stop you right there cause you gotta listen to the tale of the legendary Shamisen sensei. Patient, disciplines and skillful in the art of teaching to play such a delightful instrument. Japan has many options for instruments, but the strokes of the cords of the shamisen rival any instrument in the west. Don't miss out on the opportunity of finding a new passion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Derek_r
Dec 13, 2025
THE Shamisen sensei - 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!
Review provided by Viator
I2673zqjuliad
Dec 6, 2025
Great Fun - Joyful from beginning to end, so much fitted into 1.5 hours I learned so much and left very inspired. I wish I could have a lesson every week! Very fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wildand60
Dec 1, 2025
Fabulous private lesson on the shamisen with the incomparable Jack! - I got my husband a private shamisen lesson with Jack for his birthday, and my friend and I were lucky enough to watch. It was the highpoint of our trip to Japan. Jack is a phenomenal teacher: patient, systematic, encouraging, and funny! My husband was able to play a traditional song at the end, and then Jack regaled us with a mini-concert of different kinds of music on the shamisen. He is an extraordinary musician. I only hope I have another opportunity to hear him play. If you love music and have some previous musical experience this is a must-do opportunity in Kyoto. You'll never forget it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $94
up to 5 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).