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)
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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
954katw
Nov 26, 2025
Shamisen-sational! - We booked the private session, which was wonderful. We were both complete beginners, never having held a Shamisen before. Jack was really patient with us as we learned from him, and he not only taught us the various scales but also the history behind each of them. After this he taught us to play a traditional Japanese song, served us green tea while we chatted and then taught us to play the opening to a rock song we enjoy which he had just heard for the first time. As we were leaving he gave each of us a Shamisen charm to put on our bags, which was lovely. This was a perfect experience and we are looking forward to seeing Jack and his band when they perform in England next year.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V-mosbach
Nov 25, 2025
Let the Shamisen rock ! - An amazing musical experience at Shamisen Dojo! Jack is not only a wonderful musician but also an excellent teacher. Thanks to him, I discovered the joy of playing this beautiful instrument, the Shamisen, and was able to let my creativity flow during the awesome jam sessions. Even if you don’t have a musical background, Jack is very supportive and will make you feel comfortable so you can quickly succeed and enjoy your time practicing the instrument. If you love music, I highly recommend this experience, it was definitely a highlight of my trip to Japan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S8320skpaolah
Nov 13, 2025
An unforgettable and precious experience - Yesterday I had my first shamisen class 🪕 with Jack at his Shamisen Dojo in Kyoto! ⛩️ And it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life and of this trip I am doing in Japan. 🇯🇵 He is not only a great musician, but also a great teacher! We improvised with modern touches, but I also learned a lot about Japanese scales and harmony, traditional music, and about the history of this wonderful instrument that has already stolen my heart. Unforgettable moments that I highly recommend you live if you come through Kyoto❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Swedishunicorn
Nov 12, 2025
A session with Jack and Shamisendojo will make you smile. - I have never played a string instrument before, so I was a bit hesitant before this experience, but Jack was not only a really good teacher; he also made us comfortable and put smiles on our faces that stayed on for hours afterward. A class at Shamisendojo is a perfect break from all the temples and crowds, and you will experience something out of the ordinary and leave with a warm smile in your heart. Thank you, Jack-sensei, for a class full of laughs and awesomeness.
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).