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Koto Music Lesson For All Ages in Kyoto

5.00· 3 reviews

What to expect

Join in and learn the basics of playing the traditional Japanese koto (13-stringed zither). Open to solo travelers and groups, pluck the strings and learn to play the folk tune 'Sakura'.

What's included

  • Experience fee / Musical Instrument Rental / Lesson materials
  • English-speaking instructor

About this experience

Starting at
10:30, 14:00, 16:00, 19:00

Schedule

  1. Meet at Soushunan
  2. Koto Lesson
    Learn to play a classic song, "Sakura," on the 13 stringed koto. We prepare everything needed for the class, just join in ready to play!
  3. Activity ends at Soushunan

Location and Directions

  • Check-in / Check-out

    soushunan

    288-2 Higashi Shinmei Cho, Kamigyo ku, Kyoto shi, Kyoto

    soushunan — 288-2 Higashi Shinmei Cho, Kamigyo ku, Kyoto shi, Kyoto
    By Train:
    From JR Nijo station 20 minutes walk, or about 5 minutes by taxi

    By Bus:
    Kyoto City Bus "Senbondemizu"Stop 2 minutes walk

    *From Kyoto Station
    BUS:Kyoto City Bus route206 bound for Kitaoji(at A3 busstand),30minutes
    TAXI:20minutes

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Restrictions

  • Children 3 years old and above can participate in this activity.

Additional notes

  • Normally koto lessons require sitting in the formal seiza position, however you can have a lesson sitting on a chair.
  • In our lesson, you can learn to play "Sakura".
  • We prepare everything needed including the musical instruments, teaching aids etc.
  • This activity is conducted in basic English.

Operated by

soushunan (Code:129686)

Cancellation policy

  • 1-2 business days before (by 6:00 PM local time): 50%
  • After 6:00 PM the day before / No-show: 100%

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews
53
40
30
20
10
Koto lesson in Kyoto
Posted Date: 2026/07/05
Jilluan
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the koto harp lesson! Our teacher was very patient and encouraging. After teaching us two songs, we made a recording with her and enjoyed some tea while she performed for us. Overall, it was an enjoyable and memorable experience!
Reply from soushunan
Thank you for coming Soushunan and try Koto. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed koto experience.
If you have the chance to visit Kyoto again, we'd love to welcome you back so you can try playing some different pieces.
We hope the rest of your trip is wonderful and wish you many happy memories of your time in Japan!
It was a wonderful experience!
Posted Date: 2026/05/03
nm
The instructor was very kind and taught us from the basics. Even in a short time, I was able to learn various techniques of the koto and felt the depth of it, experiencing a captivating joy. The casual conversations were also very enjoyable, and I lost track of time while talking. By the way, the instructor is a leading figure who performs at events at Shimogamo Shrine and Heian Shrine.先生は、とても優しく初歩から指導して下さり、短時間ながら、お琴の色んな技巧を学ぶことができ、奥深さを実感しつつ、やみつきになるような楽しさを感じました。雑談もとても楽しく時間を忘れてお話させていただきました。ちなみに先生は下鴨神社や平安神宮の祭事でも演奏される第一人者です。
Machine translated from Japanese
A great experience
Posted Date: 2024/07/20
Eric
Since I arrived early to the appointment, the instructor started the lesson earlier with little preparation needed which was very much appreciated.

The lesson itself was great. Even though English was harder for her, she still communicated well how to play the instrument by demonstrating and giving verbal explanation, which helped me learn quickly. Since I had learned the song she had prepared for the lesson, she was flexible and had two other songs that I could play and I had a great time learni… Since I arrived early to the appointment, the instructor started the lesson earlier with little preparation needed which was very much appreciated.

The lesson itself was great. Even though English was harder for her, she still communicated well how to play the instrument by demonstrating and giving verbal explanation, which helped me learn quickly. Since I had learned the song she had prepared for the lesson, she was flexible and had two other songs that I could play and I had a great time learning and playing the instrument.

She also gave me small sweets and took the time to talk to me after the lesson. She took the time to accommodate beyond what I had expected from the lesson, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn.
Reply from soushunan
Dear.Eric,

Thank you for visiting Soushunan,and enjoy Koto together.
We are happy to know you enjoyed our lesson.
If you have chance to visit Kyoto again,let's try other songs!

Harumi

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