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Beginner-Friendly Japanese Koto Harp Music Lesson in Tokyo

Special offer
4.00· 3 reviews

Highlights

  • Learn how to play Japan's elegant national instrument
  • Hear all about koto's history and its influence today
  • Play a simple piece by the end of the session

What to expect

Step into the world of authentic Japanese music by learning how to play a traditional koto harp. Beginners and children can get familiar with the beautiful instrument and learn how to play a simple piece.
Get in touch with the sounds of traditional Japan, with this rare chance to take a koto lesson.

The koto is a traditional musical instrument, a 13-stringed horizontal zither similar to the harp. You play it using finger picks (called tsume) on the right thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. The koto has a lovely nostalgic tone and leaves lingering echos of sound.

There are lots of modern and fusion koto music pieces, as you can tune the chords however you like, making it a very versatile instrument.

What's included

  • Koto instruction / Koto instrument rental
  • English-speaking instructor

About this experience

*Price per participant if booked solo (one participant).
Starting at
09:00, 12:45
Group size
Up to 4 people

Schedule

  1. 09:00
    Check-in at Shinjuku Tsugaru-Shamisen Class
  2. —
    Koto Lesson
    Your koto teacher will explain the basics of the instrument, how to pluck the strings and then teach you a simple koto piece.
  3. 10:00
    End of lesson

Location and Directions

  • Check-in / Check-out

    Shinjuku Tsugaru-Shamisen / Koto Class

    14-28 Yochomachi , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo ,Japan

    Shinjuku Tsugaru-Shamisen / Koto Class — 14-28 Yochomachi , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo ,Japan

    - 8-minute walk from Akebonobashi Station, Toei Shinjuku Line
    - 7-minute walk from Wakamats-Kawada Station, Toei Oedo Line

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Restrictions

  • Children 7 years old and above can participate in this activity.

Additional notes

  • Please advise us if you have any religious or health restrictions, or allergies, and if you would like to request any special care for participants (including children).
  • Please follow the guide's instruction during the program. We shall not be responsible for any accidents caused by disregard of the instructions.
  • The program duration is an estimate. It may be subject to change depending on the number of participants and/or other conditions.
  • Our services are mainly offered in English. Other languages (including Chinese, French, Spanish, German, and Italian) are also available. If you would like to request this tour in a language other than English, please inquire at info@truejapantours.com as soon as possible.

Operated by

True Japan Tour

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation until your booking is confirmed.

  • 2-14 business days before (local time): 20%
  • 1-2 business days before (local time): 50%
  • Less than 1 business day before / No-show: 100%

Changes

The same conditions as the cancellation policy apply to any changes made to your reservation.

Reviews

4.00
3 reviews
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10

Guest photos 1

Didn’t have the lesson!
Posted Date: 2023/04/14
Anon
Ended up at wrong location. So didn’t have my lesson. Had many messages and knew of change of address but patchy wifi meant I didn’t receive all the information - the last one had misleading address details. Am sure it would have been a fabulous experience.
Reply from True Japan Tour
We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience due to the address change that misled you to the wrong location! We have changed the information about location to make it more clear!
Excellent introduction to Koto Harp!
Posted Date: 2015/12/21
David UK
The teacher was very good, her English was excellent and she explained everything very clearly. With no previous experience I was able to play a tune very quickly and the lesson was structured to allow me to play the tune with additional notes to add further detail / harmony to the melody.

The teacher was very patient and clearly knew her instrument very well; I felt that the lesson was worth every penny and was a unique and memorable experience.
Unique, fun experience.
Posted Date: 2024/04/22
From Hawaii
Fun experience learning about the Koto and Shamisen. Host is a charming professional musician and was very patient instruction newbies on trying the instrument. He is a master player so do request that he give you a sample of his musical skills.

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