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.
About this experience
Starting at
09:00, 12:45
Schedule
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Check-in at Shinjuku Tsugaru-Shamisen Class
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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.
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End of lesson
Location and Directions
Check-in / Check-out
Shinjuku Tsugaru-Shamisen / Koto Class
14-28 Yochomachi , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo ,Japan
Reviews
4.00
3 reviews
52
40
30
21
10
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 the operator
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.
