6 Concerts in Japan Worth Booking

1.Kyoto: Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 224 reviews · 45 - 105 minutes · from $32Our pick

Choose a cozy Kyoto townhouse concert for up to 11 people, or a historic bathhouse hall with music for up to 30. Gen and his team explain the koto, shamisen, notation, and repertoire in English and Japanese before professional musicians perform classical and modern pieces. The townhouse option adds a hands-on koto lesson.

“Incredible performance. a very intimate experience with rich history and a performance that rewards your attention. I also enjoyed the Informative answers to questions given by the audience. I’d highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a culturally rich concert. 10/10”

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2.Experience the Asakusa Kabuki Opera Show!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · from $49Top rated

At Asakusa Kyugeki, you’ll see Carmen reworked as Karume, an oiran of Edo-period Yoshiwara. Skilled Kabuki performers combine dramatic movement, opera singing, Japanese instruments, dance, and English subtitles. The 90-minute show includes a drink and snacks, with a compact theater that keeps the action close.

“I’ve seen the show twice, and both times I really enjoyed the experience! It’s also subtitled in English so I’m sure everyone will enjoy it. It’s a great capsule of Japanese performing arts culture.”

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3.Japanese Traditional Music Show in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

At ZAKURO SHOW in Harajuku, you sit close to musicians in kimono as they play koto, shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko. An English and Japanese host explains each instrument, the history behind the music, and the mix of old, modern, and Western pieces. Photos are welcome during and after the show.

“Live traditional music played by talented musicians who have mastered their craft. The presenter/host has also mastered their craft doing an incredible job of translating and making us feel informed and comfortable. The lessons about each instrument were thoughtfully interspersed between musical pieces. This feels like a hidden gem which if enough people knew about it would have to be scaled up, so book this while it retains its magic - I hope it’s magic never runs out.”

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4.Traditional Japanese Music show & Experience Tour in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $46

At Harmony in Japan Tour in central Kyoto, you’ll spend 25 minutes watching traditional music performed, 25 minutes trying instruments such as shamisen, koto, and wadaiko, and 10 minutes taking photos. Expert guidance and a maximum of 12 participants make this a friendly, hands-on introduction.

“Fun and great information. The hands on portion was cool too! It was cool to see them play the instruments, sing, and allow us to participate in some songs. The hands on part was fun where we were able to play the instruments and guideRead more”

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5.Concerts Played with Traditional Instruments in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · from $39

At Gen Home Saiin in Kyoto, professional musicians introduce the koto and shamisen, perform classical and modern pieces, then answer questions. Choose an upgrade for a short hands-on koto lesson. Concerts run at several times, last about 50 minutes, and use mobile tickets.

“The best experience we’ve had in Kyoto. A stunning intimate performance which offered insight into traditional Japanese music and instruments. We would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto to attend this experience”

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6.Kyoto: Japanese Koto & Shamisen Concert and Koto Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 1 hour - 100 minutes · from $38

In a cozy old house near Saiin Station, you’ll hear Aoi and other professional musicians play koto and shamisen, learn how Japanese music is written, ask questions, and try the koto yourself. The private or small-group session lasts 60 to 100 minutes and suits complete beginners.

“Very captivating experience.. was a bitnof a struggle to find the small house in the residential area but it was very well worth it, especially as someone who is trying to collect traditional instruments.. learnt a lot, saw a lot, and played a lot.. thank you to kyoko san especially who made the lesson more interesting by letting me try some of my own ideas along the way (and her own performances were superb as well) will definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cultural, instrumental experience.. (theres even an option to just take a performance-only course for those who are looking for a cheaper alternative so…”

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