15 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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7.Traditional Japanese Music show & Experience Tour in Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $46

At Alpha Shinsaibashi in Osaka, professional musicians introduce you to shamisen, koto, wadaiko, and other Japanese instruments. You will watch a 25-minute concert, spend 25 minutes trying an instrument, and finish with photos. Groups are capped at seven.

“I was surprised to be able to hear such beautiful Japanese instruments being played up close. What's more, I had the rare experience of actually playing the instruments! I had a lot of fun by myself, and I'd like to go again with friends”

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8.Kyoto: Japanese Koto Musical Instrument Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 11 reviews · 1h 30m · from $32

At Gojo Paradiso beside Kyoto’s Takase River, an English- and Japanese-speaking instructor introduces you to the koto, Japan’s elegant 13-string instrument. You’ll hear a live performance, learn Sakura Sakura, and try more songs if time allows. The class welcomes beginners, limits attendance to 10, and includes the instrument and materials.

“That was an amazing experience, felt great and love the koto sounds. Natsuko was also great❣️ definitely recommended🌟”

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9.Tokyo: Traditional Asakusa Music Show with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $140

Meet your English-speaking guide at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, take in the district from its observation deck, walk past Sensoji’s key sights, then settle into an izakaya for dinner, a welcome drink, and live shamisen and drum music. Guide Akiko has received special praise.

“The tour guide, Akiko, was excellent. We enjoyed this tour and the delicious dinner with the live traditional music performance.”

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10.Tokyo Underground Music Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3 hours · from $64

Join Lea, also known as Leandra, for a three-hour small-group walk through Tokyo’s music scene. Start at a classic vinyl DJ bar, visit a live house chosen around your musical taste, then finish at a relaxed music bar. Drinks and admission are extra.

“Amazing tour. Lea accommodates the experience to your music preference and will show you the local gems, that you would never have found on your own. Highly recommend, especially if you are young or young adult”

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11.Kyoto: Matcha & Traditional Japanese Music Immersive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $850

At Suzaku Garden in Kyoto, you’ll hear koto and violin arrangements of Japanese classics, anime, game music, and original pieces. Enjoy matcha, try the koto with musician guidance, explore tea rooms, and speak with the artists after the 1-hour to 1-hour-20-minute concert.

“This experience was one of my highlights in Kyoto, I've had the chance with my friend to attend this amazing music moment, with artists that have been training since childhood playing instruments they love, they are so good! We also shared an unforgettable moment with the family over a tea ceremony. Do not hesitate to go, it's worth it!”

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12.Tsugaru shamisen performance over traditional dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $218

Start at 5:30 pm with an Asakusa walk led by a local guide such as Akiko or Yoko, including Senso-ji and Kaminarimon. Then enjoy a 40-minute Tsugaru-shamisen concert, one welcome drink, and a traditional Japanese dinner in a small restaurant for up to eight people.

“Great tour of Asakusa and the Senso-JI temple from Akiko. The music concert was great and gave us a little taste of Japanese culture (as did the dinner). Very enjoyable and informative!”

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13.Echoes of Peace – A Soul-Stirring Koto Concert in Hiroshima

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5 reviews · 30 min · from $25Best value

Spend 30 minutes in a small Hiroshima studio with an English-speaking koto performer. Hear classical works, pop arrangements, and peace-themed pieces, learn about the instrument, and chat afterward. An optional mini-workshop lets you try the koto yourself.

“He was charming - his PowerPoint presentation was excellent and so interesting - it was great being in his studio. Lovely music. He needs to put a clearer sign outside the building so you can find him more easily. I would have liked more music about peace as was promised in the advert.”

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14.Traditional Concert in Public bath near Kyoto Station

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $32

Spend about an hour hearing koto and shamisen in Kujo-yu, a former sento near Kyoto Station. The renovated bathhouse gives the concert unusual acoustics and a memorable setting. The program changes with the season and performers, from classical works to modern arrangements and original music.

“A fun unique experience to add to your itinerary!! The bathhouse is stunning and it was such a unique way to learn about and listen to traditional japanese instruments!”

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15.Private Japanese music concert

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $57

In a renovated Kyomachiya in central Kyoto, a performer connected with Kiotto plays koto and kokyu for your private party. You sit in a chair, hear the instruments up close, learn about their sound and history, and may have a chance to try them yourself. The one-hour concert costs $57.23 per person and includes mobile admission.

“My family thoroughly enjoyed this concert. The music was beautiful and the musician was accomplished. At the end of the concert, my kids were encouraged and allowed to try the instruments. Both ladies were kind and friendly and made for a very pleasant afternoon.”

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