LIVE MUSIC · JAPAN

Live Music in Japan: 7 Shows Worth Booking

7 shows  ·  from $32 a seat

Koto and shamisen in Kyoto townhouses, kabuki in Asakusa, and traditional programmes built for a small room. These 7 shows come with the running time and the price.

Kyoto: Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse - The townhouse concert: a quiet room and solo music
Japan Live Music, Kyoto Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse

1.Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse

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

Hear Kyoto’s koto and shamisen in a tiny townhouse or resonant bathhouse, with live music, artist Q&A, and an optional koto lesson.

“The performer was incredible, the hosts were super kind and welcoming, and the workshop was so much fun! Highly recommend!”

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Experience the Asakusa Kabuki Opera Show! - What happens during the 90-minute performance
Japan Live Music, Live Music, Opera Shows, Tour Reviews

Experience the Asakusa Kabuki Opera Show!

2.Experience the Asakusa Kabuki Opera Show!

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

See Carmen reborn as an Edo-era oiran in Asakusa, where Kabuki, opera, subtitles, music, and audience interaction meet.

“You sometimes wonder if some reviews are true. I booked this because the reviews are amazing. There are no stars below 4. I decided to book it. What a wonderful experience. And the reviews are absolutely well deserved.”

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Japanese Traditional Music Show in Tokyo - Sitting close to the musicians at Hall 60
Japan Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews, Traditional Music and Dance Shows

Japanese Traditional Music Show in Tokyo

3.Japanese Traditional Music Show in Tokyo

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

Hear koto, shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko in an intimate Tokyo concert with English explanations, photos, and a surprise cover song.

“Amazing musicians! Such a wonderful concert, they take the time to you about the instruments as well. They are so talented, and the host is great as well. Plus, they played a "Surprise" song which really made the show even more special :) Highly recommend!”

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Traditional Japanese Music show & Experience Tour in Kyoto - The First 25 Minutes: Watch the Instruments in Skilled Hands
Japan Live Music, Kyoto Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews, Tours

Traditional Japanese Music show & Experience Tour in Kyoto

4.Traditional Japanese Music show & Experience Tour in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $46

See Kyoto’s traditional music up close, then play shamisen, koto, wadaiko, and more in this friendly one-hour hands-on show.

“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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Concerts Played with Traditional Instruments in Kyoto - Understanding the koto and shamisen before the music
Japan Live Music, Kyoto Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews

Concerts Played with Traditional Instruments in Kyoto

5.Concerts Played with Traditional Instruments in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · from $39

Review of Kyoto’s intimate koto and shamisen concert, with live music, Q&A, photos, and an optional hands-on koto session.

“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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Kyoto: Japanese Koto & Shamisen Concert and Koto Class - The Opening Introduction Explains More Than the Basics
Japan Live Music, Kyoto Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Kyoto: Japanese Koto & Shamisen Concert and Koto Class

6.Japanese Koto & Shamisen Concert and Koto Class

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

Hear professional koto and shamisen music, learn to play the koto, and enjoy a private Kyoto concert in a cozy old Japanese home.

“The place was not too difficult to find (i go by taxi), but the alley was very dark, and we had to wait outside till 5 minutes before the show. The performer is very professional and played both instruments beautifully and skillfully, using different techniques that produced different timbre. Enjoyed the evening very much.”

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Tokyo: Traditional Asakusa Music Show with Dinner - Walking through Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple
Concerts with Dinner, Japan Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Traditional Asakusa Music Show with Dinner

7.Traditional Asakusa Music Show with Dinner

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

Pair Asakusa’s famous temple sights with dinner, a welcome drink, and powerful shamisen music in this intimate three-hour evening tour.

“Wow, the most super night ever. Our guide was amazing & her knowledge fantastic. Our dinner had us bursting at the sides both with food & laughter! Best food & music we’ve had. Music professionals at their best we were so privileged & thankful for their expertise. Thanks you so very much, highly recommended to all tourists & locals!”

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