LIVE MUSIC · KYOTO

Where to Hear Live Music in Kyoto: 8 Picks

8 shows  ·  from $32 a seat

Every trip has one free evening too few. These 8 live music shows justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

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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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

2.Traditional Japanese Music show & Experience Tour in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $46Top rated

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

3.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

4.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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Kyoto: Matcha & Traditional Japanese Music Immersive Experience - Suzaku Garden and its Japanese-style rooms
Japan Live Music, Kyoto Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Matcha & Traditional Japanese Music Immersive Experience

5.Matcha & Traditional Japanese Music Immersive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $850

Review of Kyoto’s koto, violin, matcha, and anime music experience, with practical details on price, timing, venue, value, and who should book.

“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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Traditional Concert in Public bath near Kyoto Station - The One-Hour Format and How to Fit It Into Kyoto
Japan Live Music, Kyoto Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews

Traditional Concert in Public bath near Kyoto Station

Private Japanese music concert - What happens during the one-hour visit
Japan Live Music, Kyoto Live Music, Live Music, Tour Reviews

Private Japanese music concert

7.Private Japanese music concert

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $57

Hear koto and kokyu in a private Kyoto townhouse concert, with close-up music, instrument stories, and a chance to play.

“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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