6 Concerts & Performances in Kyoto Worth Reserving

1.Traditional Concert at Townhouse or Bathhouse

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

Kyoto koto and shamisen concerts in a traditional townhouse or historic bathhouse, with bilingual explanations, Q&A, and optional hands-on workshop.

“Wonderful. The guide/ translator was warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. The performance was excellent with 5 wonderful songs, which were explained to us and varied in style. The performer was clearly very skilled and passionate. We were late and they were very accommodating and waited for us. Couldn’t recommend enough.”

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2.Concerts Played with Traditional Instruments in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · from $39.63Top rated

Intimate Kyoto home concert with live koto and shamisen, instrument intro, Q&A, photos, and optional hands-on koto upgrade.

“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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3.Japanese Koto & Shamisen Concert and Koto Class

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

Kyoto koto and shamisen concert in a tiny old house, then a hands-on koto class with Q&A, photos, and time to ask questions.

“This was such an incredible and unique event. Such an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, and very warm people. As musicians ourselves, we loved that they let us ask questions and try to learn the Koto ourselves. I was surprised how easy it was to pick up the basics! But even more surprised with the excellent performance by Aoi. Her voice is beautiful, her mastery of the instrument is evident, but the feeling that she puts into her pieces gives me chills! We will never forget this amazing experience. So nice they later sent us photos of us trying out the instrument, too. I will be sending everyone I know that…”

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4.Traditional Concert in Public bath near Kyoto Station

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $32.52

Hear koto and shamisen in a renovated Kyoto sento near Kyoto Station, with standout acoustics for a 1-hour traditional concert.

“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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5.Private Japanese music concert

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $57.23

Enjoy a private koto and kokyu concert in a renovated Kyomachiya house in Kyoto, with chair seating, up-close instruments, and optional hands-on time.

“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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6.Kujo-yu Sento Traditional Japanese Instrument Concert

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 50 min · from $32

A 50-minute koto and shamisen concert in the renovated Kujo-yu sento near Kyoto Station, blending classical and modern music.

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