Concerts Played With Traditional Instruments In Kyoto

Intimate musical experience with explanation of history and each song. The Koto and Shamisen performance by Kyoko-san exceeded our expectations

The koto and shamisen concert was a pleasure to experience. The performer and assistant were both very kind and knowledgeable. It was fascinating to learn more about the different musical notation used. Playing the Koto itself was a very memorable event in my time in Kyoto. I highly encourage anyone with an interest in Japanese culture, history, or music to book this activity.

What a wonderful experience to have time in a house listening to wonderful music and singing. We did the extra music lesson at the end and got to ask questions on the moto.

Wonderful experience with my two kids and wife learning about the musical instruments and even taking a lesson with the hosts.

This was one of the most beautiful experiences of our trip to Japan. My partner and I attended Kyoko-san's koto and shamisen performance, and we were deeply moved by it. Her talent is extraordinary, and the music filled us with a sense of harmony, wonder, and joy that we had not experienced in a long time. We would also like to thank the wonderful lady who introduced the instruments and each piece with enthusiasm and personal insights. Her explanations added a special touch to the evening. It was a beautiful and memorable evening that made us feel connected to a very special part of Japanese culture. We left feeling grateful, inspired, and very fortunate to have been there. Highly recommended.

We booked this experience for the three members of our travel party during our recent trip to Japan. Both the Townhouse and Bathhouse venues seemed like fantastic experiences, but we decided to go with the more intimate Townhouse setting as it offered the Koto workshop add on. The venue was intimate as promised, with only five of us in attendance. The entire Gen team did a fantastic job giving us the history of the Koto and Shamisen, and explaining the mechanics and musical techniques used when playing the instruments. Any music lover or performer in your group will really appreciate the mini ethnomusicology lesson. The concert itself consisted of five pieces with two pieces being traditional and three being more modern works. The two traditional pieces might be a bit jarring to any listener who is not familiar with Japanese traditional music as the playing and vocal styles are very different from what Western listeners are accustomed to, but don’t let this deter you. Be open minded about the music, and I do not doubt you will hear the beauty despite the dissimilarity of the style to what you may be used to hearing. Even if the traditional pieces do not resonate with you, the modern pieces will be very accessible to any listener. It was a beautiful concert, and my entire party really enjoyed it. We also participated in the Koto workshop after the concert, and we had a blast. None of us will be becoming masters of the Koto any time soon, but it was awesome to have a hands-on experience. It really gave us an appreciation for how skilled the performer was. I highly recommend this concert and workshop experience to anyone who has an interest in both experiencing and learning about traditional Japanese music. There is also a question and answer session after the concert, so I would recommend coming with questions in mind. Do remember that not all western musical terms translate well into Japanese, so keep that in mind when you are brainstorming questions.

One of the best experiences we had while in Kyoto and 1 of the few that I would want to do again on a future visit. The small place provides an intimate setting allowing for a deeper connection to the music and artist. I found that after an hour I was wanting more and could easily have enjoyed a longer show.

This concert was an incredible, cozy experience! It took place in the comfort of a small home, where everyone could see and hear clearly, and featured an incredibly talented musician who played multiple different pieces on two different instruments, the Koto and the Shamisen. Some of the songs were contemporary and some were traditional and some included singing so you got to listen to a wide variety of paces and tones which keeps you captivated the entire performance. They even took pictures and sent them out after the trip!

The host let us into the private home just in time for the concert. We took our seats in the living room. Every seat was taken (the concert was fully booked; there were 11 of us). After an explanation of the programme and the instruments, the musician joined us and played various pieces for us on both the koto and the shamisen. We were treated to two traditional pieces (with singing), two modern pieces and a cheerful children’s song. The evening ended with a Q&A session with the musician and a group photo as a memento. The two of them were always friendly and ensured we had a lovely evening. The length of the concert was just right for getting a taste of it – not too long and not too short. Personally, I found the modern pieces more appealing, as the melody was a bit more accessible. The only drawback was the number of guests and the seating arrangements. From the back row on the bench, you don’t have a good view of the performers, as the row in front has higher seats. The chairs would need to be changed or adjusted so that everyone has a good view.

We had a wonderful evening being introduced to the classical Japanese instruments. The performance was mesmerising and very skilled. The intimate setting made the experience even more special.

Very nice!!! Loved the vibes tonight

What a intimate experience that brought me to tears. Such beautiful artistry and talent. Learned so much about the traditional Japanese instruments used. We were hosted in someone's home it was comfortable and welcoming. Was brought to tears by the emotions stirred by listening to the musical chords and heavenly voice. ARIGATO GOZAIMASU!

Audrey greeted us and explained the programme and the construction of the koto and shamisen. Then Kyouko-san played both instruments and sang for us, bringing the music and sounds of Japan vividly to life for us. A combination of classic pieces and more contemporary pieces. It was wonderful listening to the range of styles and what the instruments are capable of doing. We had a deep discussion about the origins of the instruments and the gender mismatch. It was an incredible experience having a talk with such and accomplished musician as Kyouko-san. It only got better after that! We were set up with our own koto and were taught to play. Given, it was only Twinkle, Twinkle. But we got the chance to add ornamentation that is part of koto technique under Kyouko-san’s tutelage. (Both of us have familiarity with musical instruments and musical theory.) In total, although the venue is a little difficult to find, it is one way to peer beyond the superficial tourist activities.

The performance was exceptional. We were very impressed by the performance. Such a talented individual. It was an honor to listen to such beautiful song and music.

Highly recommend this experience. The show was so beautiful and in an intimate setting which allowed for questions with the host and performer. We had the privilege of watching Kyoko Asakawa play and her love for the instruments is so wonderfully clear. Our favourite piece was 'London no yoru no ame' (Michio Miyagi). 10/10 beautiful and so lovely for the soul.

It was highly informative, and the performer was extremely talented. It took us a long walk to get to the location and the cost was quite high for only 5 pieces being played. We found the actual music part of the evening too short. we would have liked more music and less talk. Although it was very stimulating to hear about the instrument and its history too. So all in all it was a wonderful event, but too short. We felt sad that we did not hear more music, as it was so unusual and so very beautiful. The cost for the concert was quite high for only 30 minutes of actual music. But the music was truly exquisite. and the performer was incredible. So we recommend that the talk could rather be 30 minutes and the actual performance one hour. Thank you.

We've enjoyed a beatutiful presentation with traditional and contemporary musics in Koto and Shamizen played and sang by Furan! Besides there were a brief explanation about the instruments' history and characteristics. As well there were informations about each music performed. The team of Gen are very nice people who helped us to understand a little about traditional japanese music. Special thanks to Furan, Audrey, Shohei and Natthawara from Gen.

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

Kyoko’s performance was incredible, accompanied by a helpful assistant/translator who explained the history and instruments. She played a mix of ancient and modern pieces on shamisen and koto. Highly recommended for anyone interested in traditional Japanese music and talented artists!

We enjoyed this performance a lot. One of our highlights in Kyoto. She played beautifully and I liked the introduction and history of the instruments at the start. My MIL and I did the lesson at the end and we both really enjoyed it. Highly recommend this.

Well-presented and well-performed by the very friendly hosts in a cozy environment. Two instruments were represented in the program, each with its own, special appeal. We were treated to both traditional and modern pieces. Very interesting brief introduction to the history, manufacturing method, playing technique and musical notation.

It was one of our favorite experiences in Japan. We were really looking forward to hearing the shamisen, and the koto surprised us even more! The experience was incredible, and they couldn't have made us feel more comfortable. They were very friendly, very patient with us as we learned, and of course, the concert was a joy. You can't remain indifferent to this marvel and the incredibly refined technique. Thank you for this magnificent experience.

This was one of the highlights of my trip to Kyoto. I chose the concert + koto experience, and it was the perfect blend of listening and doing. The performance by FU-RAN was absolutely beautiful. Afterwards, I got to try playing the koto myself, which was very fun and made me appreciate the instrument even more. The setting was intimate, as it's only you and a handful of other guests, and the hosts were warm and welcoming. Even as a complete beginner, I felt totally welcomed, comfortable, and encouraged. If you're curious about traditional Japanese music or just want to try something different while in Kyoto, I’d definitely recommend this.

This was one of the highlights of our trip. We had an introduction to the instruments that would bee played, a short concert by a wonderfully talented musician and the questions were answered. As a treat we spent additional time on a koto lesson, which was fun and informative, even if we only did learn twinkle twinkle! Even if you are not into Asian music, I think you would enjoy this evening.

Me and my partner attended the concert and enjoyed it very much :) learning about the history of the instruments, how they work and seeing what the scores looked like was very interesting and the music itself was beautiful. We were blown away by the talent of the musician and enjoyed the intimate, small-concert experience and opportunity to ask questions. Thank you!

a lovely experience of traditional japanese instruments the koto and the shamisen and delightful singing in an intimate home setting. would love to see this in a bar in a more central location

Such a wonderful experience! Both FU-RAN and Shohei were amazing, offering me and my wife a private traditional music concert complete with koto lesson. The performance was excellent and the atmosphere was very warm and friendly! We left the event feeling happy, energized and way more knowledgeable in traditional Japanese music and instruments. Would go again in a heartbeat! We highly recommend this to anyone looking to avoid the usual tourist attractions and wanting to experience an authentic traditional musical performance in Kyoto!

It was a wonderful experience and they answering all our questions 😁 The music was superb, professional and so intimate in the front room, though too short) - we could have stayed for hours! We were transfixed by the piece Kai. Arigatou gozaimasu for a beautiful recital.

I had a lovely experience listening to Aoi-san's performance. She is a great performer and Shohei-san was a great host. They were also amazing teachers of these beautiful instruments. どうもありがとうございました！

A really special experience with traditional Japanese instruments and music. It’s a small intimate setting which makes it even better. Would definitely recommend.

Lovely time learning about the koto and shamisen and listening to the 4 pieces played by Aoi! Thank you for a great experience!

I had had quite some difficulty finding good places to listen to traditional Japanese instruments across the four cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto) whilst on our trip to Japan. The Gen home in Japan was easy to find online, book and attend without weeks in advance notice necessary and was a very wonderful step into the world of beautiful Traditional japanese music. Would highly recommend for those willing to seek out the experience of the music as if it were being played at your own home live in front of you. The space is quite small but offers a really intimate experience as I gathered from the descriptions prior to attending. The guide was lovely, and the performer was incredible. Would attend again 100%!

This was the most amazing experience. Aoi was a beautiful performer and the whole family answered all our questions and then we got to play their Koto. We are musicians and we really really enjoyed this. Anyone would love this very special experience. The music chosen was just beautiful and varied. This experience comes with our highest recommendation. What a wonderful idea! And Aoi wore a very beautiful traditional Kimono. Just a fabulous morning in Kyoto and one to remember forever ❤️ 💕 💐

This was a really amazing experience which allowed me to listen to some beautiful traditional Japanese music as well as some contemporary pieces played by an experienced musician. There are pieces performed on the shamisen and koto and I even got to experience the koto for myself which was an amazing experience. The musician was wonderful and the host was friendly and engaged with the audience. I highly recommend this to any traveler to Japan.

The concert is beautiful. Really enjoy the company of the hosts also they were really nice. I really recommend to try the formula with the small course to try on the Koto, it is really unique.

A wonderful intimate and unique cultural experience! Definitely a highlight of our time in Kyoto and would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about traditional Japanese music. Our host was very welcoming and atmosphere very inviting.

Highly recommended, operators were very friendly and explained very well the history of traditional instruments like koto and shimasen. The performer Aoi played very well!

Myself and two others enjoyed an intimate educational and musical experience at Gen. We were running late and they were so gracious. It was only the three of us and the Gen group of four. There was a wonderful explanation of the koto and Shamisan instruments, their history and characteristics. Then there was a short recital using both instruments, each piece from a different genre, expertly played by the performer. Afterwards, an opportunity to ask questions. The time flew by. I recommend this experience for ages 5 and up whether you are a musician or an interested learner.

Wonderful music, cozy atmosphere, and very kind and happy hosts. Host offered a session before the performance with detailed information on the music and instruments.

This experience was beautiful, our tour guide Ito-san was super friendly and tried her best to explain as much as she can. I would return for more of her tours in the future. I recommend the koto concert to anyone that enjoys traditional Japanese music.

Beautiful performance with different styled arrangements. Lots of information was provided about the music and history of the instrument!

I was blown away by the talent Aoi displayed. Very impressive! The introduction period I enjoyed. Great way to know the visitors before the concert 😊

Absolutely amazing experience! Intimate concert with a small group. So much information about the instruments and history, we were entertained and impressed. Aoi plays so beautifully and has a real passion for music! I highly recommend!!

What a lovely experience! We were welcomed very warmly in to a Japanese house. Our host, Ishikawa, was kind and friendly. She introduced the history of the koto and shamisen, which was very interesting. Aoi then performed beautifully! It was lovely to hear and watch her play. We were able to ask questions afterwards. I would recommend for a traditional, relaxing experience.

I'm not sure there's anything like it elsewhere in Kyoto. Set in a cosy residential space, it feels like your own personal gig showcasing a mixture of compositions on two very cool traditional instruments performed by a super talented artist. A great way to spend the afternoon.

The whole team were so nice. The performer was very skilled and knowledgeable about my admittedly theoretical questions.

Wow! This is an experience everyone should try. The sound of the koto and shamisen are unique to Japan and it was great to experience it through this concert. The artist, Aoi, performed the songs so gracefully. The experience also allowed for a question and answering session to learn more about the instruments. Great experience! A must-do!!

Interesting introduction, beautiful concert, and very kind people, i felt like hosted in their house! Aoi Is a very talented musician!

This session has enriched my knowledge about Kato and Shamisen! It was a pleasant and enjoyable experience watching it up close. Highly recommend to anyone who is curious about Japan’s traditional music instrument.