Kyoto Home Concert: Traditional Koto and Shamisen

Experience intimate Kyoto concerts with koto and shamisen. Enjoy classical, contemporary, and original pieces in a cozy, home-like setting. Perfect for families and adventurers.

Duration: 50 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Gen - Step into a traditional Japanese home transformed into a stage where the timeless sounds of the Koto and Shamisen resonate. ‘Harmonies of Japan’ offers an intimate concert experience featuring soul-stirring pieces like ‘Chidori no Kyoku’, ‘Rokudan no Shirabe’, and ‘Kajimakura’, among other classical pieces, as well as modern and original…
What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
  • Participation in the Koto and Shamisen concert, brief introduction and explanation
  • Landing and/or facility fees
What's Not Included
  • Tea and coffee
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

This event is a private concert hosted in a charming home, distinct from the usual townhouses and temples of Kyoto. Designed exclusively for one group, it provides a cozy and intimate setting, reminiscent of being in a Japanese family’s residence.
The program starts with a brief introduction to the koto and shamisen, followed by a live performance…

Location
Gen
10-12 Mibu Nishiotakecho, Nakagyo-ku
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(56 Ratings)
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Tallpersontraveling
Apr 9, 2026
Incredible and cozy experience - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
618pascale
Apr 2, 2026
Living traditional Japanese music - A beautiful musical experience, in private concert, accompanied by an interesting presentation on traditional Japanese instruments and music. I highly recommend going to a concert at Gen Home Saiin to deepen your knowledge of Japan and live a unique musical moment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
123zas
Mar 22, 2026
Wonderful, intimate performance - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Datsc2026
Mar 12, 2026
Koto/Shamisen concert experience - Very nice!!! Loved the vibes tonight
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sunshine48141113326
Feb 22, 2026
Book this experience!!!! - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
472davidc472
Nov 21, 2025
Dive deeper into the music of Japan. - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H9035ilreneeg
Nov 18, 2025
Night show - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
228danac
Nov 15, 2025
Beautiful - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grisel_t
Oct 31, 2025
Unique and special experience - A unique and special experience, a welcoming place and beautiful interpretations from the history of the instruments and beginnings and origins. But interpretations range from the past in history to contemporary pieces. In English and very organized and detailed. The Chidori no Kyoku piece made me cry. A beautiful experience.
Review provided by Viator
Beatsyyyy
Apr 1, 2026
Traditional and modern music - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $38
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).