I had a lesson with Harumi-sensei!
one lesson that was my absolute peak moment in my stay in Kyoto, except amazing skills with the koto, i found a patient, insightful and kind teacher, who opened my horizons for koto specifically and japanese music in general, i enjoyed my stay and if i could it would be 100 stars of a review, will come again for sure!
事業者からの返答
Thank you for visiting Soushunan! I'm happy to know you enjoyed our Koto lesson. Next time,let's try other traditional songs!We hope to see you soon!
1
137shephalib
August 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best experience in Japan so far
Hands down the highlight of my trip. Aside from getting to learn how to play Koto, getting the chance to listen to sensei play a beautiful rendition of Sakura for me was a gift. Tears of joy.
事業者からの返答
Thank you for visiting Soushunan! We are so happy to know you enjoyed Koto lesson.We hope to see you again soon!
B
brittanypL8682FH
May 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best part of the trip!
Absolutely wonderful experience! Definitely the highlight of our trip. The teacher was very sweet and knowledgeable. Taught us a lot and welcomed us warmly. Lots of fun and can't wait to go back!
事業者からの返答
Hi. Thank you for visiting Soushunan! We are happy to know you enjoyed our Koto lesson. We are looking forward to meet you again soon!
Harumi
2
2008FlyGirl
February 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Experience
Very accomplished koto performer and patient teacher. Had a fantastic experience learning a couple Japanese songs as well as being treated to a performance of the teacher. It was especially enjoyable playing a duet with the teacher.
事業者からの返答
Hello. Thank you for visiting and trying Koto at Soushunan. We are happy to teach you Koto and enjoy it together. We are looking forward to meet you again soon!
Harumi
F
FFza
December 24, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Unique experience of Japanese culture
Our family of six had the most wonderful time learning to play a few folk tunes on the koto.
Harumi was patient and helpful, making sure that everyone learned at their own pace. She accompanied each person for the final ‘performance’ and then performed for us as well. What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Kyoto, in a traditional home. She even served us tea and treats after the class. We had a great time and will recommend Harumi’s class for a special experience of Japanese culture.
事業者からの返答
Thank you for enjoying the experience together. Everyone played very well, and it was clear how much you all love music. I hope this lesson becomes a wonderful memory of your time in Kyoto. Please come back and visit again someday.Thank you!
Harumi
U
U5132CAsamuelt
July 20, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
This was one of the best experiences we had while traveling in Japan! Ms. Harumi and one of her students helped our family of four get started on koto. She is a gentle and kind teacher and made us feel wonderful, even when we made mistakes. We were able to learn the basic mechanics of playing, a little music reading and played three or four songs. At the end she gave a beautiful performance for us. Visiting Kyoto was nice, but having personal interactions with a local in this way took our trip to the next level! In the process, we feel we made a musical friend across the ocean.
T
Thandi B
June 13, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The best activity in Kyoto
Without a doubt, one of the best experiences I have had in Japan.
You are welcomed into the classic Japanese townhouse home like friends and are immediately taught how to play koto. What is amazing, is that after the lesson, you can actually play a famous Japanese song, ‘Sakura’ well enough to be able to record a performance with the lovely teacher, who accompanies your playing. It feels amazing to play an actual song on the koto that sounds lovely to listen to after just one lesson! This is testament to how good the teacher is, as a second generation koto teacher and performer. You are also treated to some tea and a performance by the teacher at the end for your hard work! The teacher is truly so lovely and at no point in the lesson do you feel bad for making mistakes. You feel very comfortable and she is very kind and patient.
There are lots of activities you can try doing in Kyoto that relate to tradition Japanese arts, as the city of culture in Japan, but if I had to pick one of the activities in Kyoto to recommend, it would be this one!
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed message. I’m truly honored that you consider this one of your best experiences in Japan. I hope our music stays with you as a special memory of Kyoto, and I would love to welcome you back again someday!
J
Jessica_L
June 9, 2025 · via Viator
Best Kyoto Experience
While the shrines and temples are must-sees in any Kyoto itinerary, nothing beats a quiet time with a local and engaging in a sacred art form.
Shimazaki sensei and I played through around three piece of music (sakura, and two other folk melodies). They were devastatingly beautiful, and the koto brought them to life in a way that no other instrument can.
Would happily do this every time I'm in Kyoto—Shimazaki sensei does a fabulous job of not only creating stunning music, but also in maintaining a non-hierarchical learning experience. She treated me more like a peer than a student, which was so refreshing.
An absolute gem of an experience—make sure you don't miss it!
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. I’m truly happy that you felt the beauty of the koto. I would be delighted to play with you again anytime you're back in Kyoto. Looking forward to it!
J
jessliona
June 9, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Best Kyoto Experience
While the shrines and temples are must-sees in any Kyoto itinerary, nothing beats a quiet time with a local and engaging in a sacred art form.
Shimazaki sensei and I played through around three piece of music (sakura, and two other folk melodies). They were devastatingly beautiful, and the koto brought them to life in a way that no other instrument can.
Would happily do this every time I'm in Kyoto—Shimazaki sensei does a fabulous job of not only creating stunning music, but also in maintaining a non-hierarchical learning experience. She treated me more like a peer than a student, which was so refreshing.
An absolute gem of an experience—make sure you don't miss it!
事業者からの返答
Thank you very much for your heartfelt message. It means a great deal to hear that the music resonated with you so deeply. I’m truly grateful that you appreciated not only the sound of the koto, but also the spirit of the experience. I would be delighted to welcome you back anytime you’re in Kyoto.
A
andrewcL294VL
April 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience - Koto lesson
We had a lesson with Soushunan and really enjoyed it, easy to access using the bus and conveniently located near the Nijo Castle. Weather you play an instrument or not, I'm sure everyone can play the songs Sousgunan teaches. She is a very accomplished musician and a great teacher. Her house is also amazing, it's like stepping back in time. Highly recommend.
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed the lesson and found the location convenient. It was a pleasure to share the music with you, and I'm glad you felt at home in the traditional setting. I hope the sounds of the koto stay with you as a special memory of your time in Kyoto. You're always welcome back!