Shamisen Experience in Kyoto 【Private】

Jack, the teacher, is super friendly and so knowledgable. He has a real pssion for music generally and for the shamisen in particular, and is a master of the instrument. He teaches how to play the instrument, shamisen techniques, traditional japanese scales and a traditional song. He does so in a way that can be both enjoyed by people without a lot of background with music, and for those who know their way around instruments. For anyone that loves music and loves playing, this is a great place to go to in kyoto.

I had such an amazing experience at Shamisen Dojo and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience in Kyoto. Before finding Shamisen Dojo, I had searched quite a bit for opportunities to learn about and experience the shamisen, but I didn’t have much luck finding something that felt like what I was looking for. I was really happy when I came across this place, and it completely exceeded my expectations. Jack, the owner, is such a genuinely kind, welcoming, and friendly person. From the beginning, he made the lesson feel relaxed and enjoyable, and his passion for the shamisen really comes through in the way he teaches. What I particularly appreciated was how well he tailored the lesson to my level. Whether you’re a complete beginner who has never touched a shamisen before or an experienced player looking to develop your skills further, Jack is able to adapt the experience so that it feels both approachable and rewarding. I learned so much during the lesson not only about how to play the shamisen, but also about the instrument itself, its history, and its place in Japanese culture. It felt like a much more meaningful experience than simply trying an instrument for an hour, and I came away with a much greater appreciation for the shamisen. If you’re visiting Kyoto and looking for something a little different from the usual tourist experiences, I would definitely recommend giving Shamisen Dojo a try. It was one of the highlights of my time in Kyoto, and I would absolutely visit again the next time I’m in the city. Thank you, Jack, for such a wonderful experience!

This experience was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Kyoto. As a family, we were looking for something authentic and meaningful, and it exceeded all of our expectations. What made it especially memorable was seeing my daughter so happy. She absolutely loved learning to play the shamisen! The instructor was incredibly warm, patient, and encouraging, making her feel comfortable and confident from the very first moment. Watching her smile and become so excited about this beautiful instrument was priceless. We also appreciated learning about the history and traditions behind the shamisen. It wasn’t just a lesson—it was a genuine cultural experience that we’ll always remember. Thank you Jack, for sharing your passion, talent, and kindness with us. You made us feel so welcome, and we left with beautiful memories that we will treasure for years to come. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto! ❤️

Teacher Jack is very professional, treats students with patience and fun, and always adopts positive guidance, so that people can develop their potential to master as much playing knowledge as possible in the shortest time. Recommended!

Jack-san is an amazing teacher. He is patient, very knowledgeable, and exudes enthusiasm of his craft and life. While I had some guitar experience (which helped me a bit when picking up a shamisen for the first time), my father had never played any instrument before. Jack-san was patient and stuck with my dad through the whole lesson - even when he was ready to give up. My dad pushed through and did very well, much to Jack-san’s help! This experience will definitely be one of things I will remember the most on my first trip to Japan! Arigatogozaimasu, Jack-san!

I had a lesson with my daughter (12) and wife. We all had a great time! Jack Sensei was polite, patient, and very encouraging. He also fielded questions along the way. We went from basic posture to performing a basic song in our 1.5 hour lesson. We would highly recommend this experience!

This was undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of my trip to Japan. Jack is a phenomenal teacher and musician, and he has a real skill for drawing the best out of you during the session. We explored the scales of different styles, as well as some typical playing techniques, and then riffed off of them together. It was immensely enjoyable, I would highly recommend it! Thank you Jack!

I can wholeheartedly recommend the lessons with Jack-sensei, especially if you have no experience with the instrument. Ideally, if you stay longer in Kyoto, you can also participate in an occasionally held Shamisen session to immediately gain the enriching experience of improvisation after the first chords... So, regularly check the schedule of the Shamisen Dojo Kyoto!

My husband and I very much enjoyed our shamisen lesson with Jack at his Kyoto studio! Jack is a master of his craft and a great instructor. He creates a fun yet relaxing atmosphere and you do not need prior music skills for this lesson, and he will tailor the lesson to your comfort level. You'll receive plenty of pictures and videos, too. If you're looking for a unique experience for your trip to Japan and are at all curious about Japanese traditional instruments or music, then I highly recommend a trip to the Shamisen Dojo!

First of all, the location of this experience was very easy to find. Once you arrive in the area, it’s easy to recognize the building thanks to the signs. The house itself is cozy, and very aesthetically designed, which already makes the whole experience feel special from the moment you walk in. Jack welcomed me in a very warm and friendly way. He speaks fluent English, so communication was easy and enjoyable throughout the entire session. He shared interesting historical information about the shamisen and Japanese folk music, and made sure I had a truly enjoyable experience with both the instrument and Japanese culture. What I especially appreciated was how well he adapted the lesson to my level. He can teach complete beginners from the very basics, but if you already have some experience with string instruments, he naturally adjusts the pace and makes the lesson more engaging. We played music together, took photos and videos, and also had some wonderful cultural conversations. I left feeling genuinely happy, and I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone who wants to enjoy an authentic and memorable cultural activity in Kyoto.