D
A must do whilst in Kyoto.
A great and enjoyable experience to learn the history and art of taiko drumming. Our host Michael and ‘drummer’ were fantastic!
TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto
+4 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2h 30min
- Price from
- $113 / person
- Location
- Kyoto, Japan
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 106 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 15
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- EE tour
- Meeting point
- Central Ticket Gate of JR kyoto station (NOT Shinkansen Central Ticket Gate)DetailsThe meeting point is on the north side of JR Kyoto Station, where you can see Kyoto Tower. It is located on the ground.Your guide holds Taiko,Japanese Drum signboard.
Description
Taiko is a traditional musical instrument that anyone can enjoy right away. The experience of practicing together, playing one song, and becoming one with others is one of the most valuable experiences in Japan. This studio's drums are made in the traditional way, by hollowing them out of a large single tree and they are very rare. You can enjoy real Japanese drums. The Taiko experience is not only an enjoyable musical experience, but it is also a full-body workout that relieves stress. The experience is suitable for all ages and levels of ability, so everyone can enjoy it. Since ancient times, Taiko has been deeply connected to the lives of the Japanese people. Through Taiko, you can learn about Japanese culture and history, as well as the spirituality of the Japanese people.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM
- Next available
- Mon, Oct 19
- Adult (ages 7+)
- $113
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 17.
Tour Options
What's included
Included
Car to and from the studio, about 2000yen (4people can get on one cab)
Guide: Languages offered: English
Japanese dram Taiko playing
Japanese Hachimaki （Headband）
one-way ticket to JR TAKATSUKI station
Taiko （Japanese drum）instructor
Not included
For those observing without participating in the drumming, the cost is 9000 yen per person.
Please pay in cash (Japanese yen) at the drum studio on the day of the tour.
Please notify us if there are any observers. Without notice, transportation may not be arranged.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
106 reviews
How it compares in Kyoto
- Starting price $113 is 46% above the typical $78 for tours of similar length in Kyoto
Excurgo comparison of 1,630 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please be at the meeting place 15 minutes prior to the start time. Please note that due to the train time, if you are late for the start time, you will not be able to participate even if you call us.
- Duration includes experience and transfer time. You can expect to return to Kyoto Station about 2.5 to 3 hours after the start time. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on the train schedule. Leaving the class early is not recommended, so please make sure to allow plenty of time when planning your activities afterward.
- There are certain days when reservations for a single participant are not available. On those days, you may still join by making a booking for two participants and covering the fee for two. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation.
- It takes about 12 minutes by JR train from Kyoto Station to Takatsuki Station, which is the nearest station to the studio. However, if you take a taxi directly from Kyoto, it will take more than an hour and the taxi fare will be quite expensive. With traffic jams, it could take even longer, so we do not recommend taking a taxi directly from Kyoto to the studio.
- Important Info again!! About Meeting place and time. Due to the train’s schedule, we cannot wait for latecomers, and no refunds will be issued. So please make sure to arrive in time. Unfortunately, even if you contact us, we cannot wait for you. Kyoto Station is large. Please arrive with plenty of time to spare and check the meeting place in advance at Kyoto station. If you get lost at Kyoto Station, ask the station staff where the central exit (not the Shinkansen central exit) is. It's not Shinkansen Central Ticket Gate.
- Children under 7 years old are not allowed to participate.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto take?
TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto lasts about 2h 30min.
How much does TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto cost?
Prices start at $113 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
Can I cancel TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Central Ticket Gate of JR kyoto station (NOT Shinkansen Central Ticket Gate). Details: The meeting point is on the north side of JR Kyoto Station, where you can see Kyoto Tower. It is located on the ground. Your guide holds Taiko,Japanese Drum signboard. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 7 years old are not allowed to participate.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 106 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by EE tour.
Reviews(106)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
Fantastic Taiko in Kyoto
This is a fantastic introduction into the world of taiko including history and a demonstration by a professional - amazing! Michie, our guide, was a wealth of information and made our family feel comfortable and welcome. The instructor, who was also the professional demonstrator, was brilliant. He was positive, patient and very encouraging when teaching us the drumming piece. This is a must do when in Kyoto.
S
Amazing experience!
This was a wonderful experience from start to finish! Our guide and host Michiko was friendly, informative and professional and our Taiko teacher Aoi, was friendly, a great teacher and a super Taiko drummer! It was a really fun experience for our entire family.
3
Awesome
The taiko experience was exceptional. It was a fun, cultural and instructive experience enjoyed by the whole family, a highlight of our trip to Japan. Akemi was remarkable and made this time a treasure to remember.
S
Great fun!
Meeting our host Mie was easy at Kyoto station and the train trip and car ride to the studio took less than 30 mins, very easy. The drumming was challenging for us beginners but we managed (with friendly encouragement from our instructor & Mie) to beat out a great tune! Highly recommend!
M
Energizing ! Inspiring ! Impressive
My first time in Kyoto visiting my Japanese friend . We loved this show ! The drummers and flutist were so amazingly talented ! They were professional and gave 100% of themselves during the show ! We felt so energized afterwards and took us awhile to calm down because you can feel the beat of the drums in your whole body . Really fun !
M
Super fun
The Taiko experience was a lot of fun! It’s a professional drumming studio and the drums we are high quality … they make such a satisfying sound. The teachers led us in a structured yet enjoyable way. Highly recommend
T
This a lot of fun and...
This a lot of fun and gives you an appreciation for hard taiko is. Michiko was very engaging and helpful. The instructor was great.
M
Must TAIKOdo experience in Kyoto
Michiko met us at the train station and led us to the TAIKO studio. 1st we learned about the history behind TAIKO drumming, next, we got to watch a live performance, then it was our turn to bang the drums! We made our own headbands with KANJI characters depicting our hopes, dreams, and goals and after learning a song donned an official looking happi for our final performance which we videoed! The whole experience was so different and amazing, it is something everyone should put on their Japan experience bucket list.
Y
Taiko is a tai go
Very cool and informational Very patient instructor makes it super easy to follow along
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from$113
5.0(106) Free cancellation