Learn to Play a Melody on a Traditional Japanese Instrument

A beginner’s shamisen lesson in a historical temple location

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument that is plucked with a plectrum. It can be played solo or as an accompaniment to other instruments or singing. It has been part of Japanese culture since the sixteenth century.

For anyone, whether you’re a musician or just a fan of musical instruments, this is an experience that you won’t want to miss. You can experience playing the shamisen, with a brief lesson taught in a historical Nara location. The one-hour session includes instructions (with an interpreter) on how to hold the instrument and how to pluck the strings, followed by directions on how to play a simple piece of music.  
 

The lesson takes place in a superbly maintained “hojo,” a traditional private room constructed by skilled Kyoto craftsmen at Nara’s Darumaji Temple in 1667. It is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Nara Prefecture. The sliding doors of the room open onto a traditional Japanese rock garden to complete the atmosphere for a deeply immersive experience.

Access: Participants will be picked up at JR Horyuji Station. From JR Shin-Osaka Station, take the Osaka Higashi Line to JR Horyuji Station (40 minutes). From JR Kyoto Station, take the Nara Line train to JR Nara Station (50 minutes), then take the Yamatoji Line train to JR Horyuji Station (10 minutes). 

From Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai Airport Line train to Shin-Imamiya Station (40 minutes), and from there, take the Yamatoji Line train to JR Horyuji Station (25 minutes). 
 

Shamisen Lesson at Nara’s Darumaji Temple（Nara Ikaruga Tourism Waikaru）