Explore the intriguing world of traditional Japanese music with the shamisen. Discover how one of the most distinctive sounds in Japanese culture is produced and learn the basic techniques to playing a tsuguru shamisen, a three-stringed musical instrument not dissimilar to a guitar. After, participants have the unique opportunity to experience the Okinawan shamisen (the jabisen), an instrument with an ancient past often likened to a banjo.
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Shamisen (Japanese Guitar) Experience
The Highlight
Learn how to play the versatile Japanese shamisen
Discover shamisen's history and its influence on Japanese music
Experience two types of shamisen: the popular tsuguru shamisen and the ancient Okinawan jabisen
The Experience
This program explores the intriguing world of traditional Japanese music through the shamisen, one of the most distinctive instruments in Japanese culture. In this experience, you will learn from a nationally-accredited instructor how to play the tsugaru shamisen, a three-stringed musical instrument not disimilar to a guitar. Characterized by its thick neck and strings, it is played by plucking the strings with a wide, heavy plectrum to create the graceful variety of strong and delicate sounds found in much of Japan's folk music. After the lesson, you will then have the unique opportunity to experience the Okinawan shamisen, the jabisen. This is a banjo-like instrument with a long past and unique sound.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- 1. Learn how to play the versatile Japanese shamisen
- 2. Discover shamisen's history and its influence on Japanese music
- 3. Experience two types of shamisen: the popular tsuguru shamisen and the ancient Okinawan jabisen
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Shamisen (Japanese Guitar) Experience Starting Time : Meeting Location: in Shinjuku
Minimum number of participants: 2 people. ※The same charge applies to travelers over the age of six.
The time required is an estimated time. Please note that it may change depending on the number of customers and the implementation situation.
If you need special consideration due to religious reasons, physical or other conditions (disease, allergy, etc.), age, children, etc., please be sure to inquire in advance. Please note that arrangements cannot be guaranteed for programs purchased without prior inquiry.
Language Support Our services are primarily given in English. Other languages such as French and Spanish are also accessible for 20,000 Yen. If you want to request this excursion in French or Spanish, please fill out your request and add this item when you make the reservation.
Important Booking Information
Please follow the guide's instructions during the program. We do not take any responsibility for accidents etc. caused by not following the instructions.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 15 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 3 ~ 14 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel on 2 day(s) before departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel during 0 ~ 1 day(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)