Try Traditional Japanese Instruments and Cuisine in Asakusa

【OUTLINE】

Learn to play Koto (Japanese harp) or Shamisen (Japanese banjo) in a room overlooking a beautiful Japanese-style garden. After the workshop, you may enjoy a Japanese-style lunch right there at the hotel. This experience is open and accessible to everyone. We invite you to enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts here in Asakusa! 

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Learn the Koto/Shamisen from a professional instructor.
• View the instructor's performance in a Japanese-style room overlooking a traditional Japanese garden.
• Learn and play the famous Japanese song "Sakura Sakura" on your own by the end of the workshop.
• Lunch will consist of an authentic Japanese meal at the hotel.
• This experience is right in Asakusa, one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan.

【SCHEDULE】

Meet up at the hotel ←Koto or Shamisen Workshop→Lunch at the hotel→End

【DETAILS】

Japanese musical instrument workshop (11:00 to 12:00)

You will learn how to play either a Koto or Shamisen by an instructor in a traditional room with tatami mat flooring. In the first half (30 min.) of the session, the instructor will explain the instrument and give a demo performance. In the second half (30 min.), you will practice playing your instrument with the instructor and actually play a song on your own.

 Lunch (12:00 to 13:00)

Go to the restaurant in the hotel and have a Japanese-style lunch.

【The charm of Koto】

Koto is a traditional Japanese musical instrument. It has 13 strings and is played by plucking the strings with three finger picks. There are many famous pieces of music for Koto that even beginners can learn and play easily in a short time. Since they are easy to play, there are many variations in performance that reflect the personalities of the individual musician. In this workshop, you will get to become familiar with the rich world of Koto. There are many pieces for Koto and Shamisen ensembles to play as well. The refined and elegant tone of Koto has gained popularity in foreign countries as well.

 【The charm of Shamisen】

Shamisen is a three-stringed musical instrument played with a plectrum called a bachi. It is important to hold Japanese musical instruments properly and play it using the right techniques to generate a beautiful sound. Shamisen are designed with an emphasis on the quality and range of the sound to express echos and depth.

By adjusting the volume, spread, and depth of the sound, Shamisen is capable of creating rich and dynamic sounds.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：120 minutes
• Meeting point：Asakusa View Hotel, Restaurant Karuta on 6th floor
  6th Floor, 3-17-1, Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-8765
  
• Access：
  A 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Tobu Skytree Line
  A 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
  A 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Toei Asakusa Line
  A 5-minute drive by car from JR Ueno Station
  Directly connected to Asakusa Station on Tsukuba Express
  
• Language support：Japanese, Minimal English
• Included：Experience fee, lunch
• Excluded：Beverages during lunch
• Participation requirement：12 years and over
  
• Free Wi-Fi：〇
  
• Toilet： 〇（Wetern-stye）
• Other things to note：
  ・Upon arrival at the hotel, please show your voucher (mobile or paper) at
      Restaurant Karuta (on the 6th floor). You will be shown to the Japanese room
      where the workshop is held.
  ・Age requirement：12 years and over
  ・If you have any food restrictions or allergies, please consult in advance.
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date    40% of the tour price 
3 to 2 days before the tour date    60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour    100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be
    incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.