Experience the Sound of the Koto
in a Traditional Japanese House.
Book Your Experience
Discover the Sound of Japan in a 100-Year-Old House
KOTOWA offers a one-hour class in a convenient location near Takayama Station where you can experience playing the koto and shamisen
KOTOWA offers a one-hour class in a convenient location near Takayama Station where you can experience playing the koto and shamisen.Classes are held in a traditional Japanese wooden house with a peaceful garden, complementing the beauty of traditional Japanese music.The experience is limited to small groups of up to seven guests, creating a relaxed atmosphere for beginners and international visitors.
Please come as you are—we provide all equipment necessary to enjoy the experience.
Classes are held in a traditional Japanese wooden house with a peaceful garden, complementing the beauty of traditional Japanese music
The experience is limited to small groups of up to seven guests,
creating a relaxed atmosphere for beginners and international visitors.
Please come as you are—we provide all equipment necessary to enjoy the experience
The experience takes place in the instructor’s grandparents’ home, a traditional house passed down for over 100 years.
With its warm wooden interior and seasonal garden, it offers a place where you can truly feel the spirit of Japan.
It will be a memorable highlight of your visit to Takayama.
体験の舞台は、100年前から受け継がれてきた講師の祖父母の家。
木の温かみを感じる室内と、四季を映す庭が広がる、まさに“日本らしさ”を感じられる場所です。高山観光のハイライトとして、日本文化をより深く知るきっかけになるはずです。
体験の舞台は、100年前から受け継がれてきた講師の祖父母の家。木の温かみを感じる室内と、四季を映す庭が広がる、まさに“日本らしさ”を感じられる場所です。高山観光のハイライトとして、日本文化をより深く知るきっかけになるはずです。
The experience takes place in the instructor’s grandparents’ home, a traditional house passed down for over 100 years.With its warm wooden interior and a garden reflecting the beauty of each season, it offers a space where you can truly feel the spirit of Japan.It will be a memorable highlight of your visit to Takayama and a chance to discover Japanese culture more deeply.
Experience Flow
The program is designed so that even first-time participants can enjoy it comfortably.
講師紹介
本体験をサポートする講師をご紹介します。
安心して参加いただけるよう、経験豊富なスタッフが丁寧にご案内します。
Experience Flow
The program is designed so that even first-time participants can enjoy it comfortably.
体験内容
初めての方でも安心して楽しめるよう、
体験はシンプルな流れで進みます。
1
Live Performance
Live Performance
The experience begins with a live koto performance by the instructor. You will experience the delicate yet powerful sound of traditional Japanese music up close. In a space filled with clear tones and lingering resonance, you will first encounter Japanese culture through listening. It is a quiet moment to appreciate the beauty and aesthetics unique to Japan.
2
Basic Lesson
Basic Lesson
Next, the instructor will explain the basic techniques of playing the koto in an easy and approachable way. You will learn how to wear the finger picks, posture, and how to pluck the strings, with careful guidance step by step. The lesson is paced slowly so that even first-time players can feel comfortable producing sound. No musical experience or ability to read sheet music is required.
3
Playing Experience
Playing Experience
After the lesson, you will try playing the traditional Japanese piece “Sakura Sakura.” You will create the gentle melody yourself, one note at a time. Even beginners can experience the joy of performing a complete piece. The moment the sound of the koto fills the room will surely become a memorable experience.
4
Photo & Video Session
Photo & Video Session
At the end of the experience, you will have time to take photos and videos while playing the koto. Capture the moment you created music with your own hands. Whether it is a slightly nervous expression or a smile after finishing the piece, it will become a special memory of your time in Japan.
Instructor
Meet the instructor who will guide you through the experience.
Instructor
Meet the instructor who will guide you through the experience.
Satomi
Born in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture.
She began playing the koto at age three and the sangen (shamisen) at sixteen. She graduated from the Japanese Music program at Nagoya College of Music and completed a master’s degree in music at the same university. In 2013, she performed in a joint concert with a shakuhachi player at the New Artist Classic Stage hosted by TV Aichi. She has also performed internationally in Vienna (2016) and Vancouver (2018). She currently performs and teaches mainly in Aichi Prefecture and her hometown of Takayama.
Mika
Yuria
Mika
Yuria
The Spirit Behind the Music
She began playing the koto with her grandmother as a child. While cherishing traditional classical music, she continues to deepen the sound as her own expression. Inspired by nature, she plays each note with care and meaning.
She began playing the koto with her grandmother as a child.
While cherishing traditional classical music, she continues to deepen the sound as her own expression.
Inspired by nature, she plays each note with care and meaning.
Access
Our studio is located in the Honmachi area, just a short walk from Takayama’s Historic Old Town. It is also about 10 minutes on foot from JR Takayama Station, making it easy to visit during your sightseeing. If you are coming by car, please use the nearby paid parking.If you have trouble finding the location, please feel free to contact us.
〒506-0011
岐阜県高山市本町３丁目２７
Our studio is located in the Honmachi area of Takayama.
• About 10 minutes on foot from JR Takayama Station
• Within walking distance of the Historic Old Town
• Paid parking is available nearby for those arriving by car
It is easy to stop by during your sightseeing.
If you have trouble finding the location, please feel free to contact us.
3-27 Honmachi, Takayama City Gifu 506-0011 Japan
岐阜県高山市本町３丁目２７
Reservation
Experience a quiet moment with the sound of Japan.Let the gentle resonance of the koto become a lasting memory of your journey.
Make your visit to Takayama even more special through traditional Japanese culture.Please use the reservation button below to book.
Book Your Experience
Can’t find a suitable date on our booking calendar?
Feel free to contact us by email with your preferred date and time.
We will do our best to accommodate your request whenever possible.