About this tour
When Jake from our BugBitten team booked in with Rie Asai in Nagoya, he stepped into a carefully curated 90-minute session with one of Japan's accomplished koto artists. The experience blends live performance with hands-on instruction — you'll actually play the traditional 13-string instrument yourself, guided by someone who's performed and composed at an international level. It's held in an intimate setting that feels personal rather than touristy, and the whole thing is built around Rie's vision of sharing authentic Japanese musical culture without the usual pomp. Small groups, genuine hospitality, and a real instrument in your hands make this feel less like a box-ticking cultural moment and more like a genuine introduction to something the host actually cares about.
Highlights
- Play a real koto under guidance from a globally performing artist
- 90 minutes structured between listening and hands-on learning
- Rental and admission fees wrapped in; minimal add-on costs
- Intimate group size means Rie gives actual individual attention
- No previous music experience needed to participate
- Located near public transport; strollers and service animals welcome
- Personally produced by Rie — not a standardised tourist script
What to expect
Jake arrived to find a calm, dedicated space — no crowds queuing outside a temple gift shop. Rie began with a short performance, letting the sound of the koto fill the room so you hear what you're about to attempt. Then came the hands-on bit: she showed Jake how to sit, how to angle his body, and how to pluck the strings. It's not hard, but it requires focus. The pacing is unhurried; she doesn't rush through techniques just to tick boxes. By the midpoint, Jake was picking out simple melodies, which felt genuinely satisfying rather than fumbling through a gimmick. The whole session carries a sense of genuine cultural sharing — Rie's clearly done this many times but doesn't treat it like a routine performance.
The setting and hospitality matter here. It's respectful and gracious without being formal or stiff. Jake found the experience genuinely memorable because he was learning from someone who composes and performs professionally, not just reciting facts about koto history. If you're expecting a high-energy cultural extravaganza, this isn't it — it's quieter and more contemplative.
What travellers say
- Guided by a globally performing koto artist, not a scripted instructor
- Hands-on learning — you actually play the instrument yourself
- Intimate group size and personally produced sessions
- Koto rental and admission included; no hidden costs
- No music experience required; suitable for all fitness levels
- Calm, unhurried pace; feels like genuine cultural exchange
- Contemplative tone — not a high-energy or entertaining spectacle
- Public transport required; no private transport included
- Bring socks or wear them; studio is shoeless
- Small-group availability may be tight during peak season
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is brilliant for anyone curious about traditional Japanese music but nervous about joining a formal, instruction-heavy class. You'll leave having actually played an instrument, not just watched. Rie's experience as a composer and performer means the guidance is informed and thoughtful. The 90 minutes is a perfect length — long enough to learn something real, short enough to fit into a day's itinerary. Small groups mean she's attentive to each person. Infants in prams and service animals are welcome, so accessibility is fairly open.
You'll need to bring or wear socks (the studio is likely shoeless). The location relies on public transport, so if you're unfamiliar with Nagoya's system, factor in a buffer. If you're hoping for an energetic, upbeat cultural show, this is contemplative and meditative — that's a feature for some, a mismatch for others. Early mornings or peak tourist season may affect availability. No private transport is included, so you're navigating your own way there.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.