Private Koto Lesson in Kyoto with a Professional Koto Performer

Very accomplished koto performer and patient teacher. Had a fantastic experience learning a couple Japanese songs as well as being treated to a performance of the teacher. It was especially enjoyable playing a duet with the teacher.

Our family of six had the most wonderful time learning to play a few folk tunes on the koto. Harumi was patient and helpful, making sure that everyone learned at their own pace. She accompanied each person for the final ‘performance’ and then performed for us as well. What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Kyoto, in a traditional home. She even served us tea and treats after the class. We had a great time and will recommend Harumi’s class for a special experience of Japanese culture.

This was one of the best experiences we had while traveling in Japan! Ms. Harumi and one of her students helped our family of four get started on koto. She is a gentle and kind teacher and made us feel wonderful, even when we made mistakes. We were able to learn the basic mechanics of playing, a little music reading and played three or four songs. At the end she gave a beautiful performance for us. Visiting Kyoto was nice, but having personal interactions with a local in this way took our trip to the next level! In the process, we feel we made a musical friend across the ocean.

Without a doubt, one of the best experiences I have had in Japan. You are welcomed into the classic Japanese townhouse home like friends and are immediately taught how to play koto. What is amazing, is that after the lesson, you can actually play a famous Japanese song, ‘Sakura’ well enough to be able to record a performance with the lovely teacher, who accompanies your playing. It feels amazing to play an actual song on the koto that sounds lovely to listen to after just one lesson! This is testament to how good the teacher is, as a second generation koto teacher and performer. You are also treated to some tea and a performance by the teacher at the end for your hard work! The teacher is truly so lovely and at no point in the lesson do you feel bad for making mistakes. You feel very comfortable and she is very kind and patient. There are lots of activities you can try doing in Kyoto that relate to tradition Japanese arts, as the city of culture in Japan, but if I had to pick one of the activities in Kyoto to recommend, it would be this one!

While the shrines and temples are must-sees in any Kyoto itinerary, nothing beats a quiet time with a local and engaging in a sacred art form. Shimazaki sensei and I played through around three piece of music (sakura, and two other folk melodies). They were devastatingly beautiful, and the koto brought them to life in a way that no other instrument can. Would happily do this every time I'm in Kyoto—Shimazaki sensei does a fabulous job of not only creating stunning music, but also in maintaining a non-hierarchical learning experience. She treated me more like a peer than a student, which was so refreshing. An absolute gem of an experience—make sure you don't miss it!