I recently had the chance to experience firsthand a Shamisen lesson by a professional Master, and it was unforgettable. I didn’t just get to touch the instrument, but also learned how to play an actual melody!
Whether you’re drawn to music, craftsmanship, or history, the shamisen offers a window into Japanese culture that is both powerful and personal. This was just one of the many cultural experiences we offer across Japan, each designed to bring you closer to the heart of local tradition.
Key Features of a Shamisen Cultural Experience:
- Temple with a view of a zen garden
- Wear a kimono if you’d like
- Learn about the shamisen
- Play the shamisen
- Listen to a short performance
A Brief Introduction to the Shamisen
The shamisen, often known as the Japanese version of a guitar, is one of Japan’s most evocative traditional instruments. With a history stretching back over 400 years, it has evolved into various forms and playing styles, becoming a bridge between classical and modern Japanese music.
To this day, the shamisen is present in movies, series, musicals and theatrical performances, making it one of the most important instruments in Japanese culture. Its three strings may seem simple, but the sound it produces is rich, emotional, and unforgettable, often lingering in your mind long after the final note fades.
Playing the Shamisen at a Buddhist Temple
This shamisen journey began in a truly atmospheric location: the Hojo of Daruma Temple in Nara. This temple is recognised as a cultural asset, and its peaceful zen garden and tatami rooms provide the ideal backdrop for a cultural experience. Unlike closed and isolated rooms, here the notes of the shamisen will stretch out to the garden, blending in with the serene setting. The moment I stepped inside, the setting invited stillness, reflection, and a sense of connection with tradition.
Before you even touch the instrument, you have the option to enhance the mood by changing into a kimono. There are a couple of options to choose from, most of them fabulous patterns with long sleeves that pair perfectly with the sober colours of the shamisen. It’s entirely up to you; some prefer the full cultural experience, while I opted to remain in my everyday clothes for comfort. Either way, the calm and welcoming atmosphere of the temple sets the tone.
Getting to Know the Shamisen
Once I was seated, I was introduced to the shamisen: how it’s made, how it sounds, and how it’s played. I saw the materials up close and got a feel for its unique construction, different from Western stringed instruments, yet still familiar somehow.
Then it was time to pick the shamisen up. The teacher, a professional shamisen master, guided me step by step, starting with how to hold the instrument, sit properly, and strike the strings with the bachi (plectrum). You might find it heavier than it looks, and the bachi might feel foreign in your hand at first, but your teacher will help you understand the best posture and grip on everything so that it quickly becomes more comfortable.
Learning the Basics of the Shamisen
Even if you’ve never touched a musical instrument before, this experience is designed to be approachable. You’ll learn a short, three-part melody, with the master showing and repeating each movement slowly and clearly. The steps are broken down so that even beginners can play along, and you will repeat these as many times as necessary until you feel confident enough to play them. This process teaches you to focus on the instrument at hand, how the bachi feels, and how the strings vibrate and sound.
It’s a moment of pure focus where you’re absorbed into the shamisen and its melody. What surprised me here was the fact that the shamisen has no frets, so I had to keep looking at where my hand was to make sure I got the right note!
By the time I had mastered the notes, I was ready to perform the melody as a duet, with the master accompanying me in a gentle ensemble. Here, too, the teacher was patient and reminded me of where my fingers should go in case I forgot. The final moment when we played the melody together was so rewarding and memorable.
Learning From a Professional Shamisen Master
The master shamisen player who will teach you is a bright lady who only began playing shamisen in adulthood, despite her grandmother having played around her when she was younger. After trying the piano and not enjoying it as much as expected, she then gave the shamisen a try, and even though she feared it might end up being the same as the piano, she felt like it was the perfect instrument for her, and eventually decided to learn it with the guidance of a teacher.
After 13 years of serious learning, she still makes sure to practice every day, even if it’s just for a short amount of time. For her, the shamisen is almost a living being, so making sure that it is played every day is part of showing it affection and making sure the instrument itself is always in good condition. You can ask her questions you might have about the shamisen, and your translator will be sure to convey all the knowledge she shares.
Watch a Professional Shamisen Performance
Once you’ve had your turn, it’s time to sit back and listen. Ask your teacher for a demonstration, and prepare to be amazed as they perform a traditional piece, full of rhythm, emotion, and precision. I asked her to play a bit of her favourite song, Tsugaru Jongara Bushi, and it was such a powerful moment! It is a special opportunity to see firsthand the result of years of practice and dedication, and it will be an unforgettable experience to see someone play the shamisen up close.
This experience is more than a music class. It’s a cultural immersion, blending sound, history, and atmosphere in a way that few activities can. Whether you’re a music lover, a curious traveller, or someone seeking a deeper connection with Japanese culture, playing the shamisen in a historic Nara temple is an unforgettable encounter with Japan’s musical heritage.
This experience is a rare opportunity, not just to play an instrument, but to understand how Japan’s most powerful melodies are born from centuries of history and discipline. You will likely never hear a traditional Japanese song again without remembering the focus, emotion, and dedication required to bring its story to life. In a world of fleeting digital music, this experience is sure to make you appreciate the soul of a live performance.
In addition to the shamisen, Japan is home to many rich and carefully preserved traditions that you can learn and experience firsthand. Truly live Japan and book a cultural experience with us now.
Shamisen Japan Cultural Experience FAQ’s
Is the shamisen hard to play?
It can be quite challenging to play it if you do not have any musical experience, but that is also part of the fun, and you do see some progress by the end of this experience!
Who plays the shamisen nowadays?
Shamisen is played by geishas and other musicians of all ages.
Want to learn more about geishas? Read our guide:
Is the shamisen only present in traditional style music?
No, the shamisen is often played in various musical genres, from rock to pop.
How did the shamisen come to be in Japan?
The shamisen came to Japan through the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern day Okinawa) after it was introduced by China in the form of the Sanxian, which looks very similar in shape.
