Learn Koto in Odawara: Japanese stringed instrument class

Play a centuries-old stringed instrument in a historic castle town

A one-hour koto class in Odawara where you learn to play Japan's traditional stringed instrument from a qualified instructor. The class covers the instrument's history, hands-on instruction with plectrum nails, a performance by the instructor, and a photo session. The koto and tools are included. Children from age 7 are welcome, and the instructor speaks English and Japanese.

The Experience

The koto is a long wooden instrument with thirteen strings, and you'll learn its basics before your hands touch it. The instructor explains the instrument's place in Japanese culture and history, then teaches you how to hold the plectrum nails (the picks that pluck the strings), and how to position your fingers. Within the hour, you move from explanation to actually playing, so you leave with a real sound you made yourself, not just a memory of watching.

You'll sit in seiza, the traditional Japanese cross-legged posture, during the lesson. If that doesn't work for your knees or back, let the instructor know before you start and they'll set up a chair instead. The class happens in Odawara, a historic castle town in Kanagawa Prefecture about an hour from Tokyo by train, and the instructor is from there. They created this experience to share traditional Japanese music in the place where they grew up. Public transportation gets you to the venue. No private car is needed.

After the instruction wraps up, the instructor performs for you, so you hear what the koto sounds like in skilled hands. Then comes a photo session where you can pose with the instrument and capture the moment you learned something that takes years to master. The rental fee for the koto and the plectrum nails, plus all instruction, is included in the price.

What’s included

• Rental of the koto and plectrum nails.
• instruction from a qualified koto teacher.
• a performance by the instructor.
• a photo session with the instrument.

Days and timesMon · Tue · Thu · Sat · 5 departure times, from 10:30 to 14:00

Ages18 to 85 years · 13 to 17 years · 7 to 12 years · Under 7 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “・Approx. 14-minutes' walk from the East Exit of Odawara Station ・From Odawara Station, take a Hakone Tozan Bus (bound for Hakone), get off at Saiwai-cho Bus St…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Matcy

Is this one for you?This class suits anyone curious about Japanese traditional music who wants to actually play an instrument rather than just watch. The one-hour format fits a morning or afternoon in the Odawara area, and children from age 7 can join. The instructor will adjust the seiza posture or provide a chair if needed for comfort.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

13 to 17 years; 7 to 12 years. Under 7: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

What exactly is a koto and where does it come from?

The koto is Japan's traditional stringed instrument with thirteen strings, played with plectrum nails worn on the fingers. It has deep roots in Japanese music and culture, and the instructor covers its history as part of the class before you begin playing.

Do I need any musical experience to join this class?

No. The class is designed for complete beginners, and anyone can produce beautiful sounds on the koto even in the first hour. The instructor teaches you step by step, starting with how to hold the plectrum nails and position your hands.

What happens during the one-hour class?

The class begins with an explanation of the koto's history and basics, moves into hands-on instruction on how to play using the plectrum nails, gives you time to try playing yourself, includes a performance by the instructor, and ends with a photo session so you have a record of the experience.

Is seiza posture required, or can I sit in a chair instead?

The lesson takes place in seiza, the traditional Japanese cross-legged sitting style. If that's uncomfortable for you, tell the instructor beforehand and they will provide a chair so you can participate comfortably.

How do I get to Odawara from Tokyo?

Odawara is in Kanagawa Prefecture about an hour from Tokyo by train. Public transportation options are available near the venue, so you can reach the class without arranging a private car.