Matsumoto Castle Tour & Taiko Drumming
Start down the road towards becoming a skilled taiko drummer!
History & Culture / Traditional Music
Practice playing under the direction of a local group of experienced percussionists and learn how to become a real Taiko Drummer right next door to Matsumoto Castle! Taiko is the traditional art of Japanese “kettle drum”. Learn how to play from a local team that performs regularly in Matsumoto. No experience is necessary! You will be shown proper stance and the correct way to strike the drum. A no-pressure way to experience drumming on stage!
A feudal Castle designated a "National Treasure" of Japan
With over 400 years of history, Matsumoto Castle is 1 of only 5 castles designated a "National Treasure" of Japan. The other 4 include Himeji, Hikone, Inuyama and Matsue Castles. The original construction dates from 1593 to 1594. The castle walls contain the oldest original five-tiered, six-story castle tower that still exists in Japan today.
Every year at the end of July, the Matsumoto Taiko Festival is performed at Matsumoto Castle featuring some of the best local Taiko musicians and other groups from all over Japan. The Taiko Workshop is the perfect experience for music lovers. Experience a series of powerful musical performances from popular to traditional that amaze you. Enjoy a unique aspect of Japanese culture in a very exciting and entertaining way!
A Great Intro to Japanese Drumming
The workshop began with an exciting welcome show performed by our crew. Seeing their remarkable skill will make you even more excited to step onto the stage with them. After a brief warm up exercise, you will jump right in learning basic rhythms hands-on!
Your passionate instructors will guide you step-by-step as you progress through the many rhythmic patterns that gradually increased in difficulty. Repetition and directions help you get the hang of playing quickly. Once you have mastered four variations of the beat, you will string them together for an energizing group arrangement.
Special Touches
You aren’t forced to play only one rhythm. Near the end of your lesson, you will be given free time to play on a variety of different drums. By the end you’ll be ready to perform your very own solo!
Group Type: Group Tour (Private Tour Option available)
Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions
History & Culture / Traditional Music
Practice playing under the direction of a local group of experienced percussionists and learn how to become a real Taiko Drummer right next door to Matsumoto Castle! Taiko is the traditional art of Japanese “kettle drum”. Learn how to play from a local team that performs regularly in Matsumoto. No experience is necessary! You will be shown proper stance and the correct way to strike the drum. A no-pressure way to experience drumming on stage!
A feudal Castle designated a "National Treasure" of Japan
With over 400 years of history, Matsumoto Castle is 1 of only 5 castles designated a "National Treasure" of Japan. The other 4 include Himeji, Hikone, Inuyama and Matsue Castles. The original construction dates from 1593 to 1594. The castle walls contain the oldest original five-tiered, six-story castle tower that still exists in Japan today.
Every year at the end of July, the Matsumoto Taiko Festival is performed at Matsumoto Castle featuring some of the best local Taiko musicians and other groups from all over Japan. The Taiko Workshop is the perfect experience for music lovers. Experience a series of powerful musical performances from popular to traditional that amaze you. Enjoy a unique aspect of Japanese culture in a very exciting and entertaining way!
A Great Intro to Japanese Drumming
The workshop began with an exciting welcome show performed by our crew. Seeing their remarkable skill will make you even more excited to step onto the stage with them. After a brief warm up exercise, you will jump right in learning basic rhythms hands-on!
Your passionate instructors will guide you step-by-step as you progress through the many rhythmic patterns that gradually increased in difficulty. Repetition and directions help you get the hang of playing quickly. Once you have mastered four variations of the beat, you will string them together for an energizing group arrangement.
Special Touches
You aren’t forced to play only one rhythm. Near the end of your lesson, you will be given free time to play on a variety of different drums. By the end you’ll be ready to perform your very own solo!
Group Type: Group Tour (Private Tour Option available)
Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions
Program Details
| Basic Fee | Adult: 15,900 JPY per person Children: 12,500 JPY per person *Children less than 6 years old can participate for free *Prices include tax. |
|---|---|
| Option fee | To book a private tour for your family or a group of friends, please select this option at the time of booking. Option available for an additional 25,000 JPY fee per group. |
| Event Period | Year-round activities |
|---|---|
| Holiday | Saturday／Sunday |
| Open | Morning: 9:00am to 12:00pm Afternoon: 1:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Schedule for Experience | Matsumoto Castle Tour (2 hour) Taiko Drumming Lesson (1 hour) Please note that the above times are estimates and that the tour may end earlier or later depending on how busy Matsumoto Castle is, especially during holiday periods and on weekends. Important information: Please note that the stairs to reach the top of Matsumoto Castle’s tower are steep and narrow. |
| Minimum number of participants | 2 people |
| Maximum number of participants | Max. 12 people (13+ people only available upon request) |
| Time required | Approx. 3 hours |
| Reservation deadline | 2 days ahead |
Access map
| The place where you experience | Matsumoto Castle / Downtown Matsumoto |
|---|---|
| Meeting place | Matsumoto Station |
Reservation and Inquiries
| Company | Matsumoto Experience |
|---|---|
| Reservation Form | https://matsumotoexp.com/activity/taiko-drumming |
| Website | https://matsumotoexp.com |
| E-mail address | info@matsumotoexp.com |
