First of all, the location of this experience was very easy to find. Once you arrive in the area, it’s easy to recognize the building thanks to the signs. The house itself is cozy, and very aesthetically designed, which already makes the whole experience feel special from the moment you walk in. Jack welcomed me in a very warm and friendly way. He speaks fluent English, so communication was easy and enjoyable throughout the entire session. He shared interesting historical information about the shamisen and Japanese folk music, and made sure I had a truly enjoyable experience with both the instrument and Japanese culture. What I especially appreciated was how well he adapted the lesson to my level. He can teach complete beginners from the very basics, but if you already have some experience with string instruments, he naturally adjusts the pace and makes the lesson more engaging. We played music together, took photos and videos, and also had some wonderful cultural conversations. I left feeling genuinely happy, and I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone who wants to enjoy an authentic and memorable cultural activity in Kyoto.

Jack is an excellent teacher. He's an incredibly friendly guide to the enchanting world of shamisen.

This was worth every penny. Jack’s not only a knowledgeable teacher who can help anyone with any level of music experience, he’s also a genuinely cool guy. Not to mention a killer Shamisen player!! I will definitely come back if I visit Kyoto again.

We had a great time learning from a shamisen master! He explained everything very well and we had so much fun playing this instrument together. This lesson is definitely one that people should plan for while visiting Kyoto!