Ryota Kanazashi / Soranari

Japanese cultural experience in Okinawa

Wadaiko Drum Experience in Okinawa

Play a Japanese taiko drum yourself. In about an hour you learn how to hold the sticks, strike the drum and perform a short piece together, wearing a traditional happi coat, in a studio in Nanjo City, southern Okinawa.

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Taiko drum performance
  • 60-90minSession length
    60 min for up to 6 guests, 90 min for 7 or more
  • 2-12guestsGroup size
    Booking alone is possible (+50%)
  • From ¥8,800Per person, tax included
    ¥11,000 for 2-6 guests, ¥8,800 for 7 or more
  • 8+Age
    Ages 8 and up

Flow

What you'll do

  1. Welcome and introductionAbout 5-10 minA short talk about the drum: how it is made, what it is made of, and how wadaiko has been used in Japan.
  2. Learn the basicsAbout 30-50 minRyota shows you how to hold the sticks and strike the drum. You practise simple phrases, then link them into a short piece.
  3. Perform togetherAbout 5-10 minPut on a traditional happi coat and play the piece you have learned.
  4. Watch Ryota playAbout 3 minRyota plays for you.
  5. Commemorative photoAbout 3 minA group photo ends the session.
Three guests in happi coats holding drumsticks in front of taiko drums at the studio
Guests and the instructor playing taiko together at the studio

Good to know

Details

Duration
About 60 minutes for up to 6 guests, about 90 minutes for 7 or more.
Group size
2 to 12 guests. A single guest can book with a 50% surcharge. Groups of 13 or more can be arranged at another venue; studio, drum rental and transport are quoted separately.
Price
Per person, tax included. 2-6 guests: from ¥11,000. 7 or more guests: from ¥8,800. Drum, studio and costume rental are included.
Options
A full performance to watch and a drumstick to take home are available on request. Please ask when you inquire.
Age
8 years and older.
Language
Lessons are given in simple English. For deeper questions about the history of wadaiko or the meaning of the instruments, we recommend bringing an interpreter.
Payment
Cash, credit card and major electronic money are accepted.
Cancellation
From 3 days before: 30% of the fee. The day before: 50%. Same day: 100%.
Rain
The session is held indoors, so rain does not affect it.
Photos and video
Taking photos and videos is welcome.
What to wear
Clothes you can move in easily. Please take off your shoes at the studio entrance. The venue is non-smoking.
Location
Ametsuchi Sogakudo, 1408-2 Sashiki Shinzato, Nanjo City, Okinawa. About a 1-minute drive from Nanjo City Hall. Parking is available.
Getting there
Roughly 30-40 minutes by car from Naha (varies with traffic). A rental car or taxi is the easiest way. Nanjo City Hall and Yuinchi Hotel Nanjo are about a 1-minute drive away.

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Ask about a date

Inquiry

Tell us when you would like to come and how many people you are. We reply by email. Please check that your email address is correct.

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Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Do I need any experience?

No. Beginners are very welcome. The session starts with how to hold the sticks and strike the drum, then builds up to a short piece.

Can I join alone?

Yes. A single guest pays the fee with a 50% surcharge.

Can children join?

Guests aged 8 and over can join.

What language is the lesson in?

Simple English. If you want to ask about the history of wadaiko or the meaning of the instruments, we recommend bringing an interpreter.

We are a large group. Is that possible?

Up to 12 guests can join at the studio. Groups of 13 or more can be arranged at another venue, with studio, drum rental and transport quoted separately.

Where is the studio?

In Nanjo City, Okinawa, about a 1-minute drive from Nanjo City Hall. Parking is available. It is roughly 30-40 minutes by car from Naha.

What if it rains?

The session is indoors, so rain makes no difference.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes, photos and videos are welcome.

How can I pay, and what is the cancellation policy?

Cash, credit card and major electronic money are accepted. Cancellation fees: from 3 days before 30%, the day before 50%, same day 100%.

Please note

House rules

The venue cannot be held responsible for injury, accidents or trouble, including in the parking lot. Guests who disrupt the session may be asked to leave, and no refund is given. Deliberate damage to instruments or equipment is charged at repair or replacement cost.

About

Your instructor is Ryota Kanazashi, a professional wadaiko performer with about 25 years on stage, who moved to Okinawa in 2016. The experience is offered by Soranari, a performing arts group he co-founded in Nanjo City, Okinawa.