Whether you choose one venue or both, you’ll enjoy a seamless journey through Kyoto’s traditional music, with each setting offering its own unique ambiance and repertoire.
【Two Venue Options】
Traditional Townhouse (Cozy Solo Setting)
・Capacity: Up to approx. 11 guests
・Performance: Solo sets on koto and shamisen, performing 4–5 classical and contemporary pieces
・Vibe: Warm, living‑room atmosphere in a traditional Japanese home; hear every nuance up close
・Workshop: Optional hands‑on koto workshop available only at this venue
・Schedule: Held almost every day, allowing flexible bookings
Historic Bathhouse Hall (Resonant Duet Setting)
・Capacity: Up to approx. 30 guests
・Performance: Koto duet paired with another instrument (shamisen, shakuhachi, taishōgoto, flute, guitar, etc.) across 4–5 pieces (excluding opener)
・Vibe: Rich natural reverberation from tiled walls creates a dramatic, enveloping sound
・Schedule: Offered irregularly on Mondays; check calendar for next dates
【Program】
- Check‑in & Seating (5~10 min) – Welcome and venue etiquette.
- Instrument Introduction (10~15 min) – How koto/shamisen are played, parts, picks/bridges, and unique notation.
- Concert (25~30 min) – See “Repertoire” below; commentary.
- Q&A & Photos (5~10 min) – Meet the artists, learn stories behind pieces.
- Optional Hands‑on Workshop (35–40 min) – Try basic koto techniques and a short phrase; beginner‑friendly.
【Example Repertoire】
Traditional Townhouse (Solo Programs)
・Solo sets of 4–5 pieces ranging from Japanese classical to contemporary works
・Sample titles: “Kajimakura” “Chidorino Kyoku,” “Kaede no Hana”…etc
・Artist‑Driven Selection: Each performer’s program is uniquely curated to showcase their personal style and virtuosity, rotating by season and musician
Historic Bathhouse Hall (Solo & Duet Programs)
・Total of 4–5 pieces combining solo works and collaborative duets
・Solo examples mirror the townhouse’s repertoire; duet pairings might include koto + shamisen, shakuhachi, taishōgoto, flute, or guitar
・Tailored for Acoustics & Artist: Repertoire is chosen both to suit the hall’s resonant ambiance and to highlight each musician’s strengths—whether a lyrical solo or a dynamic cross‑genre collaboration
【Access Information to Nearby Tourist Spots】
・Arashiyama (≈25 min): Walk to Saiin Station, take Hankyu to Katsura, transfer to the Randen Line—easy before or after your visit.
・Nijō Castle (≈20 min): One stop from Saiin on the Tozai subway line; perfect for fitting in before or after the concert.
・Kinkaku‑ji (≈20 min): Bus from Nishioji Sanjō (16 min) plus a short walk—combine with a golden pavilion tour.
・Nishiki Market (≈25 min): Direct Hankyu ride to Karasuma or Kawaramachi; ideal for shopping or sampling local bites around your concert.
