Taiko Drumming and Buddhist Chanting in a 700-Year Tokyo Temple
Description
20 min by taxi from Shibuya. Up to 20 participants per group. Step into a 700-year-old temple in Tokyo and experience a dynamic journey from quiet sutra chanting to powerful taiko drumming. Start with sutra chanting at Daibo Hongyoji Temple, founded over 700 years ago. A monk will guide you step by step, making it easy to follow even for beginners. In the serene hall, as your voice joins the rhythm, you settle into stillness. With a focused mind, move on to taiko drumming. A professional drummer with 23 years of experience, who has performed at national ceremonies and overseas concerts, will guide you from stance and grip to your first strike. As the group rhythm builds, you will feel a strong sense of achievement and pure joy, connecting with the powerful sounds, history, and spirit of Japanese culture.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(9)
This workshop in Ikegami was the highlight of my trip. Chanting sutras was very calming, but playing the Taiko drums completely stole my heart! It was so high-energy, fun, and full of joy. I still have the rhythm stuck in my head. If you want a real, hands-on traditional experience, you must try this!
It was my first experience of wadaiko. Feel refreshed by beating a big drum as hard as you can inside the temple! It was a very enjoyable experience. Especially when I was able to play the song in the second half, it was even more fun. I want to play wadaiko again. I was also happy to take a picture with the monk!
I knew about how important chanting and drumming was for Buddhist practices in Japan, but experiencing them first hand was an experience I really enjoyed. The staff and teacher were very kind and energetic and we're willing to go the extra mile to make sure I felt comfortable. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
I had a great experience. At 20k yen you get more than just a Taiko workshop, but also a very private (small group) praying workshop with the monk at the temple, and a nice opportunity to have tea and snacks with the staff while talking about their experience at the temple. It feels very private and very well thought out. The entire experience is around 2.5 hours so it doesn't take up too much of your time, but it does justify the price and time spent. If you're interested in a more hands-on experience with Japanese instruments, I think this is a great option. The taiko playing wasn't too difficult but it was really really fun.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! 🥁 We're really happy to hear that the whole experience — the taiko workshop, the prayer session with the monk, and the tea time with our staff — came together in a way that felt special and personal to you. We hope to welcome you back again someday. Thank you for sharing your experience!
We had such an unforgettable time. It is an experience in the purest Japanese tradition. Thank you again to everyone.
Merci infiniment ! Nous sommes très heureux que vous ayez passé un bon moment en notre compagnie. C’était un honneur de vous faire découvrir la tradition du Wadaiko. À bientôt !
It was so amazing! I didn't expect to get so much energy from Taiko. The instructor and everyone were wonderful, and I was impressed by their professional playing. Chanting in the beautiful temple was also a memorable activity that felt like meditation. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to experience unique Japanese culture.
I had a fantastic experience learning the basics of Taiko. It was fun, engaging, and truly memorable. I highly recommend giving it a try if you have the chance. The location itself was also incredibly beautiful, which made the experience even more special.
Highly recommended as I loved every minute of it! A great way to immerse yourself in the culture … away from the Tokyo crowds. The teacher is extremely talented and very patient with beginners. There’s also a lot to do and visit in the area… I went during Sakura bloom as it was magical.
This half-day experience was a real immersion in traditional Japanese culture, all in a very nice temple in a Tokyo neighborhood away from traditional tourist circuits. Ideal for those who like to think outside the box when travelling. I highly recommend!
