If you’ve ever experienced a Japanese Taiko Drumming performance, you probably know the feeling of being bewildered in a rhythmic trance of beats. While watching a professional performance is an unforgettable experience, you can take a cheap Taiko Drumming lesson in Tokyo.

After feeling the beat of a Taiko drum in Tokyo, you will have a deeper respect for the talent and training that goes into learning the Taiko drum. It is not easy!

While there are Taiko Drumming lessons in Tokyo, many of them cost around 5,000 Yen or more and cater to a tourist crowd. Are you after a local experience of a basic Taiko Drum lesson In Tokyo – for less than half the price of others?

Read on for instructions on how to take the best and cheapest Taiko drum lesson in Tokyo at E-Hougaku studio.

 

What is E-Hougaku Taiko Drum Studio?

E-Hougaku is a Taiko drum studio a little south of Tokyo in Japan. Catering to all skill levels of Taiko Drumming, instructors teach the basics of stance and how to hold Taiko drum sticks (bachi), to more advanced rhythms and beats.

While E-Hougaku Studio is a local Studio, it does cater to tourists that speak little to no Japanese. It’s is intimidating when you first step through the doors, but that’s also what makes it so appealing. You’re playing a traditional form of music with locals.

Don’t worry about making mistakes (I made more than I can count) and my instructor, Taijei, was only full of encouragement – and a few cheeky jokes along the way.

You must reserve your spot for Tokyo’s Kamata Taiko drum lessons – a specific date and the times available can be arranged to suit everyone if you’re unsure if a lesson in Taiko Drumming is really what you want, you can organize to just sit in a class and observe – this is for free.

 

How to get to E-Hougaku – Tokyo’s cheapest Taiko Drumming lessons

Getting to E-Hougaku Taiko Drum Studio is easy but takes around one hour. It is situated around 40minutes south of Tokyo depending where you’re staying.

JR Kamata Station is fed by three JR lines from Tokyo.  Keihin-Tōhoku, Tokyu Ikegami Line and Tokyu Tamagawa Line all have Kamata Station as a stop.

Only a 5-minute walk from JR Kamata Station, take the east exit, turn right. Keep going straight passed Ota-ku City Hall. On your right, you will see Ota-ku Seikatsu Center, and E-Hougaku Studio is on your left –  look for the Studio Hougaku Academy sign and head down to the basement.

According to their website, there is no parking available at E-Hougaku Taiko Drum Studio.

Opening hours are from 10am – 10pm.

 

 

What does it cost for a Tokyo Taiko Drumming lesson at E-Hougaku Studio?

Taking a Taiko drum lesson in Tokyo isn’t cheap (many costing around 5000 Yen). E-Hougaku is a much more local Studio, and for a 1.5-2 hour session, it will cost only 2160 Yen.

If you’re not totally sure if learning the basics of Taiko drumming, you can sit in on a class for free. There are also lessons tailored to children, contacting the studio directly is the best way to find out schedules and pricing.

There are also individual and group lessons if you don’t feel comfortable possibly making a fool of yourself in front of kids and adults who play Taiko drums regularly. Trust me, I made many people laugh at my lack of being able to hold a simple beat. It’s all good fun though!

 

What’s it like taking a Taiko Drumming lessons in Tokyo?

Initially, I was incredibly nervous. I know from past experience, I am terrible at any type of rhythmic beat. But everyone is so friendly and welcoming that the nerves subside quickly.

There were even little chocolates handed out during intermission by a seasoned Taiko drum veteran.

As kids are initially interested in the novelty of a nervous foreigner, it is an interesting mix of feelings.

You’re given time to change into suitable clothes. Not outside shoes are allowed. Inside shoes, or Tabi, sneakers are allowed. From memory, socks were also allowed. Loose clothing is also highly recommended as the experience of Taiko Drumming is an active one.

Excitement and anticipation increase as you’re pointed towards a large free-standing drum, and handed your drumsticks, or bachi, as they are known in Japanese.

After stretching muscles I had no idea existed, we got into the basics of Taiko Drumming.

 

Basics of Taiko Drum Lesson at E-Hougaku

If you’re new, you start with their very basics. How to properly hold a bachi stick, stance, and posture. Then very simple and slow 1,2,3,4 beats. It eases you into the mindset and grove. Feeling the dull but powerful sound from each strike is entrancing.

As you go along, the beats get harder, faster and change of rhythm. What I found particularly difficult is switching from one beat to the next. It confuses me a little.

My instructor, Taijei, found my pain funny. In a very friendly and joking way. He would giggle, make a joke and correct me so I didn’t develop bad habits. It made me appreciate the challenge of Taiko Drumming.

Most of the time, you will play along with the group, 15 or so others who regularly attend lessons at E-Hougaku Studio. However, if your instructor points at you, it’s time for a solo performance. This got many laughs from myself and everyone else, but when you nailed It, it felt uplifting and as if I had achieved something great.

As things get more difficult, a vocal challenge is brought into the mix. Co-ordinating a loud, sort of helping sound, every time you strike your drum was a challenge for me. Once I could visualize the made-up word of “HUP” in my head, pronunciation became easier and I only had to focus on my timing – which never got great.

It is an exhausting experience. You will most likely not stop moving. It is a full-body action to play the Taiko drums, and E-Hougaku Studio, just outside of Tokyo is the perfect place to learn the mesmerizing Taiko Drumming art.

 

What other information should I know about E-Hougaku Studio in Tokyo?

• You will be asked to change into indoor shoes or at least socks. You won’t be allowed to enter the studio with outside shoes.
• Comfortable clothing is highly recommended. You will be moving a lot, it’s almost like a dance!
• Bring a towel. You will be moving a lot and will sweat.
• Remember reservations are needed. This isn’t a drop-in style studio.

Have you done Taiko Drumming in Japan, or another part of the world? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

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Related reading for traveling in Japan:

• Stay at Taiyoji Temple – an unforgettable Buddhist Temple near Tokyo
• Photography that will make you want to visit Japan
• Japan is full of culture shocks

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown