Kyoto is a city full of history and tradition, making it a great place for anyone interested in Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Among the many things Kyoto offers, you’ll find several specialized shops where you can buy or learn about the shamisen, a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument.
Whether you’re a professional musician, a student, or just someone who loves music, finding the right shamisen shop can help you get the most out of this unique instrument.
Kyoto is the perfect place to explore traditional shamisen and other Japanese instruments. If you’re also interested in experiencing live shamisen performances, be sure to check out our Koto and Shamisen Concert Page for more information and booking details.
3 Shamisen Shops in Kyoto
1. Matsuzaki sangenten（松崎三弦店）
Matsuzaki Sangen Shop, established in the late Edo period, has been dedicated to the craft of shamisen for over 180 years in the historic Gion district of Kyoto.
The shop offers a wide selection of shamisen, including those for Nagauta, Kouta, Minyo, and Tsugaru styles. In addition to shamisen, they carry a variety of accessories such as cases and ivory products.
Matsuzaki Sangen Shop also provides skin replacement services for practice and stage instruments, as well as repairs for broken necks.
Whether you have questions about shamisen or need advice on products, the knowledgeable staff at Matsuzaki Sangen Shop are ready to assist you.
| Name (Japanese) | 松崎三弦店 |
|---|---|
| Name (English) | Matsuzaki sangenten |
| Phone | 075-561-0423 |
| Hours of Operation | 10:00～18:00 Closed on Sundays |
| Address (Japanese) | 〒605-0811 京都市東山区大和大路通り四条下る四丁目小松町561 |
| Address (English) | 561 Komatsucho Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 605-0811 Japan |
| Website | Matsuzaki sangenten |
2. Imai sangenten（今井三絃店）
Imai Sangen Shop in Kyoto specializes in custom-made shamisen, offering various types such as Nagauta, Tokiwazu, and Kiyomoto.
The shop caters to a wide range of needs, from practice instruments to those used in professional performances. Each shamisen is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring high-quality sound and durability.
In addition to new shamisen, the shop also provides repair services and skin replacement, ensuring your instrument remains in top condition for years to come.
| Name (Japanese) | 今井三絃店 |
|---|---|
| Name (English) | Imai sangenten |
| Phone | 075-561-3682 |
| Hours of Operation | 09:00～17:00 Closed on Sundays |
| Address (Japanese) | 〒605-0825 京都市東山区下河原町通八坂鳥居前下ル 下河原町476番地 |
| Address (English) | 476 Shimokawaracho Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 605-0825 Japan |
| Website | Imai sangenten |
3. Kanazen musical instrument（金善楽器店）
Kanazen Gakki, established in 1788 during the Tenmei era, is a long-standing traditional Japanese instrument shop in Kyoto.
The shop offers a wide range of instruments, including the koto, shamisen, and shinobue, catering to both professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.
Specializing in shamisen repair, Kanazen Gakki provides skin replacement and tuning peg adjustments, with options for traditional four-piece (cat skin), dog skin, kangaroo skin, and synthetic leather.
The store is also equipped to assist international guests and welcomes visitors to its conveniently located shop near Gion and Minami-za Theatre. Shipping services are available for those who reside outside Kyoto.
| Name (Japanese) | 金善楽器店 |
|---|---|
| Name (English) | Kanazen musical instrument |
| Phone | 075-561-2940 |
| Hours of Operation | 09:00～18:00 Closed on Wednesdays and the first Sunday of each month |
| Address (Japanese) | 〒605-0803 京都市東山区大和大路通四条下る２丁目亀井町５７ |
| Address(English) | 57 Kameicho, 2-chome, Yamato-oji-dori Shijo-sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-fu 605-0803 Japan |
| Website | Kanazen musical instrument |
Once you’ve found the perfect shamisen at one of these shops, why not experience its beautiful sound in a live performance? To enjoy the rich tones of shamisen music, visit our website below.
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