Discover the Beauty of Koto in Kyoto
Kyoto is a city rich in history and tradition, making it an ideal place to explore Japan’s cultural heritage. The koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, has been cherished in Kyoto for centuries.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, Kyoto has several specialized shops where you can find the perfect koto to suit your needs.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most reputable koto shops in Kyoto.
4 Koto Instrument Shops in Kyoto
1. 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 koto, shamisen, and shinobue. It is highly regarded by both professional musicians and hobbyists.
Kanazen is known for maintaining traditional craftsmanship while adapting to modern playing styles. They also offer comprehensive repair and adjustment services for koto and other instruments.
| 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 |
2. KOTODEN（琴伝）
Kotoden is a koto and shamisen shop located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. Known for its craftsmanship,
Kotoden offers high-quality koto and shamisen, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. The shop takes great pride in not only the quality of its instruments but also the sound they produce.
Specializing in essential techniques like skin replacement for shamisen and string tightening for koto, Kotoden ensures that each instrument performs at its best.
With extensive knowledge in traditional Japanese instruments, Kotoden provides both sales and repairs. Please note that sales are in-store only, so we invite you to visit us.
For tuning or repair inquiries, feel free to contact us by phone first.
| Name (Japanese) | 琴伝 |
|---|---|
| Name (English) | KOTODEN |
| Phone | 075-561-2940 |
| Hours of Operation | 10:00～18:00 Closed on Mondays and Sundays |
| Address (Japanese) | 〒604-8205 京都府京都市中京区新町通三条下る三条町331 |
| Address(English) | 331 Sanjocho Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 604-8205 Japan |
| Website | KOTODEN |
3. Asano gakki（アサノ楽器）
Asano Gakki is a long-established Japanese instrument store in Kyoto, with a history dating back to the Edo period (Bunkyu era, 1861-1864). Specializing in koto and jiuta shamisen, Asano Gakki offers a wide range of instruments, from practice models to those used by professional musicians.
The shop also provides repair services for koto and shamisen, catering to both individuals and schools with needs for instrument restoration or event consultations.
Having recently relocated to a new store on Motoseiganji Street in April 2024, Asano Gakki continues to be a trusted name in the world of traditional Japanese music.
| Name (Japanese) | アサノ楽器 |
|---|---|
| Name (English) | Asano Gakki |
| Phone | 075-441-6053 |
| Hours of Operation | 10:00～18:00 Closed on Mondays |
| Address (Japanese) | 〒602-8452 京都府京都市上京区元誓願寺通智恵光院西入元中之町514-1 |
| Address(English) | 514-1 Motonakanocho Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 602-8452 Japan |
| Website | Asano Gakki |
4. Kotono Uchiki（箏の内貴）
Koto no Uchiki is a specialized shop in Kyoto’s Gion area, offering koto and jiuta shamisen.
With a wide range of sheet music and accessories, the shop provides prompt order fulfillment.
They also offer shipping across Japan and internationally, ensuring safe delivery even for valuable items.
Additionally, Koto no Uchiki offers a string-tightening service for koto and accepts used koto and shamisen, which they refurbish and donate to local schools.
For those visiting the shop, it is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance to receive personalized guidance from the owner.
| Name (Japanese) | 箏の内貴 |
|---|---|
| Name (English) | Kotono Uchiki |
| Phone | 075-551-5011 |
| Hours of Operation | – |
| Address (Japanese) | 〒605-0811 京都市東山区小松町557-26 |
| Address(English) | 557-26 Komatsucho Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 605-0811 Japan |
| Website | Kotono Uchiki |
For those who want to hear the koto played live or even participate in a hands-on experience, we recommend visiting our Koto Concert Page for concert details and our Koto Concert & Experience Page to book an interactive koto session.
Shop Locations
To help you find these koto shops, we’ve created a Google My Map that shows their locations. Click the link below to access the map and easily locate the shop nearest to you. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these shops are conveniently located for you to explore the world of koto.
Experience the Koto Culture in Kyoto
Kyoto’s koto shops offer a unique opportunity to connect with Japan’s traditional music culture. Whether you’re purchasing your first koto or upgrading to a professional instrument, these shops provide the expertise and selection you need. Be sure to visit these shops during your time in Kyoto to experience the finest in koto craftsmanship and culture.
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