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🎌 Immerse Yourself in Traditional Japanese Culture Through Music

At KotoWorkshop, we offer a unique, long-term koto learning experience for foreigners who are passionate about Japanese culture and music. Our program is specially designed for participants coming to Japan under the Cultural Activities Visa, allowing you to stay and study for up to one year.

🎵 Program Highlights

• Koto lessons every weekday

• Japanese language classes are included

• All classes are conducted in English

• Study of traditional Japanese music theory and culture

• Performance opportunities such as recitals and studio recordings

• Not only koto, but also other Japanese cultural experiences: such as Japanese tea ceremony, kimono wearing, calligraphy, flower arrangement, and visits to traditional spots

🏠 Full Life Support in Japan

We offer full support to help you settle into life in Japan comfortably:

• Assistance finding furnished housing or reasonable hotel

• Support with city registration, health insurance, and mobile contracts

• Daily life orientation (transportation, shopping, manners)

• Cultural experiences and social activities with local Japanese people

Structured Curriculum Aimed at Official Koto Certification

Our program follows the traditional Ikuta-style teaching method, allowing even complete beginners to progress step-by-step toward certification.

• First Half (1 – 6 Months)
  Learn the basics: posture, finger technique, notation reading, and core repertoire. The goal is to obtain the Shoden (Introductory Certificate).

• Second Half (7 – 12 Months)
  Advance to more complex pieces and expressive techniques. Students aim for the Chuden (Intermediate Certificate), with the possibility of achieving Okuden (Advanced Certificate) for fast learners.

• Included Japanese Language Lessons
  Focused on pronunciation, and conversational skills.

• Performance & Recording Opportunities
  Optional recitals and professional recordings are held regularly to showcase progress.

• Cultural Itinerary
  The program includes cultural experiences such as visits to the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, a traditional Japanese garden, Itsukushima Shrine, and etc.

Additional examination certificate fees and entrance fees of cultural experience cites may apply.

Introduction video

📅 Program Overview

• Who can apply: Foreign nationals aged 15 and over

• Duration: 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months Detail of 1 Week Program

• Start date: Flexible

• Visa: Less than 3 months = tourist visa, More than 3 months = Cultural Activities Visa (We provide full support for application)

• Class size: Small-group format or private lessons

📅 Tuition Fee

• 1 week: 99,000 yen (Textbook Fee 11,000 yen)

• 1 month: 248,000 yen (Entrance Fee 33,000 yen, Textbook Fee 11,000 yen)

• 3 months : 598,000 yen (Entrance Fee 33,000 yen, Textbook Fee 22,000 yen)

• 6 months : 998,000 yen (Entrance Fee 55,000 yen, Textbook Fee 33,000 yen)

• 12 months : 1,698,000 yen (Entrance Fee 55,000 yen, Textbook Fee 44,000 yen

  # The tuition fee covered free usage of our facilities. # The tuition fee NOT covered entrance fee of each cultural experiences, and transportation fees, accommodation, and meals.

🌸 Ideal for People Who…

• Want to deeply experience Japanese traditional culture

• Discovered koto through anime or J-pop and want to try it

• Have little to no music experience but want to learn

• Want to study Japanese at the same time

• Wish to live in Japan for several months to a year

Frequently Asked Questions

✨ Make your time in Japan unforgettable — with the sound of the koto.