Immerse yourself in the sounds of traditional and contemporary Japanese drumming
Sado Island is renowned for its annual Earth Celebration an outdoor festival featuring collaborative performances between taiko drums and various musical instruments. Head to the Sado Island Taiko Centre to learn more about taiko, take lessons, and see drumming professionals at work.
Don't miss:
- A hands-on experience playing the taiko drums
- Watching a taiko demonstration and seeing the instructor beat Odaiko, huge drums carved from zelkova logs
How to Get There
After taking a ferry or hydrofoil ride from mainland Niigata, reach the center by bus or car. By bus, take the Shukunegi Line to the Taiko Taiken Koryukan stop and you'll be right at the center when you get off. By car, it's about 10-minutes from Ogi Port. The center is closed on Mondays (When Monday is a public holiday, the center will be closed on Tuesday instead).
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Drumming to your own beat
You can learn all about the taiko at the Sado Island Taiko Centre, but it is possible to play the instrument via a "hands-on" taiko experience, too. After watching the professional instructors, you will have the opportunity to play small and larger taiko drums made from cowhide skins and zelkova trees. Drum sticks come in various sizes.
Most visitors to the center will have no prior experience of playing the taiko, but the instructors are open and have slogans for visitors to easily remember the songs. English language assistance is also available.
The latest information may differ, so please check the official website
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.