HOTEL RESOL KYOTO KAWARAMACHI SANJO will be holding a special event for guests staying at the hotel, "Shakuhachi and Japanese Taiko Performance," for a limited time from July to December 2025.

Shakuhachi and wadaiko drums have a deep connection with traditional Japanese performing arts, and in Kyoto in particular they have been developed and passed down through court ceremonies and temple and shrine events. Even today, in Kyoto, where that culture remains strong in shrines, temples, and on the stage of Noh and Kabuki, they have a deep presence in the hearts of people as "sounds that breathe history."

A once-in-a-lifetime sound that resonates in your heart

For this event, we will be inviting shakuhachi player Chozan Imoto and Japanese taiko drummer Ayaka Okamoto from Women's Collection (commonly known as Uikore), a group of female performers based in the Kansai region.

The shakuhachi is said to have been played by Zen monks in the past to train their minds, as the phrase "Ichi-on Jobutsu" (one sound becomes Buddha) suggests, focusing on one sound and reaching a state of enlightenment. Regarding the appeal of the shakuhachi, Imoto says, "Because it is such a simple instrument, the performer's individuality, such as the way they breathe and use their fingers, is reflected in the tone."

Even the same instrument can produce a completely different tone depending on the performer. Each and every note is filled with heart and soul, making it a truly one-of-a-kind sound.

Meanwhile, Japanese drums have been played since ancient times to pray to gods and Buddhas and to pray for a good harvest. Okamoto says, "I want people to experience the appeal of Japanese drums as music, which is different from what you hear at festivals and other events."

As he says, "It's not just a loud bang, but the melody is created by varying the length and volume of the note." His expression is not limited to power.

With the motto of "being close to the hearts of our customers," Uikore delivers performances of various genres to many people. Miou Kurara, the representative who also directs the event, smiles and says, "I would be happy if this event becomes an opportunity for people to learn about the charm of Japanese musical instruments."

The event will reflect this sentiment, with a wide variety of performances ranging from traditional to familiar tunes, leading the audience into the profound world of Japanese musical instruments.

A profound aftertaste you can feel throughout your body

The event took place in the lobby of HOTEL RESOL KYOTO KAWARAMACHI SANJO. With nothing separating the performers from the audience, you could feel the movements of the fingers playing the shakuhachi and the energy of the drummers striking the drums right before your eyes.

"Because we can see the customers' expressions up close, we feel a sense of unity."

As the two performers said, the sound of the shakuhachi, which changes expression with every breath, blends with the powerful resonance of the Japanese drums, and the lingering echoes that can only be felt with a live performance envelop the entire body like waves.

The solo parts, where each instrument takes center stage, are also a highlight. When the shakuhachi solo begins, the deep tone, with its free control of pitch and tempo, quietly fills the soul. What shines in the Japanese drum solo is not only the power but also the delicate handling of the drumsticks. The graceful rhythm woven by the three drums is a masterpiece.

A memorable moment to add color to your trip to the ancient capital

After the performance, there will be time for you to try out the Japanese drums. The experience of playing the drums yourself along with the shakuhachi melody is sure to make your travel memories even more vivid.

A moment when the quiet echoes of the shakuhachi and the vibrant beat of the Japanese drums resonate together. The sound, which carries even the breath of the performers, gives you the feeling of gently touching the atmosphere of this town that has been built over time.

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"Shakuhachi and Japanese drum performance"
Event period: July to December 2025
Date:
September: 24th (Wednesday)
October: 6th (Mon), 13th (Mon), 20th (Mon), 27th (Mon)
November: 3rd (Mon), 10th (Mon), 17th (Mon)
December: 1st (Mon), 8th (Mon), 15th (Mon), 22nd (Mon)
Time: 16:50-17:10
Venue: HOTEL RESOL KYOTO KAWARAMACHI SANJO 1F Lobby (59-1 Daikokucho Kawaramachi-dori Sanjo Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
Price: Free
*This event is for hotel guests only.
*Times may vary.
*If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.