Taiko Experience!!

<<Jesse's Taiko Experience Report!!>>

Wakon Taiko School in Ryogoku, run by sensei Yukihiro Miyauchi is a great place to visit for both travelers wanting an unique Japanese experience and those who are serious about getting top quality taiko lessons! Sensei Miyauchi is a renown instructor, who can boast of teaching the likes of hiphop band; the Black Eyed Peas! Not only that but he studied acting in University, which lends to a very entertaining and upbeat class!

When we arrived to the class we were greeted by the classmates and Sensei Miyauchi with warm words. We immediately were thrust in to the program, right after being split up into a less experienced group so that we could have the opportunity to observe the more talented class and get some pointers, not to mention, were really able to appreciate the technique and skill of those who have been under the tutelage for Sensei Miyauchi for a longer period of time. And for a 1.5 hour long class, you really get a great workout! Be prepared with some comfortable clothing as well as one or two water bottles to stay hydrated! In your first lesson you will learn basic poses, how to strike the drum as well as some very basic beats that any person with little to no music or rythmatic experience can handle and still enjoy!

Taiko drumming aside, were were also shown some of the other traditional Japanese instruments that might be used alongside the Taiko drums and were even given a chance to try them all out individually. And finally, before we left, Sensei Miyauchi brought out a special treat and showed us a traditional lion dancing costume! It was really interesting and were all given the opportunity to try it on ourselves! Overall it is a great experience that comes highly recommended!

If you would like to have this experience, you can reserve through Wadaiko Experience!!