What is 'ZAKURO SHOW'? An explanation of the experience content and access information
Oct 20,2025 Update
ZAKURO SHOW is a traditional Japanese musical instrument live event held in Omotesando, Tokyo. Top-class performers from across Japan showcase instruments such as koto (Japanese zither), shamisen (three-stringed lute), shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and taiko (drums), allowing audiences to experience the powerful sounds up close. In addition to performances, the event includes explanations of the instruments and hands-on playing experiences available by reservation, making it accessible for beginners to deeply understand the appeal of traditional Japanese music.
This article provides an overview of ZAKURO SHOW, its attractions, and details of upcoming performances for those planning to travel to Japan.
Table of Contents
1. What is ZAKURO SHOW
1-1. How ZAKURO SHOW began
2. What you can experience at ZAKURO SHOW
2-1. Performances by traditional Japanese instrument musicians
2-2. Explanations about traditional Japanese instruments
2-3. Hands-on instrument playing experience (groups of 5 or more only, reservation required)
3. ZAKURO SHOW × Contemporary Music
3-1. ZAKURO SHOW × Harry Potter — Wagakki Cover
3-2. ZAKURO SHOW × Billie Eilish “bad guy” — Wagakki Cover
3-3. ZAKURO SHOW × “My Heart Will Go On” (Love Theme from Titanic) / Lady Gaga — Wagakki Covers
4. Access to ZAKURO SHOW
5. ZAKURO SHOW performance schedule
6. Frequently asked questions about ZAKURO SHOW
Summary
1. What is ZAKURO SHOW
ZAKURO SHOW is a traditional Japanese musical instrument live event held in the Omotesando area of Tokyo. Top-level performers from across Japan showcase traditional Japanese instruments including koto, shamisen, shakuhachi, jūshichigen (17-string koto), and taiko. The performers wear colorful kimono and deliver both powerful performances and soothing melodies. Furthermore, the stage presentation includes English explanations, making it easily understandable not only for Japanese audiences but also for overseas tourists, offering a distinctive opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
Since starting in 2018, the show has expanded to include family-oriented traditional instrument concerts and online streaming, overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to resume regular performances in spring 2023. Under the concept of "bringing authenticity within reach," the approximately one-hour performances are easy to incorporate into tourist itineraries, providing a special opportunity to experience Japanese musical culture with all five senses.
1-1. How ZAKURO SHOW began
ZAKURO SHOW began when foreigners Julia and Karen faced the challenge that "there was no place in Tokyo where you could casually enjoy traditional Japanese instrument performances." When Julia first came to Japan, she was strongly drawn to traditional Japanese music, but found that kabuki had high barriers in terms of language and cost, and that you had to go to Kyoto or Kanazawa to hear authentic performances. When working at a travel agency, she received many requests from tourists saying "we want to hear traditional Japanese instruments," but was troubled by having no places to recommend.
The two then decided to create a space where anyone could enjoy traditional music in Tokyo, and launched the traditional Japanese instrument live show "ZAKURO SHOW" with English explanations and an approachable format, open to both foreigners and Japanese.
2. What you can experience at ZAKURO SHOW
ZAKURO SHOW offers various ways to enjoy traditional Japanese music from multiple perspectives. Below are three experiences you can have at ZAKURO SHOW.
2-1. Performances by traditional Japanese instrument musicians
At ZAKURO SHOW, top-class traditional Japanese instrument performers gather to present powerful performances using taiko, koto, shamisen, shinobue (bamboo flute), and other instruments. The intimate small venue allows audiences to physically feel the delicacy and power unique to traditional Japanese instruments. The powerful resonance of taiko and beautiful melodies of koto interweave, giving audiences the sensation of being enveloped in waves of sound.
Additionally, the intimate atmosphere makes it easy for interactions with performers to develop, creating not just a viewing experience but "a live performance to experience together" that becomes a special time deeply etched in memory.
2-2. Explanations about traditional Japanese instruments
At ZAKURO SHOW, in addition to performances, easy-to-understand explanations about the history and cultural background of traditional Japanese instruments are provided. By introducing the characteristics of each instrument - the powerful resonance of taiko, the delicate tones of koto, the rhythmic qualities of shamisen, and the transparent sound of shinobue - and learning about their respective roles and meanings, the viewing experience becomes much deeper.
The explanations are also available in English, making it a great attraction for overseas visitors to learn with confidence. Rather than simply enjoying the sounds, learning about their background allows for a more three-dimensional understanding of traditional Japanese music.
2-3. Hands-on instrument playing experience (groups of 5 or more only, reservation required)
ZAKURO SHOW offers hands-on playing experiences with traditional Japanese instruments by reservation for groups of 5 or more. This is a valuable opportunity to touch and learn how to play actual instruments used on stage, including taiko, koto, and shamisen. With guidance from skilled performers, even beginners can participate with confidence. Through the experience of making sounds, you can physically feel the depth of traditional Japanese music. Rather than just watching as an audience member, challenging yourself to play creates stronger memories and understanding.
3. ZAKURO SHOW × Contemporary Music
What kind of resonance is created when traditional Japanese instruments meet modern music? At ZAKURO SHOW, enjoy cover performances of modern music played with traditional instruments and immerse yourself in the charm of wagakki!
(*Please note that cover performances of modern music may not be included in the actual show. This video is provided as a reference to introduce the charm of traditional Japanese instruments.)
3-1. ZAKURO SHOW × Harry Potter — Wagakki Cover
3-2. ZAKURO SHOW × Billie Eilish “bad guy” — Wagakki Cover
3-3. ZAKURO SHOW × “My Heart Will Go On” (Love Theme from Titanic) / Lady Gaga — Wagakki Covers
4. Access to ZAKURO SHOW
The venue for ZAKURO SHOW is "Omotesando Building 60 Hall (Hall Soixante)" located in Omotesando, central Tokyo. It's just 1 minute on foot from Meiji-jingumae Station Exit 7, and 3 minutes on foot from JR Harajuku Station, offering excellent accessibility.The surrounding area features popular spots like Takeshita Street and Omotesando Hills, making it convenient to visit during sightseeing. The address is "6-34-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo," and first-time visitors can easily find it by checking the map.
5. ZAKURO SHOW performance schedule
Please refer to the schedule table below for ZAKURO SHOW's 2025 autumn-winter regular performance schedule.
6. Frequently asked questions about ZAKURO SHOW
Here are answers to frequently asked questions from ZAKURO SHOW participants.
■Can I take photographs? ■Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs and strollers? ■Can I buy food and drinks at the venue? ■Is there a dress code? |
Summary
ZAKURO SHOW is a traditional Japanese musical instrument live event held in Omotesando, Tokyo. Its major attraction is the ability to enjoy powerful performances by top domestic performers on koto, shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko, complete with English explanations. In addition to performances, the event includes historical explanations of traditional instruments and hands-on playing experiences for groups, making it accessible to both overseas travelers and Japanese participants.
It can be considered a special cultural experience that's easy to incorporate into Tokyo sightseeing plans.
*This article was created based on information as of September 2025
