Moved to Japan, recommendations on where to buy a Shamisen

General
#1

Hey Gang,

Very enthused to get my hands on a Shamisen, just moved to Yamaguchi prefecture for work and just wanted to pulse the crowd on where might be the best places around to go try/buy one? I am really looking to get into a traditional instrument and this one just screams out to me.

Having built a few cigar box guitars and being a mountain dulcimer player, the sound and quirky set up of these beautiful instruments is a must add to the collection.

Glad to be here and thank you so much for your time.

Very Respectfully,
Cameron

#2

Hey there, welcome.

Most big cities in Japan have at least one wagakki store - if you can, try searching for it! If you can’t Japanese very well, copy/paste this and see what comes up.

和楽器屋

Failing that, most stores have an e-shop front. Shamisen Rakuya and Muramatsuya (here in Toyama) are great options - the latter being more expensive usually.

Kameya or Katoh in Tokyo are popular with lots of folks here. Sansuien near Nagoya is excellent - and the owner is English capable.

And you can always buy from Bachido, of course!

Good luck :slight_smile:

#3

Thanks, once quarantine is done I am looking forward to checking out a spot in Iwakuni. Nacho do is definitely on my radar as soon as inventory gets replenished.

© 2020 Kyle Abbott