Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan – No.5: 1,200 Years of Gagaku in Japan: Ancient Court Music You Can Only Experience in Tokyo Now

Experience Japan’s Oldest Living Music—Only in Tokyo’s Historic Kagurazaka

As the fifth feature in our Top 10 Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan series—following Experience Tezuma, the 1,000-Year-Old Artistic Magic—we are delighted to introduce a rare and refined cultural treasure known to only a few discerning travelers: Gagaku, Japan’s oldest court music.

Gagaku—Japan’s oldest court music, with a history of over 1,200 years—was born in the imperial courts and temples of Kyoto and Nara. For centuries, this elegant and sacred art accompanied rituals, enthroned emperors, and defined the rhythm of the aristocratic world.

Many travelers still assume that Gagaku can only be experienced in Kyoto—but times have changed.

But today, if you want to witness Gagaku in its authentic form, you won’t find it in Kyoto or Nara.

Why?

When the Samurai Era Ended, Japan’s Oldest Music Moved to Tokyo—And First Settled in Kagurazaka

Because when the samurai era ended in the 19th century and the Emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, the heart of Gagaku moved with him. Since then, this unbroken and orthodox tradition has been preserved and performed by the Imperial Household Agency in Tokyo—making the capital the official center for experiencing this rare art form up close.

And where did Gagaku first arrive in Tokyo?

Not in the center of government, but in Kagurazaka—a historic district where aristocrats and musicians gathered after the move. That’s why experiencing Gagaku in Kagurazaka today is more than just attending a performance; it's an immersive experience. It’s a return to the very birthplace of Gagaku in Tokyo.

What Is Gagaku?

Gagaku (雅楽), meaning “elegant music,” is Japan’s oldest classical music tradition, originally performed at the imperial court and major religious ceremonies. Its origins trace back to the 7th–9th centuries, when musical influences from China, Korea, and India were introduced to Japan and gradually transformed into a uniquely Japanese art form.

Gagaku is not just music—it’s a complete sensory experience that blends sound, movement, and ritual. It has two main styles:

• Kangen – purely instrumental ensemble music

• Bugaku – ancient court dance accompanied by Gagaku instruments

The Unique Aesthetics of Gagaku: Harmony Through “Ma”

Even today, these performances are held without a conductor. Musicians rely on breathing and body language to stay in sync—an embodiment of Japan’s aesthetic of “ma,” the beauty of space and timing.

Meet the Instruments: Sounds from the Past

Gagaku’s signature sound comes from three families of instruments:

1. Wind Instruments: The “Three Sacred Flutes”

• Shō (mouth organ): Produces ethereal chords said to resemble light from the heavens.

• Hichiriki (double reed): A bold, haunting lead instrument that carries the melody.

• Ryūteki (bamboo flute): Its piercing sound is likened to a dragon flying through the sky.

These three instruments form the heart of Gagaku’s soundscape, blending in layers that feel simultaneously ancient and otherworldly.

2. Strings

• Koto and Biwa provide gentle, elegant textures beneath the melodies.

• The Wagon, an ancient zither, adds a rare timbre heard only in Japan’s oldest music.

  
  

3. Percussion

• Kakko (drum), taiko, and Shōko (small bronze gong) offer the rhythmic foundation for both music and dance.

A Living Tradition: From Emperor’s Court to UNESCO

Gagaku was first institutionalized in 701 with the establishment of Japan’s Bureau of Court Music. During the Heian period (794–1185), it flourished as a cultural symbol of the aristocracy. Over time, it was preserved not just by the imperial court, but by temples, shrines, and hereditary musicians across the country.

When the Emperor moved to Tokyo in the late 19th century, the center of Gagaku activity moved with him. The music was relocated not just to Tokyo, but initially to Kagurazaka—making this refined neighborhood a fitting home for cultural revival.

Today, Gagaku continues to be performed by the Imperial Household Agency’s Music Department and was recognized by UNESCO in 2009 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Try It Yourself: A Rare Hands-On Experience

In Tokyo, we offer an extraordinary opportunity to experience Gagaku in Kagurazaka—where it first took root in the capital—not just as an audience member, but as a participant. Our intimate cultural programs include:

Live Gagaku Performance with Explanation

• Hear the majestic sounds of Shō, Hichiriki, and Ryūteki in a close-up setting

• Learn the meaning and structure of each piece from the performers themselves

Hands-On Activities

• Try blowing into the Hichiriki using a real reed mouthpiece (rozetsu)

• Touch the Shō or Ryūteki and feel the instruments’ materials and craftsmanship

Optional Bugaku Dance Performance

For those seeking an even deeper encounter, we also offer an upgraded program with Bugaku—slow, symbolic dances performed in traditional costumes. The movement, costumes, and music together recreate the aesthetic of the imperial court.

Why Kagurazaka? Tokyo’s Historical Gateway to Gagaku

Kagurazaka isn’t just where Gagaku first took root in Tokyo—it’s a district where samurai, aristocrats, and artists once walked side by side. With its stone-paved alleys, hidden shrines, and refined eateries, it remains one of Tokyo’s most culturally rich and atmospheric neighborhoods.

Why Gagaku Matters for Today’s Traveler in Japan

Unlike more familiar forms like Nohgaku or Kabuki, Gagaku remains a lesser-known treasure. But it offers something rare: a direct connection to Japan’s ancient spiritual and artistic world. The rhythms, harmonies, and silence between notes all speak to a philosophy of harmony that continues to shape Japanese aesthetics today.

This is not just a performance. It’s a moment of stillness, beauty, and depth—an encounter with Japan’s soul.

▶ Explore more: Kagurazaka Refined Wander Official Site

How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes of any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.