Written by Patrick Balfe
YAMATO is one of Japan’s most prolific and exciting taiko drum troupes. Based in Nara, they’ve performed to over 10 million people in 55 countries, and this January they’ll be performing a series of special shows and workshops.
What to expect
With over 40 drums on stage up to 1.5 meters wide, YAMATO is known for their energetic and moving performances. Their shows range from the formidable and dramatic to the light-hearted and fun, and their performances this January are set to show their full dynamic range to audiences in Nara.
In addition to multiple mini-performances and workshops at the Nara Park Bus Terminal Lecture Hall from January 2 to 5, they’ll also present a special 2-hour New Year performance on January 10 at Pegasus Hall.
Schedule
From January 2 to January 5, Yamato will perform two different types of 70-minute shows (Show A and Show B) multiple times daily in addition to a 60-minute taiko workshop. From January 2 to 4, they’ll perform three shows daily, and on January 5, they will perform two shows.
January 2 to 5
- Performance (70 min): 11:00 (A) | 15:00 (B) | 18:00 (A)
- Taiko Workshop: 13:00
Saturday, January 3
- Performance (70 min): 11:00 (B) | 15:00 (A) | 18:00 (B)
- Taiko Workshop: 13:00
Sunday, January 4
- Performance (70 min): 11:00 (A) | 15:00 (B) | 18:00 (A)
- Taiko Workshop: 13:00
Monday, January 5
- Performance (70 min): 11:00 (B) | 15:00 (A)
- Taiko Workshop: 13:00
Doors will open 30 minutes before each performance, 15 minutes before each workshop.
January 10 New Year Performance
January 10 will be the day of their special two-hour New Year performance. The show will take place at Pegasus Hall at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets for the January 2 to 5 performances are ¥3,500 in advance or ¥4,000 on the day. Tickets for the workshops are ¥1,000.
Purchase here.
Tickets for the January 10 New Year performance are ¥5,500 in advance or ¥6,000. All seats are reserved.
Purchase here.
How to get there
For the Nara Park Bus Station Lecture Hall performances and workshops, from Nara Kintetsu Station, take Exit 1 and walk for around 10 minutes. If you’re coming from JR Nara Station, from the East Exit bus terminal, take the Nara Kotsu Route 2 City Loop Bus (Outer Loop) for about 10 minutes and disembark at Kencho-mae bus stop. From there, it’s a roughly 3-minute walk.
For the Pegasus Hall show, bus or car are your best forms of transport. From Ōji Station or Goidō Station, take the bus to Kanmaki Town Cultural Center. Parking is available if you’re coming by car.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
