Tokyo for Taiko Lovers: Visits to Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, Okadaya Fuse & Japan Percussion Center in Asakusa

As a taiko artist who collects instruments in traditional styles such as Edo Bayashi and Hogaku Bayashi, I always plan to visit certain Asakusa shops when I travel to Tokyo. These places are treasure troves, not only for instruments but for history, sound, and craftsmanship.

Here are three must‑stop stores in Asakusa: Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, Okadaya Fuse, and Japan Percussion Center (JPC). I’ll share addresses, hours, what makes each unique, a walking route covering all three from the nearest station, and a few personal notes on instruments I own or have heard.

1. Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten

Address: Head Office / Flagship: 6‑1‑15 Asakusa, Taito‑ku, Tokyo 111‑0032. Nishi Asakusa Store: 2‑1‑1, Asakusa, Taito‑ku, Tokyo 111‑0035.

Hours:
– Head Office: 9:00‑18:00 daily
– Nishi Asakusa Store: 9:00‑17:00 daily
– Drum Museum (Taikokan): 10:00‑17:00, closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Why visit: Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten is legendary. Founded in 1861, it’s a lineage shop for taiko drums, mikoshi, festival gear, and other traditional instruments. They recently introduced a new line of okedo (the staved barrel taiko drums). I don’t own any okedo yet, but I’ve heard them played there — rich tone, crisp rim, beautifully crafted.

Video: MIYAMOTO UNOSUKE SHOTEN – https://youtu.be/021caJpWgXw?si=gH_AK41OZvqhC7IB

MIYAMOTO UNOSUKE SHOTEN Introduction Video

2. Okadaya Fuse

Address: 1‑16‑5 Kaminarimon, Taito‑ku, Tokyo 111‑0034.

Hours: 10:00‑18:00. Closed Wednesdays.

Why visit: This is a classic shop, operating since 1835, specializing in festival drums, ritual instruments, and Buddhist instruments. They have a great selection of Rin bowls (Buddhist singing bowls).

Video: OKADAYA FUSE – https://youtu.be/OV2M0eLCG58?si=hChWtVH_e3_KFfja

OKADAYA FUSE Introduction Video

3. Japan Percussion Center (JPC)

Address: 1‑7‑1 Nishiasakusa, Taito‑ku, Tokyo.

Hours: Weekdays 12:00‑19:30; weekends & holidays 11:00‑18:30. Closed Tuesdays (unless a holiday).

Why visit: JPC is a seven‑story percussion paradise. They carry instruments from around the world: everything from concert snare drums, ethnic drums, world percussion, small instruments, mallets, hardware, cymbals, and more. I personally own a pair of high‑end Hyōshigi woodblocks from here — sharp crisp sound, excellent craftsmanship.

Video Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCTCFMLqOj0

JAPAN PERCUSSION CENTER Video Tour

Route & Suggested Itinerary

Start at Tawaramachi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Exit 3).
1. Walk 5 min to Japan Percussion Center.
2. Walk 5–8 min east to Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten (Nishi Asakusa Store).
3. Walk ~10 min south to Okadaya Fuse near Kaminarimon (Sensoji).

Final Thoughts

If you love taiko, Tokyo is more than a visit — it’s a pilgrimage. Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten gives you history, craftsmanship, and new okedo. Okadaya Fuse lets you touch ceremony through rin bowls and ritual instruments. Japan Percussion Center broadens your view globally and lets you hear and test instruments of all kinds.