Experience Modern Japan Through Sound and Beauty at DRUM TAO Kyoto
DRUM TAO Comes to Kyoto!
What is DRUM TAO?
Simply put—it’s incredibly cool! A DRUM TAO performance is not just entertainment where you watch taiko drumming.
Performers dressed in traditional Japanese attire appear on stage, along with stunning and glamorous oiran characters.
On top of that, the collaboration between the massive background screen visuals and the live performance is absolutely breathtaking!
We attended a preview event of DRUM TAO, known not only for its sound but also for its visually captivating production!
We also received messages from the president and performers for people in Kansai experiencing “Expo loss,” so be sure to read until the end!
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What is DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO?
When you exit Kyoto Station from the south side, you’ll see Avanti right in front of you.
The permanent theater on the 9th floor immediately overwhelms you with its refined, adult atmosphere and Japanese aesthetic the moment you step out of the elevator.
A massive noren curtain hangs at the theater entrance, and the lobby features cherry blossom arrangements and large taiko drums, building excitement even before entering the theater!
From the very front row, the distance to the stage runway is extremely close, allowing you to enjoy the powerful performance up close.
Although the theater has a maximum capacity of 325 seats, it is usually set up with a runway, reducing capacity to 272 seats.
Because it’s a compact venue, even seats at the very back feel close to the performers.
According to the president, this theater size allows audiences to enjoy the natural sound of the drums.
(In larger venues, sound is amplified using PA systems.)
Part 1 “HIBIKI”, Part 2 “YUME”
A truly overwhelming performance! At the preview event, shortened versions of Part 1 “HIBIKI” and Part 2 “YUME” were showcased. 
Normally, each part runs for 40 minutes (80 minutes total), but this time a condensed 18-minute highlight version was presented.
What makes DRUM TAO so cool isn’t just the taiko drumming—it’s how perfectly the background visuals match the performance.
In addition to taiko and musical instruments, there are also performances using sword-like props, which were incredibly impressive.
The music is also amazing—this scene, for example, 
The track “R・KAGURA,” played in scenes like these, is one I personally fell in love with when I first saw DRUM TAO at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
*If you’re using an iPhone, you can listen on iTunes (Apple Music), so try searching for “DRUM TAO”!
Part 2 “YUME” – A Fantastical Performance
Unlike Part 1 “HIBIKI,” which is an energetic live show that unites performers and audience, Part 2 features a more幻想的 (dreamlike) performance.
At the preview, it wasn’t clear exactly when Part 2 began, but some standout幻想的 scenes included:
A taiko performance set against full-bloom cherry blossoms 
A scene that looks like it could appear in an anime 
A koto performance set against a starry sky
DRUM TAO KYOTO Premium Seats
Premium seats (including front-row seats) come with several perks.
In Part 1, you receive an original happi coat and can enter early to take photos of the stage before the show.
In Part 2, DRUM TAO members personally hand you an original souvenir.
One moment where the value of premium seats really stood out was during the large flag performance.
Watching the performers skillfully wave massive flags up close—and even feeling the wind from them—was an unforgettable experience.
There are also moments during the show when performers come into the audience, and from premium seats, they come incredibly close.
We spoke with the president and costume designer Junko Koshino about their dedication to production and costumes.
We also received messages from the president and performers for people living in Kansai.
Theme park expert in Universal Studios Japan and Expo 2025 Osaka. CEO of Happyell Inc. and Editor-in-Chief of Theme Park Media Happyell. Visiting USJ for 25+ years, Crystal Rank member, sharing guides and crowd forecasts.