Classical guitarists interested in the relationship between instrument design and sound have a particularly practical event to explore in Tokyo this November. The 65th Japan Stringed Instrument Fair takes place on 7–8 November 2026 at Kudan Kaikan Terrace in Chiyoda, Tokyo.
Organised by the Japan Stringed Instrument Makers Association (JSIMA), it is a wider string-instrument fair rather than a guitar-only festival. But classical guitars are explicitly included in both days’ performance programme, and visitors can explore exhibited instruments alongside violins, violas, cellos and other string instruments.
Comparing instruments beyond appearances
The fair offers displays and opportunities to try instruments, as well as demonstrations using instruments from the exhibition. That combination is especially valuable to guitarists: qualities such as balance between registers, projection, sustain and responsiveness can be difficult to judge from specifications or photographs alone.
Classical-guitar performances are listed for both Saturday 7 November and Sunday 8 November. Saturday’s schedule also includes a violin-and-guitar duo, offering a useful contrast between plucked and bowed instruments. The organiser advises that the exact performance programme may be updated.
Visitor information
Saturday’s hours are 11am–7pm and Sunday’s are 10am–6pm. The venue is Kudan Kaikan Terrace, 1-6-5 Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Daily admission is listed at ¥1,000, with free admission for high-school students and younger. The association notes that ticket numbers are limited to manage the available exhibition space and recommends buying in advance.
When: 7–8 November 2026
Where: Kudan Kaikan Terrace, Tokyo, Japan
Official fair information and tickets (Japanese) · Performance programme (Japanese)
Illustrative guitar detail: Kazuyuki AOKI / Unsplash; not an exhibit photograph. Information checked 18 October 2026.
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