Tokyo & its International Guitar Competition: a guitarist's travel guide
Tokyo International Guitar Competition · Tokyo, Japan
Japan has one of the deepest guitar cultures anywhere, and the Tokyo International Guitar Competition sits at the heart of it, with a lineage stretching back to the late 1940s. Run by the Japan Federation of Guitarists and usually held at the intimate Hakuju Hall, it is one of Asia's oldest guitar competitions and a fine excuse to visit an endlessly rewarding city.
Getting there
Tokyo is served by two airports, Haneda (HND) close to the city and Narita (NRT) further out, both linked in by fast trains. Within the city the rail and metro network is famously efficient, and Hakuju Hall sits near Yoyogi-Hachiman in the Shibuya district.
Compare trains, buses & flights to Tokyo on Omio →
Where to stay
Basing yourself around Shinjuku or Shibuya keeps you near the hall and on the best transport lines, with the whole city a short train ride away. Tokyo rewards curiosity, so pick a walkable neighbourhood and explore outward.
An interactive map of hotels, apartments and B&Bs across Booking, Expedia, Airbnb and more, centred on Tokyo.
See stays in Tokyo →What you'll hear
The competition runs from a recorded first round to live rounds at Hakuju Hall, judged by the country's leading guitarists, and recent finals have been streamed online. Its long history and high standard make it a serious stop on the international circuit. Hearing it in a hall as fine as Hakuju is part of the appeal.
If you play as well as listen, explore Tōru Takemitsu, Japan's foremost guitar composer on Sheet Music Plus →
Where to eat
Tokyo is one of the greatest eating cities on earth, so range widely: sushi at a counter, tempura, rich Tokyo-style ramen, and the savoury griddle cakes of monjayaki. From department-store food halls to tiny alley bars, the city never disappoints.
While you're there
The temple town of Kamakura, with its Great Buddha, is about an hour away by train, and the shrines and mountains of Nikko make a longer day trip north. In the city, the contrast of ancient shrines and neon districts fills every hour. A rental car makes the day trips simple, and GetYourGuide lists guided tours and tickets across the region.
Enter the pieces you play, and GuitarComp shows how your programme maps to this competition's rounds and which other events you qualify for.
See full competition details →Competition dates, deadlines and the current compulsory work change each edition, so always confirm at the official site: guitarists.or.jp.