I recently came across a small museum in Asakusa 浅草 devoted to drums. It is not too far from the other main attraction in Asakusa - Sensoji, so this might be a nice stop after you've visited that famous temple.
The Tokyo Taikokan Drum Museum is on the fourth floor of a rather nondescript building which houses some 600 drums under one roof/exhibit.
The great thing about this museum is that it is not merely a place that houses some nice items to look at....no, no, no....this museum is interactive and you are encouraged to pick up a pair of drum sticks next to a drum and play till your hearts content. (Items marked with a red mark can be played and enjoyed). In fact when I arrived, it was pin drop quiet; however, in a matter of minutes some kids arrived and the place was loud and lively.
They have drums literally from all over the world, for example : Japan (Kotsuzumi - a sheep skull drum used in Noh), Korea (Junggo Imperial Drum from the Kan Dynasty), Myanmar (Mahoratuk - a 15th century Frog Drum which was a symbol of a rulers wealthy and authority), Spain (Pandero de pecho), Ireland (Bodhran) and India (Khol) to name but a few.
On the ground floor is a shop that specializes in drums ranging from those used in Japanese festivals, as well as Japanese flutes, masks and some souvenir items as well. You'll actually buy your ticket to the museum in this shop before taking the elevator upstairs to the museum gallery.
The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10Am - 5PM and admission is JPY300. Feel free to take a look at their web site for additional details : www.tctv.ne.jp/members/taikokan
All the best....Mark
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