I participated in the rehearsals and concerts of one of Kyoto’s amateur orchestras (~50 ppl). Rehearsals are once a week, in rotating locations and regular sectionals, and the main concert is once a year (February).

As an amateur orchestra, naturally the players are on the older side, but there are a few college age students. Everyone was extremely welcoming and kind, got to meet something really awesome people and learned musical terms in Japanese.

Pretty much anyone can join, so don’t be intimidated! Make an effort to talk to those around you. There are other orchestras in Kyoto you may be able to join, if you’ve brought your instrument to Japan. Doshisha was oddly exclusive and cliquey—a Japanese friend corroborated with similar experiences. Kyoto Three Universities Joint Symphony Orchestra is a very welcoming college-level orchestra, but it’s a bit chaotic and their rehearsal schedule is fairly intensive. Ultimately, figure out what you want from joining orchestra in Japan. I wanted to talk to people who likes music so things worked out.