# iKoto

> Virtual Japanese Koto (harp) instrument app with recording and playback. (iPhone/iPad app by GClue, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ikoto/id290600207 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [GClue, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/290600210)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 200 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 10 MB
- Languages: American English, Japanese
- Released: 2019-02-11
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ikoto/id290600207/reviews.md

## What is iKoto?

iKoto is an application for playing Koto（Japanese Harp） on iPhone. 
Koto is a Japanese traditional stringed musical instrument that can produce oriental tone.
Recording, playing, and demonstration functions are installed.
There are tone scale change and pitch-bend functions.
If you like Harp, you will like Koto too.
Enjoy Japanese traditional sound. 

The following three pieces of sample music are installed.
-Sakura
-Rokudan
-Fur Elise

Recording data can be stored up to three.
iKoto has a function to output recording-data into PC as WAV-file via WiFi.

The following eleven tones scale are preset.
Hira,Kumoi,Hon-Kumoi,Han-Kumoi,Kata-Kumoi
Nakazora,Iwato,Akebono,Nogi,Gaku,Hanagumo

*Be sure your iPhone is not in silent mode*

## Key features

- Virtual Koto instrument
- Recording function
- Tone scale changes
- Pitch-bend function
- WAV file export via WiFi
- Preset tone scales
- Sample music included

## What do users think of iKoto?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🎵 Beautiful, authentic koto sound quality
- 👍 Easy to use interface for beginners
- 🎹 Multiple tuning scales available
- 🎚️ Pitch bend functionality for expression
- 💾 Recording and playback features
- 😌 Relaxing and meditative experience
- 🎯 Responsive touch controls
- 🎼 Pre-recorded demo songs included

**Cons**

- 🐛 App crashes on launch or during use
- 🔇 Sound not working in certain conditions
- 📵 Requires phone to be unmuted to function
- 🎚️ Tuning selection UI displays as blank/white text
- 📱 Display scaling issues on various devices
- ⚠️ Crashes when accessing settings
- 🔄 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🎵 Limited tuning options for modern music

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup or immediately after opening
- Sound output fails without clear cause
- Tuning selection screen displays blank/white text
- Unable to change tuning modes
- App crashes when entering settings or changing notes
- Crashes when transferring songs
- Crashes during recorded music playback
- Display not optimized for newer screen sizes
- Crashes at low battery levels
- Incompatibility with latest iOS versions

**Most requested features**

- Custom tuning/string adjustment capability
- Support for modern music scales and genres
- More pre-recorded demo songs
- Ability to save unlimited recordings
- MIDI file import/export functionality
- Continuous loop playback for accompaniment
- Pitch bend control via accelerometer
- Additional Japanese instruments (Biwa, Shamisen, Shakuhachi)
- Ambient background sounds (water, wind, birds)
- Longer note sustain when holding strings
- Variable string plucking force control
- Auto-generated peaceful melodies
- Octave change controls
- Ability to save compositions with titles

## Recent user reviews (10 of 200)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ikoto/id290600207/reviews.md

### 4/5 — iphone top / ipad flop

*2026-05-16, version 5.0.1*

Während die Berührungsempfindlichkeit auf dem iphone einwandfrei funktioniert, sprechen die Saiten auf dem ipad teilweise nicht auf die Berührung an. Sehr schade.

### 5/5 — とっても使いやすい

*2025-12-15, version 5.0.1*

今日アプリをダウンロードして使いました。
自由に調弦出来たらもっといいなと思います！

### 5/5 — I Love This App but…

*2025-10-29, version 5.0.1*

You can’t have your phone on silent mode and I normally do.

### 1/5 — Needs Update

*2024-07-10, version 5.0.1*

The sound no longer works.

### 5/5 — wunderbar!!!

*2024-03-24, version 5.0.1*

wer japanische klänge mag: kaufen!!! einen guten tee und dann ikoto spielen: meditation pur!!!! hab die rezennsion geschrieben, als die app draussen war: bach vielen jahren: immer noch eine meiner lieblingsapps❤️❤️❤️einfach nur wunderbar

### 2/5 — 調子がバグです。

*2022-12-17, version 5.0.1*

調子を変えようとしても変えられません。
調子ボタンを押しても、選択する調子の表示がなく、なにもないところを適当に押して、何の調子が出てくるかわからない状態。
平調子から乃木調子に変えたいのに、帰ることができません。お箏を習っている子供も残念がっています。

### 1/5 — 調子が変えられない

*2022-09-21, version 5.0.1*

1年前のレビューでも書いている方がいますが、調子を選択するところが真っ白でなにが書いてあるか分かりません。
加えて、iOSを最新にしたせいか分かりませんが、(真っ白なのは変わらずですが、更に)調子を選択することすらできなくなりました。
300円以上するアプリで、安いといえば安いですが、数十年前にお琴をほんの少しやっていた私にはやはり使いづらいものでした。
本物のお琴だと、位置の感覚でこの音と分かっていたけど、平らなスマホに線(弦)があるので、感覚的に弾くことがとても難しいです。
お琴の本物を買うのはなかなか難しいので、このアプリでちょっと練習しようかな？と思いましたが、残念ながら厳しいですね。
とりあえず調子を選択できるようにして欲しいのと、調子の表示がちゃんと見えるようにアプデして貰えませんか？
無料じゃないので、そのくらいの対応はして欲しいです。

### 4/5 — 嬉しい♪

*2021-07-13, version 5.0.1*

やっと使えるようになりました！
ありがとうございます♪

### 3/5 — 少し箏で遊びたい時に

*2021-07-13, version 5.0.1*

昔箏曲部にいたので、時々思い出して遊ぶのにいいアプリです。
「調子」のところで調子を選びたいのですが、文字が真っ白になっていて読めないため、当たりをつけて上から選んでいくしかありません。ぜひ直していただけたらと思います。

### 1/5 — 全く使えません

*2021-02-03, version 4.01*

アプリ落ちして、開くことも出来ません！詐欺としかいいようがない！返金して欲しい！最悪です

## Frequently asked questions about iKoto

### What is iKoto?

iKoto is a mobile application that simulates playing the Koto, a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, on an iPhone. It allows users to produce oriental tones, record their performances, and experiment with various musical features.

### What are the key features of iKoto?

Key features include a virtual Koto instrument, recording capabilities with storage for up to three recordings, tone scale changes, pitch-bend functionality, and the ability to export recordings as WAV files via WiFi. It also comes with eleven preset tone scales and three sample music pieces.

### Is iKoto free to use?

Yes, based on the provided information, iKoto is a free application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting it is entirely free to download and use.

### What kind of music can I play with iKoto?

You can play a variety of music with iKoto, including traditional Japanese melodies that utilize oriental tones. The app comes with three sample pieces: 'Sakura', 'Rokudan', and 'Fur Elise', and allows for custom recordings with different tone scales.

### How can I export my recordings?

iKoto allows you to export your recorded performances as WAV files. This can be done wirelessly via WiFi, enabling you to transfer your musical creations to a PC for further editing or sharing.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.0.1 — 2021-07-12

Support iOS 14.

### 4.01 — 2016-12-02

-Bug fix.

### 4.00 — 2013-06-06

· iPhone5 screen support

### 3.32 — 2011-03-09

-Bug fixed.

### 3.31 — 2010-08-21

-bug fixed

## Apps similar to iKoto

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Pistoneer - Brass Instrument](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pistoneer-brass-instrument/id6748602786) | — | $1.99 | Music |
| [Red Koto](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/red-koto/id387575031) | 1.0 (1) | $8.99 | Music |
| [CC Harp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cc-harp/id1526785348) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Music |
| [Piano Kit - Piano Chords](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piano-kit-piano-chords/id557213547) | 2.0 (1) | $2.99 | Music |
| [Guitar Kit - Guitar Chords](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guitar-kit-guitar-chords/id387169812) | 5.0 (3) | $2.99 | Music |
| [Chord NOTE](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chord-note/id369248019) | 3.0 (3) | $2.99 | Music |

## More apps by GClue, Inc.

- [Ninja Cat Ranger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ninja-cat-ranger/id511248018)
- [DeviceWebAPIBrowser](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/devicewebapibrowser/id994422987)
- [奥日光ナビ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1620149411)
- [日光ナビ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id6503337316)

All apps by GClue, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/290600210

## Related topics

[kotona](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/kotona) · [ryobi gdo](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ryobi-gdo) · [akitabox](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/akitabox)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*