7 Kabuki Experiences for Foreigners in Tokyo

Tokyo is a metropolis that attracts tourists from all over the world and is a fascinating place to experience.

In this city that once flourished as Edo, you will be able to experience many traditional cultures.

Kabuki is one of these cultures that is particularly popular among foreigners. In the Kabuki experience, you can experience music played by traditional instruments, unique dialogues, and dynamic performances.

In Tokyo, in particular, you can view kabuki performances at Kabuki-za theaters and other venues, where you can also see them up close and personal. This article introduces some of the best places in Tokyo for foreigners to experience Kabuki.

If you want toentertain foreigners in Tokyo and have them experience traditional culture, this is the place for you. Experiencing the historical background and the world of Kabuki, which continues to this day, will be a memorable experience during your stay in Japan!

7 Kabuki Experiences for Foreigners in Tokyo

Tokyo offers a variety of styles of Kabuki experience for foreigners, from places and stores where even Kabuki beginners can casually experience Kabuki to services that offer authentic experiences.

We have gathered a list of places and services where foreigners can safely experience Kabuki. Here are some of the recommended Kabuki experiences in Tokyo.

The Center of Japanese Kabuki｜Kabuki-za Theater

The Kabuki-za Theater, located in Ginza, Tokyo, is the home of kabuki, as it is known. The first Kabuki-za opened in 1889 (Meiji 22), and the current Kabuki-za is the fifth generation. The Kabuki-za overcame many hardships, including the Great Kanto Earthquake, which interrupted construction, and wartime air raids, which destroyed all but the outer walls.

However, the location has not changed since the first Kabuki-za, and it still continues to view its history in Ginza 4-chome, Chuo-ku. Many Kabuki performances are staged here, and the direct connection from the Higashi-Ginza subway station is a nice feature.

Basic Store and Service Information
Store/Service Name	Kabuki-za (theatre in Tokyo)
address (e.g. of house)	12-15, Ginza 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Phone number	0335456800
Business Hours	10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Languages supported	English, Chinese, Korean
Charge	Depends on the program
Official Site	https://www.kabuki-za.co.jp/

Hidden Kabuki Spots｜Shinbashi Enbujo

Shinbashi Enbujo was opened in 1925 and is located in Shinbashi, Tokyo. 1923 saw the start of construction, but construction was interrupted by the Great Kanto Earthquake. After overcoming hardships, the entire construction was completed over a period of 20 months, and the theater was safely opened. However, the entire inside of the building was destroyed in an air raid, leaving only the exterior.

In 1982, the current performance hall was renovated. The new design, including the bricks at the entrance, was carefully inherited from the spirit of the old Enbujo design. Today, not only Kabuki but also Super Kabuki and concerts are held here.

Basic Store and Service Information
Store/Service Name	Shinbashi Enbaijo
address (e.g. of house)	6-18-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Phone number	03-3541-2600
Business Hours	10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Languages supported	English (language)
Charge	Depends on the program
Official Site	https://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/theater/enbujyo/

New Year’s Eve｜Asakusa Public Hall

Asakusa Public Hall is a public hall located in Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, and remains a venue for kabuki, horticulture, concerts and comic performances. There are three types of facilities: a hall, an assembly room, and an exhibition hall, where individuals and groups can hold events.

Many fans look forward to the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s New Year Asakusa Kabuki performances, which are customarily held during the New Year’s holiday and January. Handprints of entertainers associated with Asakusa who have contributed to the promotion of the performing arts are placed in the star square at the main entrance.

Basic Store and Service Information
Store/Service Name	Asakusa Public Hall
address (e.g. of house)	1-38-6 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Phone number	03-3844-7491
Business Hours	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Languages supported	English (language)
Charge	Depends on the program
Official Site	https://asakusa-koukaidou.net/

A Surprising Hole in the Road! | Kabuki Experience at the New National Theatre, Tokyo

Kabuki performances can also be seen at the New National Theatre, Tokyo. Originally, kabuki performances were held at the National Theatre in Hanzomon, Tokyo, but the National Theatre is currently undergoing a major renovation.

During this time, the New National Theatre also presents Kabuki performances, which can be viewed by making a reservation in advance. The program varies from time to time, but some plays are presented as an introduction to Kabuki and are friendly to beginners.

Basic Store and Service Information
Store/Service Name	New National Theater, Tokyo
address (e.g. of house)	1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0071, Japan
Phone number	03-5351-3011
Business Hours	9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Languages supported	None stated
Charge	Varies by program
Official Site	https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/schedule/kokuritsu_l/2024/9/

Experience traditional performing arts up close｜Kabukitaro

Kabukitaro is a service that allows you to experience Kabuki up close and personal, including Kabuki courses, premium theater performances, and presentations. You can watch authentic actors perform kabuki right in front of your eyes at our rehearsal hall in Nihonbashi.

There is also a course that allows visitors to experience kumadori, the process of applying white makeup to the face, which is sure to be appreciated by foreigners.

Basic Store and Service Information
Store/Service Name	kabuki taro
address (e.g. of house)	Sleepy Nihonbashi Bldg. 7F, 4-1-13 Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023, Japan
Phone number	03-6262-5150
Business Hours	9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Languages supported	None stated
Charge	Depends on the program
Official Site	https://kabukitaro.jp/

Experience Kabuki scripts from the Edo period｜Asakusa Culture Center

Taito City is developing the Edo Renaissance Project to pass on the history and traditional culture that has continued from Edo to the composition, polish local resources as the Edo brand, and disseminate them domestically and internationally.

As part of the event, visitors can experience a demonstration and hands-on experience of the traditional Edo culture of “Kabuki Script and Kantei-ryu” calligraphy. The experience is free of charge, so why not stop by when you are sightseeing in Asakusa?

Basic Store and Service Information
Store/Service Name	Asakusa Cultural Center
address (e.g. of house)	2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0034, Japan
Phone number	03-3842-5566
Business Hours	The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (subject to change according to circumstances)
Languages supported	None stated
Charge	free
Official Site	https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/bunka_kanko/kankoinfo/info/oyakudachi/kankocenter/20200225.html

Kabuki Costume Experience in Yanaka｜YANESEN

Basic Store and Service Information
Store/Service Name	YANESEN
address (e.g. of house)	3-13-7 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan
Phone number	03-5834-7025
Business Hours	None stated
Languages supported	None stated
Charge	Rates on request.
Official Site	https://www.ti-yanesen.jp/%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E

Motenas Japan for attentive and high quality hospitality

If you want to experience traditional culture with more attentive and higher quality services, please contact Motenas Japan once. Kabuki is a traditional culture with a 400-year history, and everyone knows it. Its realism and unique atmosphere will be enjoyed not only by foreigners but also by Japanese people.

Motenas Japan’s Kabuki experience begins with a digest of the history of Kabuki before beginning the viewing. We are available for experiences in other parts of Japan in addition to Tokyo, so why not consider it for entertaining foreign VIPs? Click here to contact us.