If you’d like to catch a kabuki performance while in Tokyo, it’s actually pretty easy to do, especially if you’re happy with just one act of a performance. Here are all the details.
Heisei Nakamura © gungirlnewyork
Tokyo Kabuki Introduction
A kabuki performance is like watching an alien stage show from another galaxy. The entire thing is otherworldly – from the bizarre vocal style to the flamboyant costumes. Kabuki is truly an “only in Japan” experience. Full kabuki dramas last up to several hours and they’re probably way too much for anyone but die-hard fans. But, if you’d like to just get a taste of kabuki, there’s a great option for tourists: You can catch just one act (known as “hitomakumi” in Japanese). And, there’s no need to buy tickets in advance: You can just show up at the venue and buy one-act tickets.
Tokyo’s main kabuki venue is Kabukiza Theatre, which is located in Ginza. It’s directly connected Higashi-Ginza subway station.
Before going, check the schedule of upcoming shows on the Kabukiza English web page to make sure there is a show on when you are in town.
You can also check Klook for availability to buy kabuki tickets in advance.
How to Buy One-Act Tickets at Kabukiza
After checking the schedule (see above) to determine that there is a show on, head to Higashi-Ginza subway station, which is on the Hibiya and Asakusa subway lines. Follow the signs for exit #3, which is directly below the theatre. Get up to street level and walk to the front of the theatre. On the left side of the building, you will see a red bench and a line of people waiting to buy tickets. This is the line for one-act tickets.
Line for one-act tickets - image © Chris Rowthorn
There will be a sign near the line that shows the day’s schedule and which tickets are currently on sale. One-act tickets for daytime shows usually cost Y1,000 and one-act tickets for evening shows usually cost Y2,000. There are usually attendants on hand who speak enough English to explain things. You may have to wait a few minutes before being able to approach the ticket window to buy your ticket(s).
Kabuki schedule and one-act ticket sale sign - image © Chris Rowthorn
Here’s the ticket window for one-act tickets:
One-act ticket window - image © Chris Rowthorn
The actual one-act ticket will be written only in Japanese, but you will be able to read the time that the act begins, which is written clearly in numbers. As the instructions on the ticket state (in Japanese), you should enter the hall about 20 minutes before the curtain goes on, so get there about 20 minutes before the time printed on your ticket.
One-act kabuki ticket - image © Chris Rowthorn
When you enter the theatre, you will be directed to the elevator that takes you up to the 4th floor, which is where the one-act ticket holders sit (or stand). The seats in this section are unreserved, so that you can sit in any open seat. The seats are pretty cramped and you’ll be crammed right up against whoever is next to you. If the seats are full or you just want a little more personal space, you are allowed to stand. Note that phone use and photography are prohibited during the show.
Buying Advance Tickets and Better Seats for Kabuki in Tokyo
If you’d like to sit closer to the action or want to buy advance tickets for a performance at Kabukiza, it’s also quite easy to do. Just head to Kabukiza and take the escalator down to the basem*nt level (the sign above the escalator indicates Higashi-Ginza subway station).
Escalator down to Kabukiza Ticket Office - image © Chris Rowthorn
At the bottom of the escalator make a U-turn to the right and you will see the Kabukiza Ticket Office, which is marked in Japanese and English. The ladies here usually speak enough to help you select a show and your seats.
Useful Links
- If you’re heading to Kyoto and want to see kabuki there, check the Kyoto Minamiza Kabuki Theatre English webpage.
- For historical details of kabuki and more on the experience of seeing a kabuki performance, see Kabuki at Kyoto’s Minamiza Theatre.
Check Hotel Availability
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:
- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Tokyo District Map
Click a Tokyo District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
- Asakusa
- Ueno
- Imperial Palace Area
- Tokyo Station
- Shimbashi Shiodome Hamamatsucho Shinagawa
- Ginza
- Tsukiji
- Akihabara Kanda
- Odaiba
- Roppongi Akasaka
- Harajuku Aoyama
- Shinjuku
- Ebisu Daikanyama Meguro
- Shibuya
