The theater itself was so beautiful both outside and inside, even if you're not there for a show I'd recommend visiting if you're in Ginza. The show was great as well. The actors really go full force which made for an entertaining show. The main issue is the seats in the theater. If you are a taller or bigger person, you're going to have a hard time sitting without a little leg pain. I'm only 5'7 and my knees were basically touching the chair in front of me. I had a friend who is 6' and they could not sit comfortably no matter how the oriented themselves.
Great time at Kabuki tonight. Unless you’re a serious connoisseur, I would suggest you just pay for one act instead of the four hour "whole enchilada". Even as a decent Japanese speaker I suggest the translator tablet. Much of the Japanese is sing-song and or archaic and difficult for even native speakers to understand.
Purchased Single Act tickets (about $30 each) the day prior. Liked that we got to attend for a partial show instead of commuting to an entire day/performance.
For some reason, we opted to not rent the translation devices (about $6 each)... would not recommend watching without one. Found it very difficult to follow along as it's not intended to be watched without listening/understanding. Wish we could do it over again.
Enjoyed the lovely theater, vibrant costumes, and traditional looking set. Would rexommend for a nice, authentic Japanese theater experience!
We arrived at the show expecting a serious affair, but were pleasantly surprised by its playful, even comedic tone. Even as native Japanese speakers, some of the dialogue was very difficult to understand.
We highly recommend renting the subtitle tablets for a full, immersive, and enjoyable experience.
Kabuki is a must-see Japanse art performance, which was most valuable for me.
I booked the ticket a month in advance, with English Captioning Service, but the theatre was so fascinating to read all the captions, so a quick glance was enough to get a story plot.
The performance lasts about four hours with three times intermission that didn't let you get tired of seating.
Watching all acts and amazing scene sets not only was exquisite but also breathtaking.
The staff were so polite and helpful.
I highly recommend it if you are in Tokyo to have a deep cultural experience of Edo period. I would definitely go for it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full-performance tickets cover the entire four-hour program with multiple acts. Single-act tickets cover one act lasting 60 to 90 minutes and cost ¥1,000 to ¥2,000. Single-act tickets are fourth-floor unreserved seats sold only on the day of performance.
No. Kabukiza provides English audio guide headsets for rent with story explanations and some seats have English subtitle screens. Photography and video recording are prohibited during performances.
Yes. Food can be brought to seats. The theater sells bento boxes and snacks in the basement and at concession stands.
Book one to two months ahead for reserved seats. Tickets go on sale the second or third day of the previous month. Single-act tickets are sold day-of-performance only.
