Where to See Kabuki in Tokyo

Jun 28, 2022

Where to See Kabuki in Tokyo

When thinking of Japanese high arts such as ukiyo-e, haiku, and bonsai, Kabuki is probably one of the first things that come to mind. Kabuki, the classical Japanese dance theatre known for the stylization of its drama and the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers, is an art form created for everyone to enjoy. In fact, to the die-hard fans who continue to enjoy it today, it still is very much alive in Tokyo. 

Where to see Kabuki in Tokyo

Kabuki continues to be popular in Japan. Such that tickets can be wildly expensive. A price of upwards of 20,000 JPY is not unheard of, making Kabuki a far cry from its humble beginnings as an entertainment for the masses. We can catch a 400-year-old show in Tokyo at four main theaters.

Kabuki-za

Kabuki-za in Ginza is the main kabuki theatre in Tokyo. Opened in 1889 by Meiji-era journalist Fukuchi Gen’ichirō, it was run by the sake-brewing Shochiku Corporation since 1914. The theater is staged most days, and tickets are sold for individual acts or a play in its entirety.

• Where: 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku (map)
• Tel: 03-3545-6800
• Website: www.kabuki-za.co.jp (English)

Shinbashi Enbujo

Located between Tsukiji Market and Ginza, Shinbashi Enbujo is like a younger sister to the more famous Kabuki-za. Originally built in 1925 to house performances of local ‘geisha,’ today it sees performances of a variety of acts, including, of course, Kabuki.

• Where: 6-18-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku (map)
• Tel: 03-3541-2600
• Website: www.shinbashi-enbujo.co.jp (Japanese) www.kabuki-bito.jp (English)

Kokuritsu Gekijo

Kokuritsu Gekijo is Japan’s national theatre, and Kabuki shows various traditional Japanese theatrical performances within its three halls. Kabuki is mainly shown in its largest halls, with the likes of Noh and bunyu on its smaller stages.

• Where: 4-1  Hayabusa-cho, Chiyoda-ku (map)
• Tel: 03-3265-7411
• Website: www.ntj.jac.go.jp (English)

Meiji-za

Meiji-za in Hisamatsu-chô dates back to 1873 and has undergone a variety of misfortunes ever since –  burning down in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, bombed out during WW2, rebuilt in 1950, and again burned down again seven years later. Despite these mishaps, it continues to put on shows periodically throughout the year.

• Where: 2-31-1 Nihonbashi-Hamacho  (map)
• Tel: 03-3660-3939
• Website: www.en.meijiza.co.jp (English)

For details of where and when shows are being performed, check out the Tokyo Kabuki Guide at www.tokyokabukiguide.com

Wiiii, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons