KABUKI ZA

Kabuki-za is the principal theatre in Tokyo known for its kabuki performances. The theatre hall has a history which dates back to the 19th century and boasts of a baroque Japanese revivalist style of architecture. 

Inside the theatre, there are four front curtains which are called Doncho, reflecting different seasons and designed in Nihonga style by Japanese artists. People come to this theatre to watch one of the most popular traditional performing arts in Japan, kabuki. Kabuki-za, Tokyo's premier Kabuki theatre, is a cultural gem often featured in Tokyo holiday packages for its traditional performances.

The Kabukiza Theater in Ginza has regular performances with the programs changing every month. While watching these performances, you can opt to rent an English audio guide which will tell you about the performances. The theatre also has a permanent interactive exhibition where you will be able to learn about this traditional art form.

Highlights

• Visit Kabuki-za, the principal theatre in Tokyo, where the traditional art form, Kabuki is performed. 
• Watch the all-male Kabuki performances that originated in the 16th and 17th centuries and are based on traditional tales and literature. 
• Admire the spectacular architecture of the theatre which boasts of a baroque Japanese revivalist style of architecture. 
• Walk into the Kabuki-za Gallery to look at various photographs and memorabilia from the Kabuki theatres.
• Take home a piece of Kabuki culture as a memento from the souvenir shop of the theatre.

How To Reach

1. By Car: Kabuki-za is 16.4 km from the city centre, it will take 28 min via shutokōzoku toshin kanjō-sen/ C 1 ando shutokōzoku 4-gō Shinjukusen/ Route 4 by car.

2. By Train: Take a train to Shimbashi Station which is 900 m away from the theatre. You can reach the location from the train station with a 15-minute walk

3. By Subway: Take a subway to Higashi-Ginza Station which is 57m away from the theatre. You can reach the location from the station with a 1-minute walk

Best Time To Visit

Kabuki-za operates year-round with performances scheduled throughout the year, making it accessible for visitors at any time of the year.

1. Best Season: The best season for visiting the Kabuki-za is either in Spring (from March to May) or in Autumn (from September to November). During these months, the weather is mild, and ideal for an enjoyable theatre evening.

2. Best Day of the Week: The best days of the week to visit the theatre are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays when the theatre is less crowded and tickets are more readily available. During these days, it is also possible to enjoy the theatre with better seating options.

3. The Best Time of Day: The best time of day to visit Kabuki-za is in the evening when the traditional kabuki performances are mostly held. The evening performances often start around 4 or 5 p.m. and can last several hours, providing ample time to enjoy the various performances.

Other Essential Information

Visitor Tips:

1. There are a few Japanese restaurants inside the theatre where you can dine during the 20 to 30-minute intermission. Alternatively, you can also eat and drink in your seats during intermission.

2. There is a free viewing area known as Kabukiza Gallery Corridor which is located on the 4th and 5th floors of the Kabuki-za Tower.

3. If you are not fluent in Japanese, it is better to rent an audio guide which will inform you about the performances.

4. Arrive early for the performance and get an opportunity to explore the theatre hall and its gallery.