Japan is full of so many unique cultural experiences. We had a lot planned for our first trip to Japan but one of our favourites was something done on a whim: Kabuki Theatre. It is such a memorable experience and we highly recommend experiencing Kabuki Theatre as a tourist!
It can be intimidating to try and watch a live show when you don’t speak the language. However, we have a lot of tips on how you can see Kabuki Theatre as a tourist in Japan to make it as easy as possible. Read on below to find out what it is, how to get Kabuki tickets, and what to expect from your first show.
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What Is Kabuki Theatre?
Traditional Japanese Theatre
Basically, Kabuki Theatre is a form of traditional Japanese theatre. It is different from Broadway-style shows with actors speaking lines in between big song-and-dance numbers. Instead, Kabuki Theatre is heavily visual with a story being told by a Japanese orchestra. The music and narrative is then brought to life with the actors’ interpretive dancing.
One thing you’ll notice about Kabuki Theatre are the distinctive and dramatic painted faces on the actors. This makeup is meant to highlight certain features or help the actor transform into the mythical figure they’re playing. This, combined with the elaborate costumes, helps create an atmosphere for the crowd.
Origins of Kabuki
Kabuki Theatre dates back to the 17th century with roaming troupes performing sketches in and around Kyoto. From there, it grew into the more structured and extravagant display we know today. Most of the shows you can see today can be hundreds of years old!
There have been some modern additions to Kabuki Theatre over the years like trap doors and rotating stages to add more spectacle. You will also always find a hanamichi or catwalk-like stage extension in every theatre. These are used for actors to make dramatic entrances or exits and to highlight important scenes.
Where to See Kabuki Theatre in Japan
There are a lot of places to watch Kabuki Theatre in Japan ranging from small, pop-up style venues to large, formal spaces open all year. However, if you want to see Kabuki Theatre as a tourist in Japan we recommend choosing one of the larger places. These venues often cater to tourists while there might be more of a language barrier at the small theatres.
Kabuki-Za Theatre Tokyo
When you are in Tokyo, especially if you’re near Ginza, grab your SUICA Card and head over to Kabuki-za Theatre next to Higashi-ginza Station. The building was originally built in 1889 to showcase some of the best Kabuki Theatre that Japan has to offer. It combines an old-world feel with modern amenities for an audience up to 2,000 people.
We highly recommend Kabuki-za Theatre for your first Kabuki experience because they are accommodating to tourists. The staff are super friendly and have information sheets in many different languages. Just be sure to get your tickets early because shows sell out almost every night.
Kabuki Around in Japan
If your trip to Japan doesn’t include any time in Tokyo you can still get a chance to experience Kabuki Theatre as a tourist. We still recommend checking out the local theatre early to know what is playing that month. You will also get a sense of how busy the theatre is so you know what time to arrive for the show (more on that later).
You should stick to the bigger Kabuki Theatres in major cities for the best tourist experience. This means theatres like Minami-za in Kyoto, Misono-za in Nagoya, Hakata-za in Fukuoka. We only visited Kabuki-za in Tokyo so our tips focus on that theatre. However, we’ve found the ticket and viewing process to be the same at the other major theatres so you can still use this article as a guide.
How to Get Kabuki Theatre Tickets
Getting Tickets is Easy...ish
It is possible to buy some Kabuki Theatre tickets online or, if you speak Japanese, by phone. If, like us, you don’t know much more than sumimasen, we recommend visiting the theatre box office in person. They will be able to help in a few different languages. If nobody speaks the language, we can almost guarantee they at least have an info sheet you can read. You will need to visit the box office in person if you’re looking to get Single Act Tickets.
See One Act at a Time
A full Kabuki Theatre show can last up to 4 hours or more! As amazing as the shows are, we just don’t have that much time while travelling. Luckily, Kabukiza Theatre (and other major theatres) offer Single Act Tickets that are perfect for tourists.
These tickets are just like they sound – a ticket getting you in to see a single act of the show. Each act is about 40 minutes to 1 hour long which is perfect for your first Kabuki Theatre experience. Single Act Tickets are also cheaper than full show tickets (between ¥500-¥2,000) so you’ll have more to spend on your pre-show dinner.
Buy Tickets Early
Kabuki Theatre is extremely popular in Japan. This means that all types of tickets sell out quickly and often. Most theatres announce their schedule about a month in advance so you can go online and buy tickets. You may have a tough time with this because many locals will have bought up most of the supply.
Single Act Tickets only go on sale on the day of the show. Depending on the theatre, there can be anywhere from a few to a few dozen Single Act Tickets available for any given show. Check with your specific theatre’s website to find out when their box office opens each day. At Kabuki-za Theatre, for example, the box office is located just to the left of the main entrance. Plan to be there about 20-30 minutes before it opens if you want to guarantee a ticket for that night’s show.
Consider choosing more than one act that interests you in case your first choice is sold out. Also, Japan is still a cash-based country so it is all a Kabuki Theatre will accept in-person.
Arrive Early for your Kabuki Theatre Show
If you buy full tickets for a Kabuki show then you can show up about 10 minutes before the show starts. These are reserved seats and the staff will help you find your way. You can even order snacks or drinks to your seat that will be delivered during breaks in the show!
Single Act Tickets, on the other hand, are first-come-first-seated. Your ticket only guarantees you entry in the show but not where you get to sit. If you want the best seat, we recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime. The Single Act Ticket seats are usually at the back of the theatre with a few rows of seats and a row of standing room.
We arrived about 20 minutes before the show and there was already a line to get in. We missed the cut-off for actual seats by 4 people so we had to stand during the Single Act. It was only 45 minutes but if you don’t want to stand then plan to be there early.
Kabuki Theatre for Tourists
Don't Worry About the Language Barrier
Kabuki Theatre is, obviously, performed in Japanese. This might turn a lot of tourists off of experiencing Kabuki Theatre in Japan but they are very accommodating. For example, the staff speak English and have information sheets available in many different languages. We noticed tourists from many different countries in our group.
Theatres like Kabuki-za in Tokyo also offer translators if you want to know what’s happening during the show. Even though Kabuki Theatre is highly visual, it’s still nice to know what’s being said so you get the most out of the show. You can rent one of these translation screens for ¥500 (with a ¥1000 deposit) when you arrive.
Dress to Impress
There is technically no dress code for Kabuki Theatre. That being said, you are going out for a night at the theatre so dress accordingly. You don’t need to come in a full suit or ballgown but keep it business casual and above.
No Phones, No Pictures, No Food
Make sure to turn your phone off before the show starts just like any other theatre. There is also no photos allowed inside the performance space and we saw ushers strictly enforcing this. Mark, however, was able to sneakily snap a quick photo after the show when the usher turned her back.
Cheering During the Show
If you haven’t experienced a Kabuki Theatre audience then there is a tradition that might surprise you. While we were enjoying the show, someone 2 rows in front of us suddenly yelled out! This was followed by someone else yelling something closer to the stage then more people shouting as the show went on.
We are used to Broadway-style shows where the audience sits quietly except for applause at key moments. We found out this shouting was actually part of a Kabuki Theatre tradition. Audience members will shout out the name of the actors as a way of cheering them on during the show. It is something we think should be added to all live theatre!
Is Kabuki as a Tourist Worth It?
We are so happy we were able to experience Kabuki Theatre as tourists in Japan. It was a decision made on a whim since our hotel was just around the corner from Kabuki-za Theatre in Tokyo. We highly recommend it while you are in Tokyo.
We were blown away by the sets, music, and the incredible actors. It is something that is truly unique to Japan that cannot be missed. Our Kabuki Theatre experience ranks high in our favourite travel experiences of all time!
Have you experienced Kabuki Theatre as a tourist while you were in Japan? Head down to the comments and let us and other travellers know what it was like or if you have any other tips.
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