Region
Kanto
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Tokyo
Population
12,059,237

Kabukiza Theater

Curtain's up so get dressed in your finest, go out for dinner in Ginza and end this night with a performance at Kabukiza.

When people think of Japanese theatre, they think of Kabuki: demonic looking masks, elegant kimonos and drums. Although it sets a much slower pace than western theater styles, an evening at the Kabuki is an enchanting experience. Often recounting tales of old warriors or star-crossed lovers, these are stories that everyone has seen before and can understand.

But most of all it’s the craftsmanship of the costumes, set design and musical ensemble that make a trip to the Kabukiza unforgettable.

The Kabukiza building itself is pure art.

After countless reconstructions (the fault of electrical fires or wartime) from its foundation in 1889 onwards, it has pretty much consistently been rebuilt in a baroque Japanese revivalist style, meant to evoke the architectural details of Japanese castles, as well as temples of the pre-Edo period.

Kabukiza on a Budget with Hitomaku-mi Single Act Tickets

Then, there’s the audience. For many modern Japanese people, wearing a kimono is for special occasions only. And going to watch Kabuki is seen as an event worth donning an obi (kimono sash) for. It’s perfect for people watching and you might be lucky enough to spot (or sit next to) one of the theater’s celebrity fans.

Kabuki is an archaic theater form and the Japanese audience members next to you will probably have just as many issues understanding it as an English speaker watching a Shakespeare performance.

In order to appeal to a new generation and a more international audience, the theater has gone above and beyond to make sure Kabuki is as accessible as possible. English audio guides and captions are standard for most performances at the Kabukiza. As well as supplying a translation of the dialogue and lyrics, there is usually a program featuring an explanation about the stories, music, dance, plus other aspects of Kabuki that may be difficult for a first-time viewer to understand.

Trivia

Kabukiza on a Budget with Hitomaku-mi Single Act Tickets

A night of Kabuki Theater for less than the price of a movie ticket.

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Things To Know

Buying Tickets

If you want to purchases tickets for current performances, there is an English website: http://www1.ticket-web-shochiku.com/en/. As well as this, some performances will also be selling a limited amount of one act tickets on the day which can be purchased at the theatre’s box office in person.

How To Get There

Address

Japan, 〒104-0061 Tōkyō-to, Chūō-ku, Ginza, 4 Chome−12−15, GINZA KABUKIZA

By train

From Higashi Ginza Station on the Hibiya and Asakusa Lines, take Exit 3 which provides direct access to the theatre from the subway station. Alternatively, take the Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Subway Lines to Ginza Station and exit via Exit A6, a 5-minute walk away from the theatre.