Kabuki-za

Performing arts theater · Chūō ·

Kabuki-za

Performing arts theater · Chūō ·

Traditional kabuki performances with stylized costumes and makeup

Information

4 Chome-12-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan Get directions

@eater

391,495 Postcards · 10,994 Cities

Food Is the Emotional Backbone of the New Movie ‘Godzilla: Minus One’ | Eater SF

"For me, catching Godzilla: Minus One — the latest powerhouse, World War II–era entry in the franchise whose opening in 1946 Ginza “defies belief” — at the Kabuki Theater is an excellent holiday escape; it’s a wild, cinematic experience and a perfect excuse to peel away from seasonal duties for a few hours." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/2023/12/21/24000427/godzilla-minus-one-san-francisco

Kabuki-za

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"This theater, which stages traditional kabuki works performed by men playing both male and female roles, is in the heart of Ginza. The plays are a mix of historical and modern dramas, with the stylized staging, costumes, and make-up that characterize kabuki. While locals often come to experience a work in its entirety, which can last a few hours, it is possible to purchase one-act tickets for a taste of the art form. Be sure to rent the radio with earphones for an English explanation of the show, along with cultural background. There is a beautiful tearoom on the rooftop, and in the basement of the theater are several shops selling souvenirs and snacks; both are open to the general public even if you are not attending a play."

The Best Things to Do in Tokyo

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Kabuki-za Theatre

@nomadicmatt

6,681 Postcards · 1,173 Cities

Visiting Tokyo: 3-5 Day Suggested Itinerary for 2025

"I think seeing kabuki at the Kabuki-za in Ginza is a fantastic way to experience traditional Japanese theater — the visuals, costumes, and stylized performances are unforgettable, though performances are in Japanese and you should expect to pay at least around 4,000 JPY for advance tickets." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/tokyo-itinerary/

Kabuki-za

@nomadicmatt

6,681 Postcards · 1,173 Cities

30 Great Things to Do During Your Visit to Tokyo in 2025

"I enjoyed the visual spectacle of kabuki at Kabuki-za in Ginza — the stylized costumes and makeup make for stunning performances, and you can buy single-act tickets if you don’t want to commit to a full multi-hour show." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/things-to-see-and-do-in-tokyo/

Kabuki-za

@silverkris

10,002 Postcards · 2,272 Cities

9 best places to visit around the world for a dose of arts and culture - SilverKris

"A historic Kabuki venue where the reviewer is consistently floored by the craft and artistry of the form—watching veteran male performers transform into young women through gesture and movement, producing pure theatrical magic that transcends language." - Joy Fang

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/arts-culture/galleries-museums/best-places-arts-culture-theatre-fix/

Kabuki-za

Ryan S.

Google

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.

Aaron Y.

Google

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.

Chris H.

Google

I absolutely recommend every visitor should reserve a day to enjoy a show in this theater. Theres several options for visitors. You can spend a whole day for 2 or 3 shows or just 90 mins for 1 scene. 1 floor is the best seating area since you can see the actors get in and out from the "side walk path".

Carl B.

Google

What an amazing experience would highly recommend seeing the KABUKI Show at Kabukiza Theatre. Didn't see the whole show just the first hour, if you just turn up you can pay just to watch one section of the show ¥1500 well worth the price

SHINJI F.

Google

✅ Google Maps 投稿文（英語） 🎭 Discover the Spirit of Japan at Kabukiza Theater – A Must-Visit in Tokyo! Step into the world of traditional Japanese performing arts at Kabukiza Theater, the beating heart of kabuki culture for over a century! Even if you don’t catch a show, you’ll be immersed in vivid costumes, dramatic posters, and a rich cultural atmosphere that will leave you in awe. 🔥 Feel the energy of Japan’s most iconic theater art Just outside, you’ll find colorful displays of current kabuki performances — perfect photo ops to get a taste of this centuries-old art form. 🎁 Don’t leave without visiting the underground shopping paradise! From stunning hand-painted folding fans to kabuki-themed souvenirs, t-shirts, and traditional crafts — this is not your average gift shop. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself, you’ll find authentic and high-quality items here. 🍜 Hungry? There’s even a hidden gem soba restaurant inside! Enjoy a delicious tasting set of cold soba noodles in various flavors — it’s the perfect break before or after exploring the area. 🌟 Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Japan or a culture enthusiast, Kabukiza is an unforgettable stop that brings tradition, taste, and artistry all in one place. 👉 Tip: Take the elevator down to the B2F souvenir area, and don’t miss the food court – it’s an adventure of its own!

Zainab K.

Google

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.

Jeff H.

Google

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect...we bought really reasonably-priced tickets for a single morning dance performance at the Kabuki theater. It started off a bit slow and ceremonial but built into something that I'll never forget. The dancing, singing, and music were off the charts interesting, fun, and very high quality. I love that we didn't have to commit to a long/expensive show with our limited time so this was perfect!

Jiří K.

Google

Prepare to spend half a day here. The performance itself has several acts and between them there are pauses of 10-30 minutes. The story is very slow, and this was confirmed by the fact that some of the older people slept during the performance. 😅 I would definitely recommend buying a rental tablet with English translation along with your tickets so you can understand the story.

Lilian W.

Yelp

I stumbled upon Kabukiza Theater while transferring trains at Higashi-Ginza Station, and I'm glad I did, though it's not somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit. Located in the heart of Tokyo's theater district, this is the spot for traditional Japanese performances, giving it a distinct cultural charm. Inside, there's a variety of shops catering primarily to tourists. They sell everything from dried foods to scarves and small trinkets--perfect for souvenirs but definitely at tourist prices. If you're interested in experiencing Japanese theater or want to browse unique items, it's worth a quick stop if you're in the area. The vibe here is unmistakably Japanese, and it's a unique peek into Tokyo's performing arts scene.

Manda Bear B.

Yelp

Kabuki theatre is a good place to watch live performances is a perfect place for a sprinkle day! They are nearly every day, and tickets are sold for individual acts as well as for each play in its entirety. And each month there is a given set of plays and dances that make up the afternoon performance, and a different set comprising the evening show. The history of this magic theatre is marked by its remarkable survival through numerous destructions and natural disasters. Its story is one of resilience and grit, embodying the spirit of being down but never out (just as my motto of living & survival since I came to America). Standing here, you can't help but feel a deep sense of awe and admiration for the enduring legacy and rich history of this incredible theatre, in the hustling & bustling of Ginza. - The building was destroyed on 30 October 1921, by an electrical fire. - The reconstruction, which commenced in 1922, Reconstruction had not been completed. - The building burned down during the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake. - Rebuilding was finally completed in 1924. - The theater was destroyed once again by Allied bombing during World War II. - It was restored in 1950 preserving the style of 1924 reconstruction, and was until recently one of Tokyo's more dramatic and traditional buildings. - The 1950 structure was demolished in the spring of 2010, and rebuilt over the ensuing three years.[Reasons cited for the reconstruction include concerns over the building's ability to survive earthquakes, as well as accessibility issues. - A series of farewell performances, entitled Kabuki-za Sayonara Kōen (歌舞伎座さよなら公演, "Kabuki-za Farewell Performances") were held from January through April 2010. - The opening of the new theatre complex, which took place on 28 March 2013. Take a visit, if you love theatre arts.

CeeCee Y.

Yelp

We didn't have a translator, but the set and costumes were beautiful. The building is gorgeous, too.

Daniel C.

Yelp

A Japanese play about murder and revenge, "depicting the lowest depths of society and despicable characters." Wow, now that's sounds like an intriguing introduction to watching an act or two of Kabuki in the Ginza district. My wife suggested we try it out on a whim. I had no idea what was playing, when, or what to expect. We arrived at the theater around 4:25pm and they were offering show tickets for "Single Act" for $20 US per person that lasts from 4:45pm to like 6:30 pm. Nearly 2 hours for just one act?! We proceeded upstairs and rented ($5 US each) two tablets which will provide English subtitles and background about the play throughout. It was only after getting seated on the fourth floor balcony seats that we learned we were in for a classic tale of murder and revenge involving evil samurai locked in a power struggle. The play was real interesting during the first hour, and then got more confusing during the second act with introduction of more characters who are all related to each other in some way. Guess we were expecting one act but wound up seeing the first two. Definitely worth seeing a Kabuki act if you're a tourist in Tokyo. Not sure I would recommend the full play, but I must say that with the subtitles the play was intriguing enough you want to find out what happens in the end. I may rely on Google for this :)

Cassandra Y.

Yelp

The Theater: The only Kabuki theater in the world celebrating its 127th anniversary!! Definitely a landmark in Tokyo!! Historic site as well~ If you want to go deeper about Japanese culture, watch a Kabuki show. It is just like going to New York... watching a Broadway show. Part of their tradition and culture. Most of the foreigners have language barrier so the theater also sell just one act ticket for $15. That is pretty good deal to a taste about Japanese traditional performance. There are only limited tickets for those one act tickets so go to the box office early in the day and get your tickets. The seating is first come first serve.

Keiko M.

Yelp

A historical building. The kabuki show is the main part but has many interesting shops in the basement.

Vijay S.

Yelp

Good place to catch a show, there are different times. You can buy tickets on the spot for single act which lets you sit/stand on the fourth floor only. The show that I went was good, quite boring in the first half as there was lots of dialogue which the non Japanese speakers couldn't understand. Second half was far much better and more entertaining. Overall must do thing and worth checking it out once. They may not take credit cards.

Rob L.

Yelp

A tour of Tokyo is incomplete without seeing a Kabuki play - a Japanese opera of traditional drama performed with song and dance. Most operas consist of multiple acts and a full show could last half a day to a full day. However, at the Kabukiza Theater in Ginza, you can catch a single act of about an hour, which is long enough for you to experience the culture and the magic. The Asakusa Line takes you to the door of the Theatre (Higashi-Ginza station exit #3). The special ticket window for the single-act tickets is at a different counter at the street level. So when you exit the subway, ignore the regular box office signs and take the long escalator up to street level, where you'll find the special counter. Single-act tickets go on sale exactly one hour before showtime. There are no reserved seats but as you enter the theatre you'll be lined up in the order in which tickets are purchased. That is, to get good seats, line up and get your tickets one hour prior to showtime. You can then head downstairs shopping for souvenirs or to grab a quick bite. The play was visually stunning and was totally worth it. The costumes were colorful and elaborately styled; the makeups were fabulous and radiant. The story was mostly chanted and the vocals were sometimes intense. Live background music (Nagauta) was performed with traditional instruments which added to the authenticity of the ambiance. Besides the song, there's also the dance. The performers related the story to the audience through highly deliberate and sometimes exaggerated moves. The movements were often made up of a series of steps, which were sometimes slow and pounding, and sometimes rapid and light. Their body motions delivered so much emotion that a translator was almost unnecessary. The intense choreography, brilliant performance, together with the vibrant colors of the costume made this an absolutely unforgettable experience.

June S.

Yelp

One experience I always try to have when I am in Japan is Kabuki Theater. One thing you need to know about going to the Kabuki Theater is to dress properly. There are some people nowadays who think it is ok to go to the theaters in T-shirts and Jeans, but come on...please respect the historical theater and culture. The closer to the stage, the better you need to dress. The same principles goes to the Opera theater. I mean, this is a Japanese Opera in a way. Let's appreciate the beauty of the theater and its theatrical arts in style! What I love about this theater, addition to the great performance, is the special food offerings. I always get the "medetaiyaki" and bento from there, they are sooooo good! It really completes the experience.

Barbara D.

Yelp

My first Kabuki play. I loved it! It was almost 4 hours long for the entire play but honestly felt like one. I was truly entertained! You could also purchase tickets for individual acts if you do not want to stay for the entire play. They provide tablets in your language of choice so you can read along. It was fun to follow the story of the evil characters. It's all so over the top. Our only complaint is that in some of the upper side seats you will miss some parts of the acts as you are told not to lean over, yet you cannot see the actors unless you do because they move underneath you. A bit of an inconvenience. Get the middle seats even if it's further away. However, for the most part the view was good enough to see the actors' facial expressions well. Probably part of the reason for the famous Kabuki make-up. There are many snacks and drinks available for purchase during multiple intermissions. There are even little tables set up where locals sell jewelry or sweets. All very classy; dress code is business casual to formal. No photos allowed during the play. The theatre originally opened in 1889 and has been rebuilt multiple times. It is clean, well maintained and a beautiful work of art.

I G.

Yelp

Magnificent auditorium and theater. First time experiencing a Kabuki performance and what an experience it is. Get comfortable because the entire show lasts about 4.5 hours spanning three different plays, though they do offer tickets for each "act" at a discounted rate. I stayed for all three performances. It began with a classic, dramatic tale that I completely misunderstood from a visual perspective being that I don't speak Japanese. But once I read about the story line, I realized it was more based on elements of fantasy and folklore than what I had interpreted from the action and their performances. The acting was brilliant. The costumes and make-up design is phenomenal and unlike anything I've seen, and I'm from New York City originally and have been to dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway plays. The second "act" was more of a dance/musical themed story, also based on folklore. The musicians were absolutely fantastic, and the dancing was superb. Because this portion was heavily focused on the music and dance and not so much the story, it was a lot easier to follow along and enjoy the show. The final "act" was a comedy about a man whose wife returns from the dead, and reveals she was just in hiding. Trouble arises when she realizes he has re-married another woman with the same name. It was more comical and playful, and featured a lot more moving around and dancing than the first play, though not as much as the second. Overall, the 4.5 hours flew by. There are 20-30 minute intermissions between each "act." There are food stands everywhere and people usually grab sushi or a funny looking fish sandwich to munch on before the next "act" begins. Tremendous theater experience despite not knowing the language spoken. But it is similar to opera to me - you don't particularly need to understand every word spoken - it's about the actors, the set design, the costumes, the music, the dancing. An incredible night out in Tokyo.

Steven W.

Yelp

I'm giving this a five star because the operas are well done. Everything is polished and professional. The theater is clean and the staff is friendly. If you don't speak any Japanese, though, it's hard to follow. There's not a whole lot of action and much of it is dialogue. I was tired from wandering around the city already, so being in the quiet theater made me want to fall asleep more than anything. I would recommend going when you are alert and able to appreciate what is going on, even if it is quiet. It was a good show, though, and I'd recommend it for anyone who wants to have the complete Japanese experience while they are here. It's in the middle of Ginza, too, so there are plenty of restaurants and shop nearby to go to before and after the show.

Jerry M.

Yelp

Kabukiza is the place to visit in Tokyo for the finest Kabuki theater. Here you will see all the great stars of Kabuki. The theater is a historic landmark too. You can also drop in for a one act experience. The theater has a little interactive museum and a nice gift shop. It is well worth the ticket and a fun afternoon theater experience. Locared in the Ginza district. Highly recommend.

Sarath P.

Yelp

Ok... so years ago, I went to a Kabuki show and I was confused and had no idea what was going on. That's what happens when you opt out of renting the English translation guide. So THIS time -- we paid 1500 yen to rent the English caption guide(you get 1000 yen back when you return the guide) and the show was amazing! Even though we just bought tickets for one act of the show(the shows are multiple hours long) -- it really was like watching an entire show with an introduction of characters, a plot, a climax and an outcome. You really get sucked in to the story, the music and of course, the fact that the female characters were played very beautifully by men!! Don't miss a Kabuki show while in Japan!

Jonathan S.

Yelp

I don't think I've ever called something divine...but that's basically what this was. First off--I don't speak Japanese. Never touched the stuff. But knowing Japanese is not a prerequisite for getting into this awesomeness, at all. Man....kabuki is intense! So, all the kabuki actors are men--so that geisha girl floating around on stage? She's a dude. So, in the show that I saw, there was a guy dressed as a geisha, who ended up being the SPIRIT OF A SPIDER, and then turned into a SPIDER GEISHA, and threw webs at everyone. Like, I don't even know what level is above awesome, but whatever that level is....that's what kabuki is. And like, again--I don't speak Japanese! But I still understood what was going on! Which is crazy! So how do you see Kabuki? Well, the full kabuki shows are like, HOURS long, so, you're better off showing up day of and getting tickets for one act (which is about an hour). The ticket box will let you know what is available. You'll be seated in the nose bleed section, so if you wear glasses: bring 'em (or if you have those opera glasses thing). But you can hear and see everything from the one-act section, so don't fret!