Take our exclusive bus tour to discover the rich scene of Japanese theatre.
Begin your journey with a scenic drive through Tokyo's central districts, including Ginza and Marunouchi, followed by a fascinating backstage tour of the National Theatre, where you'll gain a unique insight into the world of Kabuki. Finish your experience with a captivating Kabuki performance at the New National Theatre, Tokyo for a rare glimpse into this traditional art form.
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National Theatre Backstage Tour and Kabuki Performance Ticket
The Highlight
Kabukiza Theatre , Ginza: (external view) Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Kabukiza Theatre, a symbol of traditional Japanese culture. While the tour focuses on the theatre's exterior, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate its architectural beauty and historical significance in the heart of Ginza.
National Theatre, which opened in 1966, has served as a venue for the preservation and promotion of traditional Japanese performing arts such as Kabuki, Bunraku, dance, traditional music, and Gagaku. Over the years, it has been utilized as a central hub for various performances to make traditional arts more accessible and for nurturing successors to carry these arts into the future.
The theatre is temporarily closed for renovations, but this tour offers you a unique backstage tour, where you can explore stage sets and dressing rooms that are not open to the public. You will have the opportunity to try on costumes worn by Kabuki actors, play instruments used to create sound effects such as animal voices or atmospheric phenomena in Kabuki performances, and have a photo session with Kabuki backdrops!
Kabuki Performance at New National Theatre, Tokyo: Enjoy a performance of the New Year Kabuki at the New National Theatre. At this modern cultural hub, which hosts a variety of performances, from opera to contemporary dance you will have the chance of watching a Kabuki performance, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Details: Kabuki Performance in January 2025
The Experience
Embark on a cultural journey through Japan's rich theatre heritage with our exclusive bus tour. Begin your day at Tokyo Station and enjoy a scenic bus ride that takes in the city's vibrant landscape, including the magnificent Kabuki-za (Kabuki Theatre building) in Ginza.
We reach the National Theatre, which is closed its door in 2023 for rebuilding. It is still represents an important legacy of the Japanese theatre scene. Here you'll immerse yourself in the world of Japanese theatre with a comprehensive backstage tour. Discover the intricate details and history of traditional performances, including the iconic Kabuki and more. Enjoy an interactive walk through the theatre, guided by experts with English interpretation.
National Theatre Back stage Tour
- Introduction of Kabuki
- Stage tour: Explore the stage and dressing room where the performance comes to life.
- Sound effects workshop: Try playing instruments used in actual Kabuki performances.
- Costume experience: Try traditional Kabuki costumes.
- Photo opportunity: Capture a special moment on a stage
After exploring the theatre, you'll head to the New National Theatre, Tokyo for a leisurely lunch (at your own expense), followed by one of the highlights of the day: an immersive Kabuki performance, where you'll experience the captivating art form that has enthralled audiences for centuries, after learning about it on the morning's backstage tour. Kabuki performances can be quite long, but this time, our tour offers you the chance to experience the most exciting act, allowing you to enjoy this traditional art form within your schedule.
Kabuki Performance in January 2025 Hikosan Gongen Chikai no Sukedachi (彦山権現誓助剱)
A powerful woman disguised as a wandering monk suddenly appears to a kindly young man in the mountains of northern Kyushu.
The difficult path to revenge is plotted by the bereaved wife and two daughters of a murdered sword master. The elder daughter, Osono, is strong and skilled in the martial arts, but her younger sister is a casualty of the enemy. Desperate, Osono arrives in Keyamura (Keya Village), near Mt. Hiko, where she is destined to meet a kind young man named Rokusuke.
- Kabuki Performance Ticket is included as a single act (Hitomaku-mi Seki)
- Seats: 2nd class seat
- Subtitles: Not available.
- Audio guide: English and Japanese commentary through the Audio Guide service is available. Please mark the checkbox if you need Audio Guide, on the booking information.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Japanese theatre and is a must for culture lovers. Join us for an unforgettable day of discovery and entertainment.
Itinerary
- 09:30Departure from Tokyo Station Marunouchi Side
- Drive through Ginza Kabuki-za Theatre
- Drive along the Imperial Palace grounds
- 10:30National Theatre backstage tour (about 2 hours)
- 12:40Move to the New National Theatre, Tokyo
- 13:30Free time for lunch (meal cost not covered)
- 14:30Admission to New National Theatre, Tokyo (Playhouse)
- 17:00The ending time(16:45) is an estimate and may vary. Return transportation is not included, so you can explore the area at your own pace after the event.
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Meeting Point and Punctuality:
- Assembly at Tokyo Station is at 9:15 AM. The bus will depart promptly at 9:30 AM. Please note that there will be no refunds for latecomers.
Safety on the Bus:
- For your safety, please remain seated while the bus is in motion. Seat belts are provided and should be worn at all times.
Backstage Tour:
- The backstage tour offers a unique glimpse into the workings of the theatre. Please stay with the group and do not touch any equipment unless instructed.
Theatre Access and Conduct:
- The Kabuki performance viewing will be from the middle of the show on this tour.
- Please be punctual for the Kabuki performance entry after lunch. You will enter during the intermission between acts. If you come late, there is a possibility that you may not be allowed to enter the venue.
- Access to certain areas of the theatre may be restricted. Please follow the instructions of the tour guide at all times.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed in the seating area during the performance.
- Photography may be limited in some areas; please respect any signage or instructions regarding this.
Personal Belongings:
- Keep your personal belongings with you at all times. The tour operator is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Language:
- The tour will be conducted in English. If you require assistance in another language, please inform us in advance.
Weather Considerations:
- The tour will proceed rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Health and Safety:
- If you have any health concerns or require special assistance, please notify us prior to the tour.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 2 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 0 ~ 1 day(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)