Unlock exclusive access to the National Theatre—currently closed to the public—for a hands-on workshop in traditional Japanese dance or music, guided by master artists. Enjoy an authentic cultural experience in a small group setting, with in-depth commentary and personal guidance from top experts—an opportunity rarely available to the public. Also we offer Kabuki performance from Premium 1st Grade seats for a truly unforgettable experience. This tour is designed for discerning travelers seeking genuine, in-depth engagement with Japanese culture.
Options
Japanese Dance Experience +Kabuki Ticket
Classical Japanese Music Experience +Kabuki Ticket
The Highlight
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 Experience
Arrive at the National Theatre, which closed its doors in 2023 for rebuilding but continues to stand as a landmark of Japan’s theatrical legacy. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the staff and invited to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese theatre with an exclusive backstage tour. Discover the intricate details and rich history of traditional performances—including the iconic Kabuki—through an interactive exploration guided by experts, with English interpretation provided throughout.
Traditional Japanese Performing Arts Workshop This cultural experience varies depending on the tour date, offering either Japanese dance or classical music. Learn refined techniques directly from leading experts in an intimate workshop rarely accessible to the public.
Japanese Dance Experience January 8 (Thu), January 10 (Sat), January 16 (Fri), January 20 (Tue)
- Kimono dressing in the main theatre’s dressing room
- Opening performance by a professional dancer: a live excerpt from “Sanbaso,” allowing you to appreciate the refined movements and expressive power of Japanese dance up close
- Expert commentary on the history of Japanese dance and its connection to Kabuki, with live demonstrations for deeper understanding
- Hands-on experience of “mitate” (symbolic fan movements), a hallmark of Japanese dance, using a traditional folding fan
- Try dancing a short section of the classic piece “Genroku Hanami Odori” under the guidance of a master dancer
- Photo sessions with the dancers, with the iconic backdrop of the National Theatre curtain
Japanese Music Experience January 11 (Sun), January 12 (Mon, national holiday), January 14 (Wed), January 15 (Thu)
- Demonstration by a professional Nagauta performer Enjoy live excerpts from pieces such as “Yoshiwara Suzume” and “Kanjincho” (planned).
- Shamisen hands-on experience Try playing a simple, well-known song on the shamisen using provided sheet music.
- Group ensemble experience All participants will play together as an ensemble.
- Photo session with the instructor and instruments Take photos with the instructor and fellow participants, with the vibrant “Nakanomachi” and “Matsubame” stage curtains as a backdrop.
Kabuki Performance in January 2026 at the New National Theatre, Tokyo Kagamiyama Kokyō no Nishikie（鏡山旧錦絵）
- Seat: 1st Grade seat
- Audio Guide: English available (included in the tour price).
- Subtitles: Not available.
*Please make your own way to the New National Theatre, Tokyo. Kabuki tickets and audio guides will be handed to you by staff after the experience.
〇Traditional Japanese Performing Arts Workshop
Japanese Dance Experience Classical Japanese Music Experience 12,800yen
Japanese Dance Experience +Kabuki Ticket Classical Japanese Music Experience +Kabuki Ticket 25,000yen
Guide Services
Language of Audio Guide Device
- English
Itinerary
- 09:00Meet at the National Theatre
- 09:15Begin your Traditional Japanese Performing Arts Workshop at the National Theatre
- 11:00Workshop ends Some guests will conclude the tour here. Guests with Kabuki tickets are asked to make their own way to the New National Theatre, Tokyo.
- 13:00Kabuki performance at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, with English audio guide
- 16:30Program and performance end; tour concludes
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: The tour will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Please arrive at the National Theatre at least 10 minutes in advance. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and no refunds will be given.
Theatre Access and Conduct: The National Theatre closed at the end of October 2023 for redevelopment to address aging infrastructure and enhance its functions. For this tour, only certain areas that meet legal and safety requirements will be used. 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. You will be asked to change into slippers when moving inside the facility. We recommend wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off. For your comfort, sandals and similar footwear are not recommended.
Kabuki Performance in January 2026: Kagamiyama Kokyō no Nishikie（鏡山旧錦絵）
Performance Dates: January 5 (Mon.) – 27 (Tue.), 2026 *No performance on January 9 (Fri.) and 22 (Thu.)
Performance Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. *The finish time is an estimate and may vary.
Health and Safety: If you have any health concerns or require special assistance, please notify us prior to the tour. Please note that wheelchair access is unavailable for safety reasons.
Important Booking Information
Eligibility: Ages 12 and above Number of participants per booking: 1 person Minimum number of participants to operate the tour: 2 people
- If the number of tour participants is less than 4, the dining venue and menu may be changed. In such cases, we will notify you approximately one week in advance.
- The content of the Japanese cultural experience varies depending on the tour date. Please check carefully before booking to ensure you select your preferred experience.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 8 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 0 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)