Discover the enchanting world of Kabuki—Japan’s legendary traditional theatre—right in the heart of Tokyo! This unique tour connects Shinjuku’s vibrant history directly to the stage, offering two distinct ways to experience Kabuki depending on your style and interest.
Options
Shinjuku History Walk, Cultural Activity & Kabuki Highlights
Shinjuku History Walk & Full Kabuki Experience
The Experience
Exclusive Seasonal Tour: Available Only in October 2026 & January 2027 Whether you want to fully immerse yourself in the art or enjoy a taste of Japanese culture alongside a show, we have the perfect journey for you.
For Theatre Lovers: Shinjuku History Walk & Full Kabuki Experience Plan
Dive deep into traditional Japanese performing arts! Start with a guided story-walk through historic Golden Gai and Hanazono Shrine—the spiritual home for local performers—to learn how Shinjuku and Kabuki are intertwined. Then, head to the New National Theatre for the complete show from premium Class-1 A seats. With an English audio guide and a personal briefing on plotlines, character relationships, and theatrical gestures like Mie (dramatic poses), you will fully appreciate every moment of this timeless art form.
For Beginners & Families: Shinjuku History Walk, Cultural Activity & Kabuki Highlights Plan
Curious about Kabuki but want a light, fun, and varied cultural day? After exploring Shinjuku’s historic streets, dive into your choice of hands-on traditional activity at MAIKOYA Shinjuku—choose from an interactive Samurai & Ninja Museum, a Samurai Sword Lesson, or an authentic Matcha Tea Ceremony. Your guide will explain how dynamic samurai postures directly influenced Kabuki’s dramatic stage poses before taking you to watch a single-act highlight performance from Class-2 seats. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy a rich taste of Japanese culture as the perfect introduction to the art form.
Choose Your Cultural Experience (Select One):
Option A: Samurai & Ninja Museum Tour (60 min) Step into the world of legendary warriors! Enjoy a guided museum tour, try your hand at shuriken (ninja star) throwing, and snap unforgettable photos dressed in authentic armor and helmet cosplay.
Option B: Samurai Sword Lesson (60 min) Dive into an interactive 60-minute swordplay lesson! Put on traditional hakama wear, learn authentic katana movements and dramatic poses from a skilled instructor, and record your performance on video.
Option C: Japanese Tea Ceremony without Kimono (45 min) Enjoy a casual yet authentic tea ceremony in your everyday clothes. Learn traditional tea etiquette, whisk your own bowl of high-grade matcha, and experience the calming art of Japanese hospitality. (Ages 7+ only; children under 7 cannot enter the venue)
*Please note that all cultural activities are conducted as group sessions (shared with other participants, not private).
Kabuki Performance Details
October 2026 Performance The 81st ACA National Arts Festival Presents
Honchō Nijū Shikō ―Takenoko Hori―（本朝廿四孝 ―筍掘―）
Venue: New National Theatre, Tokyo (Playhouse) Performance Dates: October 1 (Thu.) – October 20 (Tue.), 2026 *No performance on Oct. 9 Performance Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. (End times are estimates)
Seat Class: 1st Grade A or 2nd Grade Single-Act seat (depends on option selected) Audio Guide: English available (included in the tour price) Subtitles: Not available
Kabuki Performance in January 2027
Program currently being selected
Venue: New National Theatre, Tokyo (Playhouse) Performance Dates: January 8 (Fri.) – January 26 (Tue.), 2027 *No performance on Jan. 15 Curtain Time: 12:00 p.m. (End time to be announced)
Seat Class: 1st Grade A or 2nd Grade Single-Act seat (depends on option selected) Audio Guide: English available (included in the tour price) Subtitles: Not available
- Schedules, programs, and end times are subject to change without prior notice.
- Kabuki tickets and English audio guides will be handed to you by your guide on the day of the tour.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Language of Audio Guide Device
- English
Itinerary
- Meeting at JR Shinjuku Station Meet your English-speaking guide outside the JR Shinjuku Station East Exit for check-in and a quick briefing on the day’s journey.
- Shinjuku History Walk (Golden Gai & Hanazono Shrine) Take a guided story-walk through the iconic retro alleys of Golden Gai and visit Hanazono Shrine. Learn about the deep history of Shinjuku's entertainment district and master traditional shrine etiquette at the spiritual home for performers.
- For Full Kabuki Experience guests: Head directly with your guide to the subway station to travel toward the New National Theatre.
- For Cultural Activity & Highlights guests: Walk to MAIKOYA Shinjuku right after the shrine to enjoy your selected hands-on activity—either the Samurai & Ninja Museum, Samurai Sword Lesson, or Matcha Tea Ceremony.
- Subway Ride & Arrival at New National Theatre Travel via a short local subway ride (Shinjuku-sanchome Station to Hatsudai Station) to arrive at the New National Theatre.
- Pre-Show Briefing & Lunch / Break Time Pre-show briefing on the story, characters, and theatrical gestures like Mie (dramatic poses) with your guide. Guests will also have dedicated time to purchase their own Makunouchi bento lunch, drinks, or enjoy a relaxed meal break before entering the theatre.
- For Cultural Activity & Highlights guests (Single-Act Viewing & Departure): Your guided tour concludes as your guide escorts you to your Class-2 seats with your English audio guide. Enjoy the continuous single-act performance at your own pace (no intermission). *Important: Please remember to return your English audio guide receiver to the designated counter before leaving the theatre on your own.
- For Full Kabuki Experience guests (Full Viewing & Intermission Lunch): Guided escort to your premium Class-1 A seats with English audio guides. During the intermission break, your guide will join you to experience the traditional custom of enjoying your bento lunch right in your theatre seat while chatting about the show.
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Important Booking Information
Important Information & Notes
Minimum Operating Group Size: This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate. If the minimum number is not met, the tour may be canceled with full refund or rescheduled.
Age Requirement: This tour is suitable for ages 7 and above. Children under 7 are not permitted to participate due to cultural activity venue restrictions and the duration of the Kabuki performance.
Cultural Experience Format: All cultural activities (Option A, B, or C) are conducted as group sessions (shared with other participants, not private).
Meals & Lunch Break: Lunch is not included in the tour price. Dedicated time will be provided before entering the theatre to purchase a bento lunch, grab a quick bite, or buy drinks. The exact duration and timing of the lunch break will depend on the day’s schedule, so please follow your guide’s instructions.
Audio Guide Return: English audio guide are provided for all participants. You must return your audio guide receiver to the designated counter or rental desk before leaving the theatre. Please note that failing to return the device or taking it home may result in an additional replacement charge.
Schedule & Program Changes: Kabuki programs, casts, and estimated end times are subject to change without prior notice by the venue management.
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)