Kabukiza Theatre, Toyko, Japan

Is it just me, or is everyone talking about visiting Japan these days? There is no doubt Japan is undergoing a historic tourism boom, about to coincide with the 2020 Japan Olympics.

Japan is a fascinating country to visit. You might want to get in before the Olympic crowds descend, or I heard the country will be full of rugby fans, like us counting down to the Rugby World Cup in September – November 2019!

Whatever takes you to Japan, you should not miss a Kabuki Theatre experience in Tokyo.

What is Kabuki?

The Kabuki Theatre is one of Japan’s traditional arts and it literally means:

Ka (Song) Bu (Dance) Ki (Acting)

and so there is something for everyone.

Arriving at the Kabukiza Theatre, the biggest Kabuki Theatre in Japan is a true, ‘pinch myself I’m in Japan’  moment. It is a beautiful building, full of history and architecturally stunning, having had many renovations since its opening in 1889. The magnificent facade combines the Nara style (600 – 794) with the Momoyama Style (late 16th century period)

The costumes are equally as colourful and wonderful.  The outfits combined with eccentric hair make the whole performance extremely watchable, even if you don’t have a great idea about what is going on!

Translator

Well, that is unfair as actually, you can rent a Translator Guide. This portable mini screen has comments and explanations regarding the plot, music, actors which are carefully timed to coincide with the action.

RENTAL FEE for a single Act: 500 yen (refundable deposit 1000 yen)

BUYING TICKETS

Part of the reason it was so exciting to watch, was because we queued up for the Single Act, on the day tickets.

Now be warned, a full show has several acts and usually takes over four hours. With the rest of Tokyo to explore, we were happy with one Act. Each Act does vary in length from 20 mins to two hours, so choose your act well!

The theatre is in Ginza, it was close to our hotel so we were able to scope it out the night before. We were pointed towards the Act with the best of everything and were given specific times to arrive.

As in the whole of Japan, it was incredibly efficiently organised. In fact, almost just arriving to be in the queue alone would have been an authentic Japanese experience. There were very few other tourists in line, and clearly, everyone else was passionate Kubuki enthusiasts!

If you want to see the whole show, book ahead via Ticket Web Shochiku via the website below.

THE KABUKIZA THEATRE

Once the tickets are purchased we are ushered inside. Everything is all very respectful, calm almost solemn At a suitable break before our act, the previous attendees are directed out and we are shown to the back row of the theatre. A few were lucky and got seats, most of us were directed to stand behind.

The inside of the theatre is surprisingly austere, almost disappointing in its plainess compared with elaborate interiors we’ve come to expect from Western theatres, but it does mean that nothing detracts from the performance.

BENTO BOXES

There are several intermissions between acts. The longest interval is called  ” Shokuji-maku” which means Meal-Act. No problems here eating in your seat!

You can buy a bento meal in any number of shops around the theatre or even order a lunch box at drinks counters on each floor.

Gotta have a bento meal during intermission of Kabuki. It’s part of the experience.

Lunch boxes: +81 (0) 3-3545-6576

Further information:

It is a wonderful Japanese Cultural Experience – sorry I have no photos from the performance, it was not the done thing!

Thank you for joining me on day ten of Wren’s Worldwide Wanderings:

Blogging from A-Z challenge. 

J is for Japan