Vol.16: TOP STOPS FOR KABUKI ROOKIES

Welcome to TOKYO BEAT – a special series by your trusty Tokyo Tourism Representative (New York Office) that aims to provide you with story ideas and inspiration. New Yorkers are no strangers to Kabuki, Japan’s famous classical dance-drama performance, as troupes such as the legendary Heisei Nakamura-za have visited Big Apple stages over the years. Any visit to Tokyo, however, warrants at least one pilgrimage to watch this 400-year-old performing art, and here are some suggestions on the various ways to do it right.

Go With The Masses Kabuki (an amalgamation of the Japanese words for sing, dance, and acting) has always been theatre for the masses – fun, colorful, blustery – and today is best represented by the city’s oldest Kabuki theatre Kabuki-za in Ginza. Founded in 1899 and rebuilt in 2013, it offers performances year round (with plays changing monthly). Its programs are also flexible; audiences can stay for an entire 3-4 hour performance (approximately USD $60-200), or just go for a single act of the play (approximately USD $10-20). Convenient headsets translate the ancient Japanese verbiage into English. Just a few blocks over is Shinbashi Enbujo (built in 1925, rebuilt in 1982), best known for its ‘Super Kabuki’ that incorporates young, famous actors, Western, Chinese, and Indian music, as well as over the top stage effects. For die-hard Kabuki fans, there are also a variety of Kabuki performances throughout the year at venues such as performance halls, temples and shrines. For example, New Year Asakusa Kabuki at Asakusa Public Hall offers short, easily digestible Kabuki performances throughout January.

Get Up Close and Personal Visitors seeking a first-hand, personalized interaction with Kabuki, can discover a host of exclusive experiences. The travel consultancy ARYU Corp., for example, offers a ‘Kabuki Dinner Show’ that brings you close to the action and affords greater insight into the acting styles and traditions – along with a veritable Japanese feast. Clients can also select the company’s ‘Experience of Japanese Dance & Kabuki Makeup’, where professionals provide a lesson that covers Kabuki’s history, makeup and movements. Yanesen Tourist Information and Culture Centre offers a behind-the-scenes ‘Kabuki Experience’ that teaches guests how to put on costumes and makeup. Possibly the most VIP of all is from the luxury tourism company Motenas-Japan, which is known for its unparalleled authenticity and hospitality. Its Kabuki workshop takes visitors through the preparation process, presents some of Kabuki’s most iconic dances, and even combines it with world-class dining and amenities if so desired – all within the confines of a historic resort setting in Shibuya.

For more information about enjoying Kabuki in Tokyo, contact  press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head to TokyoTokyo.jp and Gotokyo.org/en/