🎭 Tips for enjoying the Kabukiza Theatre in Tokyo, Japan and popular performances
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🎭 Tips for Enjoying the Kabukiza Theatre in Tokyo, Japan, and Popular Performances
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✅ Things to Know Before the Show
1. How to Choose Tickets: Full-Act or Single-Act?
• A full-act ticket (3-4 hours) allows you to enjoy the entire performance, making it ideal for a full-scale experience.
• A single-act ticket lasts 30-90 minutes, allowing you to enjoy kabuki even in a short space of time. Prices are reasonable, ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500.
• Single-act seats are located on the 4th floor of the Kabukiza Theatre; reservations and same-day tickets are available. Standing room may be required if the theatre is fully booked, so it's best to purchase your tickets early.
2. Use English Subtitle Guides and Headphone Guides
• If you select "Ticket with English Guide" when purchasing by phone or online, you can rent a tablet-type subtitle device (additional ¥1,500). Available at the entrance lobby and the first-act reception desk.
3. How to Choose Your Seat
• Sajiki (box seats) offer a great view of the hanamichi (flower path) and allow you to enjoy the stage production up close. Lunch box delivery is also available, making it a luxurious experience.
• Second-floor box seats and second-class seats offer good value for money and are popular for their bird's-eye view of the entire stage.
4. Doors Open: Admission begins approximately 30 minutes before the show.
• Enter with plenty of time to enjoy the souvenir corner in the lobby and the Kabuki Gallery.
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🎟 Viewing Plan (Example) - Beginner's Plan
• Morning one-act seats (30 minutes to 1 hour): Popular performances with easy-to-understand storylines, such as "Dategata Mitsu Onna" (a traditional play) and "Koihikiami" (Love Pulling Net).
• English guide devices available for rental: Even if you don't speak much Japanese, explanations of the story and characters will help you understand the show better.
• After the show: We recommend strolling around the theater's gallery and souvenir shop.
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🏆 Popular and Notable Performances (2025)
• April 2025 (April 3-25): A program featuring classic works and pieces timed to coincide with cherry blossom season, with an emphasis on storytelling and dance.
• June Performances (June 2-27): A performance celebrating the succession of Onoe Kikugoro and Kikunosuke, featuring a celebratory program and a stellar cast.
Representative performance examples:
• A dance drama with a cherry blossom theme
• A historical drama depicting loyalty, love, and classical drama
• Modern elements and festive dances
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🧠 Points to consider when watching a performance
Key points
Content
Use English subtitles. Rent a caption device to improve comprehension.
Choose box seats or single-act seats. Choose between a full experience or a shorter time.
Purchase tickets early. Popular dates may sell out.
 
Prepare for the performance. Check the synopsis in English beforehand.

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💬 Comment Club
• “I opted for a single-act ticket and enjoyed Kabuki in just 45 minutes—it was captivating!”
• “With the English subtitle device, the story became easy to follow. I understood the emotion behind each scene.”
• “Loved the sajiki seat—actors came right along with the hanamichi in front of me.”
🎭 Kabukiza Program | August 2025 - March 2026
🏮August Summer Kabuki (Special Summer Performance)
• Period: Sunday, August 3, 2025 - Tuesday, August 26, 2025
• Performance Schedule:
- Part 1 (11:00 AM)
- Part 2 (2:15 PM)
- Part 3 (6:15 PM)
• Closed: Tuesday, August 12, and Wednesday, August 20
• Highlights: Enjoy a summer of kabuki in three parts, including classics like "Nihon Furisode Hajime" and "Hi no Tori" (Firebird), as well as new works.
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🍂Shuzan Festival September Grand Kabuki
• Period: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - Wednesday, September 24, 2025
• Performances:
・Maternity Performance (11:00 AM)
・Evening Performance (4:30 PM)
• Closed: Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 17th
• Curtain Viewing/Private Seating: Curtain viewing seats are available for school groups and during the matinee performance.  
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🍁October Autumn Grand Kabuki
• Period: Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 - Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
• Performances: Three-part performance
・Part 1: 11:00 AM
・Part 2: 3:00 PM
・Part 3: 6:40 PM
• Closed: Friday, October 10th
• Highlights: A spectacular kaomise performance, part of Shochiku's 130th anniversary celebrations.  
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🎭Auspicious Kaomise Grand Kabuki (November)
• Date: November 2025 (Details to be announced)
• Overview: A large-scale annual end-of-year performance. Details will be announced after October. 
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🎄 December Grand Kabuki
• Date: December 2025 (Details to be announced)
• Features: A year-end performance featuring a lavish lineup of performances to end the year and welcome the new year. Details await official announcement.  
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🌸 Spring Dawn Kabuki Special Performance 2026
• Date: March 7 (Sat) - March 25 (Wed) 2026
• Content: A special kabuki performance celebrating the arrival of spring. Starring Nakamura Shichinosuke and Nakamura Kankuro. 
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📌 Summary
• The second half of 2025 will begin with summer's Noryo Kabuki, followed by the famous Kaomise and Kinshu Kabuki in the fall.
• Popular actors will appear in a special performance of Spring Kabuki in March 2026.
• Performance dates, curtain-viewing seating, and availability of English subtitles and headsets vary by month, so we recommend checking details before your visit.  
🎭 Kabukiza Regular Program Summary (August 2025 - March 2026)
Starting with the Summer Kabuki in August 2025, the autumn "Shuzansai" and "Kinshu Dai Kabuki," the end-of-year Kaomise, and the special performance in spring 2026, we've compiled a six-month schedule of regular Kabukiza performances.
Includes performance dates, section lineups, curtain-viewing dates, subtitle guides, and curtain-viewing information for each performance. Use this as a reference for your travel and theater planning!
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Kabuki, which allows you to experience the profound depths of Japanese culture, can be enjoyed even more by taking advantage of the theater's viewing style and seating arrangements.
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