There are quite a few theaters that can be found in the Ginza, Yurakucho, and Hibiya areas. However, these theaters are not your typical ones, they are traditional performances performed entirely by a female group, with public performances and opera included. In this article, we are going to introduce 5 of our most recommended theaters that come under these categories.
Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre
The Takarazuka Revue is an uncommon theatrical company as all its members are unmarried women. Naturally, they must play male roles in addition to female parts. The male roles are called "otoko yaku," while their female counterparts are termed "musume yaku." Each troupe has a leading pair of actors: the "top star" as the best otoko yaku and the "top musume yaku" playing alongside the top star. The plots of many performances develop around this top pair, who in combination with the enticing traits of the troupe's other members create a uniquely captivating theatrical production.
The Takarazuka Revue has three dedicated theaters:
- The Takarazuka Grand Theater, the theater company's home in Hyogo Prefecture.
- The Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, situated in the Japanese capital, is our second home.
- The Takarazuka Bow Theater, a smaller building adjacent to the Takarazuka Grand Theater.
The Tokyo Takarazuka Theater was built in Tokyo in the year 1934. It was then renewed to a 21st century standard in 2001.
When you enter the theater, you will be met by a beautiful red carpet and a shining chandelier which creates an elegant space that gives the perfect atmosphere before watching a performance.
There are a total of 2,065 seats for viewers, which are split between 2 separate floors. All of the seats have been designed to have a great view of the stage no matter where they are situated.
Furthermore, it has the same stage system as Takarazuka Grand Theater, surely a dream stage for any who perform at Toyko Takarazuka Theater.
※The sale of tickets for inbound visitors to Japan is currently postponed. (As of December 2020)
For the latest information, please ensure to check the official homepage.
- Address：1-chōme-1-3 Yūrakuchō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006
- Access：5-minute walk from either JR Yurakucho Station (Hibiya Exit) or the Tokyo Metro / Underground Hibiya Station
Kanze Noh Theater
Kanze Noh Theater is, as the name suggests, a noh theater that can be found on basement level 3 of GINZA SIX. It focuses on the Kanze style and has various unique performances that you can watch. It is contributing to ensuring these traditional acting styles are kept alive for future generations to enjoy.
The "Kanze style" is a style of noh play, and it has elegant and graceful characteristics which can be seen in the way the actors perform their roles. There are many Kanze style actors here, with over 120 public performances every single year.
Other than Koh plays, concerts, musicals, and even fashion shows take place here.
- Address：6 Chome-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061 GINZA SIX Basement Level 3
- Access：2-minute walk from the A2 or A3 Exit of the Tokyo Metro Line Ginza, Hibiya, or Marunouchi Line / 3-minute walk from the A1 Exit of the Tokyo Metro Hibiya or Toei Asakusa Line
Kabuki-za Theatre
Kabuki-za Theatre was erected in 1889 as a theater specializing in Kabuki plays. It underwent a large-scale renewal in 2013, adding English subtitled guides, and single play events allowing people to enjoy Kabuki plays much easier.
Furthermore, if you head to the basement floors you will find a shopping area, meaning visitors who find they're not too interested in the plays can enjoy themselves.
There is also a Japanese-style rooftop garden open to the public, please visit if you get the chance, it's a perfect spot for a small rest.
- Address: 4-chōme-12-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
- Access: Directly connected to the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line Higashi-Ginza Sta.
Kabukiza Theatre - The Worlds Only Theater Only for Kabuki Drama
Hakuhinkan Theater
Hakuhinkan theater is a theater that can be found within Hakuhinkan TOY PARK. There are various plays that are held here such as musicals, drama, Rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling), and many more that suit both adults and children alike. Certainly, a spot that can be enjoyed by a wide age range.
Due to each play having irregular timings, please check the official homepage before visiting to ensure it will be open for business.
- Address: 8-chōme-8-11 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
- Access: 5-minute walk from the A2 Exit of the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, or Hibiya Line "Ginza Sta." / 3-minute walk from the Ginza Exit of JR "Shinbashi Station"
Nissay Theatre
Nissay Theatre is the first in Japan that is dedicated to foreign opera, broadway musicals, and many more unique Japanese performing arts. The building was erected in the year 1963 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Nippon Life insurance company, with famous architect Togo Murano working on the project.
The main performances you will find here are opera, musicals, ballet, musical performances, kabuki, and puppet shows. There are a total of 1330 seats for guests, and the large, open space allows for great acoustics giving the performances an even greater sense of impact.
- Address: 1 Chome Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006
- Access: Directly connected to the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Station A13 Exit
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