The Takarazuka Revue is a theater troupe based in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, with a history of over 100 years. The troupe is made up entirely of women, and they perform a wide variety of plays and shows every day. Many people say, "I'd love to see a Takarazuka performance at least once."
This article explains the unique features of the Takarazuka Revue and how to get tickets in an easy-to-understand way. If you're interested in the Takarazuka Revue, be sure to check it out.
*By purchasing or reserving products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
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What Makes the Takarazuka Revue Unique?
The cast is made up entirely of women
All of the performers in the Takarazuka Revue are women. A theater troupe made up only of women is quite rare, even globally. The performers are divided into two roles: "otokoyaku," who play male characters, and "musumeyaku," who play female characters. Many fans are captivated by the refined and deeply studied performances of both types of roles.
Divided into five troupes (Flower, Moon, Snow, Star, and Cosmos) plus a special division
The Takarazuka Revue is divided into five troupes: Flower, Moon, Snow, Star, and Cosmos, along with a special division called Senka. Each performer is assigned to one of these troupes, and performances are held by each troupe separately. Another key feature is that each troupe has a "Top Star" and a "Top Musumeyaku" (leading female role), and the shows are centered around this "Top Comb." The Senka division is a group of specialists who don't belong to a specific troupe and make special appearances in various performances.
They perform a wide range of plays and shows
When people think of the Takarazuka Revue, many imagine romantic dramas like "The Rose of Versailles," which is set during the French Revolution. However, the troupe has also performed stage adaptations of the American movie "Ocean’s Eleven" and the popular manga "CITY HUNTER." One of the Revue's appeals is that you can enjoy a wide range of genres, from Japanese originals to international stories and manga adaptations.
Theaters Where You Can Watch Takarazuka Revue Performances and How to Access Them
Takarazuka Grand Theater (Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, the Takarazuka Grand Theater is a spacious venue with 2,550 seats. It's conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Hankyu or JR Takarazuka Station. The surrounding area, known as "Hana-no-Michi" ("Flower Road"), is lined with cafes and restaurants. Inside the theater, you'll find a merchandise shop, restaurants, and even a studio where you can try on costumes, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of Takarazuka before and after the show.
Tokyo Takarazuka Theater (Chiyoda City, Tokyo)
The Tokyo Takarazuka Theater in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, is slightly smaller than the Grand Theater with 2,079 seats. It’s just about a 5-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station and is conveniently located near shopping complexes and hotels. Most shows are performed at the Takarazuka Grand Theater first, then later at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater.
Other Theaters
In addition to the Takarazuka Grand Theater and the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, performances are sometimes held at other venues like the smaller "Takarazuka Bow Hall" attached to the Grand Theater, "Umeda Arts Theater" in Osaka City, and "Tokyu Theatre Orb" in Shibuya, Tokyo. During national tours, performances are also held at theaters around Japan.
Types of Takarazuka Revue Tickets and Price Range
Four Seat Types: SS, S, A, and B
Seats at the Takarazuka Grand Theater and Tokyo Takarazuka Theater are divided into four sections: SS, S, A, and B. SS seats are located in the center block within the first seven rows. S seats include the rest of the first floor and the front rows of the second floor. A seats are in the middle rows of the second floor (and the back rows of the first floor at the Grand Theater), while B seats are in the back rows of the second floor. Tickets are required for anyone aged 3 and up.
Additionally, both theaters use a "zigzag layout" to ensure that seats are not directly behind each other, allowing for better visibility from all areas.
Ticket Prices: ¥3,500–¥12,500
Ticket prices are as follows: SS seats ¥12,500, S seats ¥8,800 (¥9,500 at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater), A seats ¥5,500, and B seats ¥3,500 (as of June 2025). Prices do not change depending on the troupe, performance, or schedule.
What About Newcomer Performances, Dinner Shows, and Other Special Events?
Performances held at theaters other than the Takarazuka Grand Theater and Tokyo Takarazuka Theater may have different ticket prices depending on the venue. Dinner shows and special performances like "Takarazuka Special," which features stars from all five troupes, may also have different pricing.
For "Newcomer Performances," which feature students in their first seven years after joining the troupe, prices are generally lower: SS seats ¥5,300, S seats ¥4,200, A seats ¥3,000, and B seats ¥2,500 (¥2,000 at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater), as of June 2025.
A Must-Read for First-Timers! How to Get Takarazuka Revue Tickets
Reserve Through the "Takarazuka Revue Web Ticket Service"
Did you know that Takarazuka has its own ticket reservation platform called the "Takarazuka Revue Web Ticket Service "? After registering for a free Takarazuka Revue Common ID, you can select the performance, date, and seat type to purchase tickets. However, popular shows tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to check the official website in advance for ticket sale dates.
Phone Reservations
If there are still tickets available through the "Takarazuka Revue Web Ticket Service," you can also purchase by phone. That said, due to the popularity of many performances, it’s rare for tickets to remain available by the time phone reservations open.
Purchase Directly at the Theater
If there are seats remaining on the day of the performance, you can also buy tickets at the theater’s ticket counter. You can check ticket availability for each show on the "Takarazuka Revue Web Ticket Service" page.
Want Better Odds at Scoring Takarazuka Revue Tickets?
Join the Takarazuka Tomo no Kai (Fan Club)
By joining the official Takarazuka Fan Club, Takarazuka Tomo no Kai, you can enter advance ticket lotteries, which include up to three rounds. This significantly increases your chances of securing a ticket. However, note that there is a ¥1,100 registration fee and a ¥3,300 annual fee. Additionally, depending on the membership type, there may be extra card fees or handling charges.
Join a Private Fan Club
Takarazuka has a long-standing tradition of private fan clubs dedicated to specific performers. If you’ve found a favorite star, sending them a letter expressing your interest in joining their fan club often leads to receiving information about how to join. Members may have priority access to tickets and get invited to exclusive events.
However, private clubs come with their own rules—such as only finding out if you’ve secured a ticket three days before the performance and restrictions on being in multiple clubs—so consider these carefully before joining.
Use Travel Agencies or Tour Packages
If you're traveling from out of town, using a travel agency or joining a tour package can be a convenient option. The official Hankyu Travel Agency, operated by the same group as the Takarazuka Revue and Hankyu Railway, even offers plans with guaranteed front-center seating.
Apply for Corporate Giveaway Tickets
You may be able to get free Takarazuka tickets through corporate campaigns. In the past, companies like FamilyMart, Prima Ham, and Iwatani Corporation have run such promotions. These giveaway opportunities are not officially announced by the Takarazuka Revue itself, so you’ll need to keep an eye out and check often.
Apply for Reserved-Performance Tickets
There are also reserved performances only available to members of ticketing services like Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, and ePlus, as well as certain credit card companies. Since registration is free for most ticket platforms, it’s a good idea to sign up in advance.
How to Get Takarazuka Tickets from Overseas
Purchase from a Foreign Tourist Ticket Website
The Takarazuka Revue sells tickets specifically for international visitors via a dedicated website. While some performances may not be available, anyone with a non-Japanese passport can purchase tickets through this platform.
Note: “Takarazuka Revue Web Ticket Service” Is Not Available Overseas
The “Takarazuka Revue Web Ticket Service” is not accessible from outside Japan, meaning overseas residents cannot register for the official Takarazuka Fan Club either.
Use Travel Agencies or Tour Packages
Travel agencies are another option for international fans. They let you book transportation and accommodations along with show tickets. However, dates are often fixed, and flexibility on the day of the performance may be limited.
Tips for Getting Tickets to Popular Performances
Easier to Get Tickets at the Takarazuka Grand Theater
Between the Takarazuka Grand Theater and the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, the Grand Theater usually offers better ticket availability due to its larger seating capacity. If you're not sure where to apply, the Grand Theater is a good bet.
Avoid Weekends and Holidays
Tickets for weekend and holiday performances are in high demand. If you’re able to attend on a weekday, your chances of getting a ticket increase significantly.
Use the Official Resale Service
As of June 2025, the Takarazuka Revue has launched an official resale service. As long as you have a Takarazuka Revue Common ID, you can purchase resale tickets (with some exceptions). *This service is not available from overseas.
Watch via Streaming
If you're unable to get a ticket, consider purchasing a streaming ticket instead. The final performances at both the Takarazuka Grand Theater and the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater are broadcast live. You can watch them on your smartphone, computer, or even at movie theaters.
Q&A: How to Make the Most of Your Takarazuka Revue Experience
What should I wear?
There’s no official dress code for Takarazuka performances, but many attendees opt for smart-casual or slightly dressy attire. That said, as long as your outfit is clean and neat, you'll be perfectly fine.
Is there anything I should bring?
If your seat is far from the stage, we recommend bringing a pair of binoculars for a closer view. Rentals are also available at the theater.
Any theatre etiquette I should know about?
Be mindful not to block the view of the person behind you—avoid wearing large hats or hairstyles. Sit all the way back in your seat and try not to lean forward during the show.
Any recommended types of performances?
Takarazuka offers two main formats: the "two-part" show with a play in the first act and a revue-style show in the second, and the "one-part" show with a full-length play. If you're new to Takarazuka, we suggest seeing a two-part performance—the iconic feathered costumes many associate with Takarazuka usually appear in the revue section.
Should I prepare anything before the show?
No preparation is necessary, but if you want to deepen your enjoyment, watching a DVD beforehand is a great way to familiarize yourself with the world of Takarazuka or discover standout performers. Once you find a favorite star, you may enjoy seeing shows by their specific troupe.
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