National Theatre 国立劇場

Opened to encourage the preservation and promotion of Japan's ancient art forms, the National Theatre is the place to see musical virtuosos or masters of kabuki strut their stuff on stage. Anyone interested in culture will find this place fascinating.

The theatre is a five-minute walk from Hanzomon Station on the Hanzomon Line or a 10-minute walk from Nagatacho Station on the Yurakucho, Hanzomon, and Namboku lines.

There are two stages within the National Theatre. The large theater is for kabuki performances. Buyo dances and traditional music such as gagaku court music and folk art performances are held in the smaller theater.

English-language audio guides are available for major kabuki shows. Put on your earphones to follow the story and learn more about the background of the performance, which will help immerse you in the spirit of traditional Japanese performing arts. English-language performances and workshops are staged regularly as well.

While shows are not held daily, you can always visit the nearby Traditional Performing Arts Information Center to get a feel for how much goes into each production. Built in 2003, this free museum and research center displays the costumes and props used on stage, which you can view up close.