Shinjuku Historical Stroll & Kabuki Experience with Optional Cultural Activity

Exclusive Seasonal Tour: Available Only in October 2026 & January 2027

Whether you're aiming to fully engage with the art or prefer a glimpse of Japanese culture alongside a performance, we have the ideal experience for you:

For Theatre Lovers: Shinjuku History Walk & Full Kabuki Experience

Immerse yourself in the world of traditional Japanese performing arts! Begin with a guided exploration of historic Golden Gai and Hanazono Shrine—the spiritual center for local artists—to discover the connection between Shinjuku and Kabuki. Next, proceed to the New National Theatre for an entire performance from premium Class-1 A seats. Equipped with an English audio guide and a personal introduction to the storyline, character dynamics, and theatrical expressions such as Mie (dramatic poses), you will gain a deeper appreciation for this timeless art form.

For Beginners & Families: Shinjuku History Walk, Cultural Activity & Kabuki Highlights

Interested in Kabuki but seeking a light, enjoyable, and diverse cultural experience? After wandering through Shinjuku’s historic areas, engage in your preferred hands-on traditional activity at MAIKOYA Shinjuku—choose from an interactive Samurai & Ninja Museum, a Samurai Sword Lesson, or an authentic Matcha Tea Ceremony. Your guide will detail how the dynamic stances of samurai directly influenced the dramatic postures of Kabuki before leading you to watch a single-act highlight performance from Class-2 seats. This is the ultimate way to savor a rich introduction to Japanese culture and the art form.

Choose Your Cultural Experience (Select One):

Option A: Samurai & Ninja Museum Tour (60 min)

Enter the realm of legendary warriors! Enjoy a guided museum visit, practice shuriken (ninja star) throwing, and capture unforgettable moments dressed in authentic armor and helmet cosplay.

Option B: Samurai Sword Lesson (60 min)

Engage in a hands-on 60-minute swordplay lesson! Don traditional hakama attire, learn genuine katana techniques and dramatic poses from an experienced instructor, and record your performance on video.

Option C: Japanese Tea Ceremony without Kimono (45 min)

Experience an authentic tea ceremony while dressed in your everyday clothes. Master traditional tea etiquette, whisk your own bowl of high-grade matcha, and appreciate the calming art of Japanese hospitality. (Ages 7+ only; children under 7 cannot enter the venue)

Please note that all cultural activities are conducted as group sessions (shared with other participants, not private).

Kabuki Performance Details

October 2026 Performance

The 81st ACA National Arts Festival Presents

Honchō Nijū Shikō ―Takenoko Hori―（本朝廿四孝 ―筍掘―）

Venue: New National Theatre, Tokyo (Playhouse)
Performance Dates: October 1 (Thu.) – October 20 (Tue.), 2026
No performance on Oct. 9
Performance Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. (End times are estimates)

Seat Class: 1st Grade A or 2nd Grade Single-Act seat (depends on option selected)
Audio Guide: English available (included in the tour price)
Subtitles: Not available

Kabuki Performance in January 2027

Program currently being selected

Venue: New National Theatre, Tokyo (Playhouse)
Performance Dates: January 8 (Fri.) – January 26 (Tue.), 2027
No performance on Jan. 15
Curtain Time: 12:00 p.m. (End time to be announced)

Seat Class: 1st Grade A or 2nd Grade Single-Act seat (depends on option selected)
Audio Guide: English available (included in the tour price)
Subtitles: Not available

• Schedules, programs, and end times are subject to change without prior notice.
• Kabuki tickets and English audio guides will be provided to you by your guide on the day of the tour.

Itinerary

• Meeting at JR Shinjuku Station Meet your English-speaking guide outside the JR Shinjuku Station East Exit for check-in and a quick briefing on the day’s journey.
• Shinjuku History Walk (Golden Gai & Hanazono Shrine) Take a guided story-walk through the iconic retro alleys of Golden Gai and visit Hanazono Shrine. Learn about the deep history of Shinjuku's entertainment district and master traditional shrine etiquette at the spiritual home for performers.
• For Full Kabuki Experience guests: Head directly with your guide to the subway station to travel toward the New National Theatre.
• For Cultural Activity & Highlights guests: Walk to MAIKOYA Shinjuku right after the shrine to enjoy your selected hands-on activity—either the Samurai & Ninja Museum, Samurai Sword Lesson, or Matcha Tea Ceremony.
• Subway Ride & Arrival at New National Theatre Travel via a short local subway ride (Shinjuku-sanchome Station to Hatsudai Station) to arrive at the New National Theatre.
• Pre-Show Briefing & Lunch / Break Time Pre-show briefing on the story, characters, and theatrical gestures like Mie (dramatic poses) with your guide. Guests will also have dedicated time to purchase their own Makunouchi bento lunch, drinks, or enjoy a relaxed meal break before entering the theatre.
• For Cultural Activity & Highlights guests (Single-Act Viewing & Departure): Your guided tour concludes as your guide escorts you to your Class-2 seats with your English audio guide. Enjoy the continuous single-act performance at your own pace (no intermission). *Important: Please remember to return your English audio guide receiver to the designated counter before leaving the theatre on your own.
• For Full Kabuki Experience guests (Full Viewing & Intermission Lunch): Guided escort to your premium Class-1 A seats with English audio guides. During the intermission break, your guide will join you to experience the traditional custom of enjoying your bento lunch right in your theatre seat while chatting about the show.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 8 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Less than 8 day(s) before the activity date: 100% cancellation fee