National Theatre of Japan

The National Theatre opened in 1966 with the objective of preserving and disseminating traditional Japanese performing arts. At this theater, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in the fall of 2016, you can enjoy various Japanese traditional performing arts. At the two theaters, one large and the other small, various Japanese traditional performing arts such as kabuki, bunraku (Japanese puppet theater), gagaku (ancient court music), and other folk arts are performed. In addition, the National Engei Hall, where entertainment for the masses, such as rakugo (form of Japanese verbal entertainment) and manzai (a traditional style of stand-up comedy) are performed and the Traditional Performing Arts Information Centre, where you can see exhibitions and materials on traditional performing arts, are on the premises. The theater holds various performances and events throughout the year. It is also prepared with audio guides which will enable people from overseas to learn about kabuki in an easy-to-understand manner, and organizes a regularly-scheduled Kabuki Appreciation Class to for kabuki beginners. A wide range of plants, such as rare varieties of cherry and plum blossoms, are planted in the front garden on the Imperial Palace side, where natural landscapes can be enjoyed through all four seasons. It is located a 5-minute walk away from the No.1 Exit of Hanzomon Station on the Hanzomon Line.