Kazui's Private Kabuki Tour
Kazui's Private Kabuki Tour
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Kabuki is a very fascinating performing art. I have enjoyed Kabuki for many years! I wish to share my many experiences and knowledge; to show guests a part of the Japan I love as a Japanese person. I want many people to enjoy Kabuki as I do, but I think pople can enjoy Kabuki more with some information before you rent the subtitle devices.
Ginza, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
110 reviews
Excellent
107
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Nick T
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
We would highly recommend this tour if you want to get the most out of your experience with Kabuki theatre.
Kazui explained her personal experience with Kabuki, as well as the history and cultural context that makes it so special. One detail that stood out was that Kabuki actors are often a part of family lineages who have performed for many decades.
The performances are long, and its customary to buy a bento box to eat during intermission. Kazui made sure to show us where to buy our meals, and also showed us other points of interest around the theatre, such as the souvenir shop and the rooftop garden.
Kazui also purchased our tickets for us and recommended seats with good views at different price points.
Finally, she gave us summaries of each story, written in English, so that we would be able to follow along with the performance.
I can't stress enough how much more we got from our Kabuki experience thanks to Kazui's generous guidance. This is a must if you are visiting Tokyo and want to see Kabuki.
Kazui explained her personal experience with Kabuki, as well as the history and cultural context that makes it so special. One detail that stood out was that Kabuki actors are often a part of family lineages who have performed for many decades.
The performances are long, and its customary to buy a bento box to eat during intermission. Kazui made sure to show us where to buy our meals, and also showed us other points of interest around the theatre, such as the souvenir shop and the rooftop garden.
Kazui also purchased our tickets for us and recommended seats with good views at different price points.
Finally, she gave us summaries of each story, written in English, so that we would be able to follow along with the performance.
I can't stress enough how much more we got from our Kabuki experience thanks to Kazui's generous guidance. This is a must if you are visiting Tokyo and want to see Kabuki.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace B
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
I have always been interested in kabuki and other traditional Japanese theatrical productions, but speak next to zero Japanese. I was already planning on catching the kabuki show in Kabukiza theatre anyway but was a bit anxious about getting seats as I wanted good seats but was not sure how to do that. I was so glad I found Kazui's website via a reddit post, and emailed her straight away. She responded quickly and was just magnificent. She not only answered my questions, but actually had notes and photos of the different seating options! It was great to have a local (who obviously loves what she does) organise everything and give you recommendations! I decided to go for the box seat with the meal option, because why not?! It was still cheaper compared to the other theatrical productions I've watched anyway. (Also please note that the evening show can run from 4:30pm to 9pm and only the box seats get a meal delivery service.)
On the day of, there was a short lecture on Kabuki, with several handouts. I found it very informative and definitely enhanced my entire Kabuki experience! I especially liked the handout on the actors and their relationships with each other. I also loved the detailed program with notes on what to watch out for. It's these little details that made this experience all the more interesting and enjoyable for me. Even though I rented the English audio guide that the Kabukiza theatre provides, I still found myself checking her handouts throughout the show.
The show itself is phenomenal. If you're interested in the Japanese culture, this is a definite must-do when in Tokyo.
This entire experience - from the tour enquiry, deciding which seats to book, the actual booking of seats, to your lecture and the kabuki performance itself was just fantastic. You're a star, Kazui! I wouldn't have enjoyed this experience as much as I did without you. Thank you so very much!
On the day of, there was a short lecture on Kabuki, with several handouts. I found it very informative and definitely enhanced my entire Kabuki experience! I especially liked the handout on the actors and their relationships with each other. I also loved the detailed program with notes on what to watch out for. It's these little details that made this experience all the more interesting and enjoyable for me. Even though I rented the English audio guide that the Kabukiza theatre provides, I still found myself checking her handouts throughout the show.
The show itself is phenomenal. If you're interested in the Japanese culture, this is a definite must-do when in Tokyo.
This entire experience - from the tour enquiry, deciding which seats to book, the actual booking of seats, to your lecture and the kabuki performance itself was just fantastic. You're a star, Kazui! I wouldn't have enjoyed this experience as much as I did without you. Thank you so very much!
Written 7 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip D
2 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Kazui provided a brilliant and enlightening experience - I highly recommend her service!
I do not have extensive experience w/ theater, but wanted to learn more about Japanese culture during my visit.
Kazui worked w/ me to find a show that fit my interests, schedule, and price range; we saw two acts of Kanadehon Chushingura, one of the three great Kabuki works, at the National Theater of Japan adjacent to the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda City.
We met at a cafe prior to the show where we got to know each other and she enthusiastically shared w/ me the history and cultural significance of Japanese theater, Kabuki, its style and symbolism, Kanadehon Chushingura’s plot, information about the National Theater, and lineage of notable families in the industry.
During the play she quietly shared insights and plot devices w/ me as I do not speak Japanese.
Afterwards, she was so kind as to take me to an art gallery behind the theater w/ many historic Kabuki woodblock / ukiyo-e style prints.
Kazui’s passion, knowledge, and warmth stand out among guides! I highly recommend her service to individuals or groups with or without a background in theater and/or Japanese culture!
I do not have extensive experience w/ theater, but wanted to learn more about Japanese culture during my visit.
Kazui worked w/ me to find a show that fit my interests, schedule, and price range; we saw two acts of Kanadehon Chushingura, one of the three great Kabuki works, at the National Theater of Japan adjacent to the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda City.
We met at a cafe prior to the show where we got to know each other and she enthusiastically shared w/ me the history and cultural significance of Japanese theater, Kabuki, its style and symbolism, Kanadehon Chushingura’s plot, information about the National Theater, and lineage of notable families in the industry.
During the play she quietly shared insights and plot devices w/ me as I do not speak Japanese.
Afterwards, she was so kind as to take me to an art gallery behind the theater w/ many historic Kabuki woodblock / ukiyo-e style prints.
Kazui’s passion, knowledge, and warmth stand out among guides! I highly recommend her service to individuals or groups with or without a background in theater and/or Japanese culture!
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith W
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Solo
Kazui was simply terrific! I visited from the US and she managed everything ahead of time including my tickets and a pre-arranged intermission meal service. Her communication was prompt, helpful, and professional throughout. She sent me pre-reading of the plots of each of the parts of the show I would see beforehand so I could learn more about them. On the day of the tour, Kazui was wonderful. She explained the history of the structure itself, the history of kabuki and its related Japanese theater forms, and helped me understand theater "manners". My prearranged seat was excellent as was the bento box meal. I would HIGHLY recommend that anyone attending Kabuki-za for the first time take this tour!!
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim P
Chiang Mai, Thailand123 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Our guide was Kazui - she was awesome! She was always punctual to respond online and willing to go above and beyond. She used great judgment in choosing our seats - we sat in a box on the side, shoes off and sat on tatami mats (our legs went under a counter - we didn't sit on them). Kazui was so well organized and provided us with so much information before going to the kabuki performance. She informed us about a free kabuki exhibit that was happening while we were in Tokyo. We got to experience a tea house (in the theatre building) while she gave us more information. We enjoyed experiencing a seasonal tea set (tea and seasonal sweet). We highly recommend using Kazui for an amazing learning/cultural experience.
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark T
Gosford, Australia12 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had the most fabulous Kabuki experience largely thanks to our sensational guide Kazui Yabe.
We were keen to attend a Kabuki performance and Kazui made this possible for us securing fantastic seats and educating us about the history of Kabuki and information on the current performances. This information allowed us to understand and follow the performances we were about to see. I highly recommend doing this activity as it is very enjoyable with Kazui's guidance.
We were keen to attend a Kabuki performance and Kazui made this possible for us securing fantastic seats and educating us about the history of Kabuki and information on the current performances. This information allowed us to understand and follow the performances we were about to see. I highly recommend doing this activity as it is very enjoyable with Kazui's guidance.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia
1 contribution
Nov 2022
Kabuki is a unique and captivating form of theater, and it is virtually impossible to see Kabuki outside of Japan. For these reasons, I recommend that those interested in seeing a performance do some research beforehand in order to get the most out of the experience. I also recommend contacting Kazui and taking her tours. Kazui makes sure that the visit to the theater is completely organized and informs her guests about the general notions on Kabuki as well as the highlights of the plays. Kazui has a solid knowledge of Kabuki and those seeing this form of theater for the first time will not feel lost or intimidated, but will mostly enjoy the performances.
Written 22 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher L
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
We discovered an appreciation for an art we didn't previously understand thanks to Kazui's skillful explanation and her passion for Kabuki. It was our first time seeing Kabuki, and, though the visceral experience would have been enough to entertain us, Kazui's guidance enabled us to truly experience a fresh and unique performance art. Her pleasant and info-packed chat over tea before the show gave us the insight to engage the drama and dance we saw on a whole other level.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daveydoggg
West Chester62 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was an amazing thing to do on our Japan trip! We'd heard great things about seeing a Kabuki show in Japan, but difficult to arrange on our own. We luckily found Kazui's site and she was absolutely wonderful! We had great, timely communication, she bought us about the best seats in the theater, after giving us a lot of options with photos and maps of seats, and arranged lunch delivery to our box during intermission. She met with us an hour prior to the show and gave us a great explanation of Kabuki and it's history, along with "rules" to follow during the performance. A MUST on your Japan trip; great experience!
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zoe g
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Kazui-san's tour was recommended by a friend, and it was a wonderful experience. Everything was taken care of (buying tickets, directions), she explained lots of interesting information about the theatre, its origins, the actors, etc. I am a big fan of Japanese traditional culture and Kabuki, and I was very happy to learn more. Kazui-san also gave my friend and I summaries of the plays ahead of time, so we could follow the story. The lecture took place in a very beautiful tea house, with traditional matcha tea and wagashi sweets (included in the tour). I wouldn't have gone to the theater on my own because I don't speak Japanese and I would have been lost; thanks to Kazui-san awesome tour I was able to enjoy this piece of Japanese culture.
I highly recommend this tour!
I highly recommend this tour!
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Destination540069
Owings Mills, Maryland
You come highly recommendedWe are coming in on a cruise ship on March 18 at 2 PM and leaving March 19 at 7 PM. Within that timeframe can you arrange for kabuki theater they will be between four and 12 of us thank you. Mike klein
Written 14 June 2021
Hi! I will be in Tokyo in august and I will like to participate to a kabuki tour! Is it possible to have thé tour + one act show? Which show will be on , on august 2018?
Thank you
Valeria
Written 1 July 2018
Hi Valeria, thank you for your question. One act show tour is available. I would like to inform you about the details by emadil if possible. Could you send me an email? You will see my email address on my TripAdvisor page.Thank you.
Written 1 July 2018
Hi, I'm in Tokyo right now and someone recommended you. Would I be able to see Kabuki this weekend?
Written 13 April 2017
Hi samace0. I am Kazui Yabe from TOKYOKABUKIGUIDE. Yes, you will be able to see Kabuki this weekend at the Kabuki-za theatre. If you need more information, would you contact me using the contact form on my website? Please visit my website. Thank you!
Written 13 April 2017
Hello
I will be in Tokyo on June 29 2017.
I would like to see a kabuki
Show on June 30.
I am staying at the lotte city hotel.
What do tours include? How much are they ? Does the tour pick you up and drop
off at the hotel?
Thanks so much.
Written 26 March 2017
Hi ESSUMMER. Thank you for visitng my page. I think the possibility of Kabuki performance on June 30 is very low unfortunately becuase we have 25 days long performance from the 1st, 2nd or 3rd every month. I wouldl ike to email you the details if you like. Please visit my website and contact me using the contact form. Thank you.
Written 27 March 2017
Would like to know if we can set this up for a private tour on October 16. We will only be in Tokyo that day. We are coming in on a cruise and have a hotel booked by the airport for a flight out the next day.
Written 20 July 2016
Hi, I am Kazui, a Kabuki guide. Thank you for visiting my tour page and your message. I would like to discuss with you about the tour. Could you email me directly? Please click "E-mail" appeared under the map on the top page of my tour page. Sorry, answer including email address is not allowed by tripadvisor. Thank you.
Written 20 July 2016
Thank you for your question. Please google "tokyo kabuki guide" and use the contact form on my website. Sorry for this inconvenience. I will create booking button of Tripadvisor soon. Thank you.
Written 14 December 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.