10 Comedy Shows in Japan Worth Booking

1.English Stand up Comedy Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 232 reviews · from $26Our pick

Spend about one to two hours at Tokyo Comedy Bar, just 60 seconds from Shibuya Station. Japanese, foreign, and visiting comedians perform in English, with sets ranging from life in Japan to sea cucumbers. Order craft beer, cocktails, and snacks while enjoying a small, social room.

“This was super fun! It's a relatively small space so you feel pretty close to the action. There were around 5 comedians all with their own comedy sets and had us dying laughing!”

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2.Yoshimoto Comedy Night OWARAI

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · from $21

Spend an evening at Yoshimoto Mugendai Dome in Shibuya for a fast, unusual comedy show built around easy English, physical comedy, mime, slapstick, and visual gags. The lineup changes, with performers such as Wes-P and Yuriyan Retriever appearing on the program. Your 3,000-yen ticket includes one drink and an unreserved seat.

“Came here with a group of friends and we were roaring with laughter. Japanese humour at its finest.. it was weird and wonderful. Would recommend to anyone looking for a unique experience.”

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3.English Stand Up Comedy Show at Osaka Comedy Club

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 203 reviews · 2 hours · from $19

Spend two hours at Osaka Comedy Club with an English-speaking host and an international lineup of comedians. Expect four comics on many nights, light audience participation, Japanese culture jokes, and a small bar setting where drinks cost extra. Check the website for current show details.

“I laughed the whole night even when i got picked ona few times! It was great...i had so much fun”

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4.”Why Why Japan!?” English Standup Comedy Show In Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 130 reviews · from $25

Meet comedian Meshida and a small group at a central Tokyo bar, then enjoy about two hours of English standup comedy about Japanese culture. Shows are held at rotating venues around Asakusa, Sumida, and Ikebukuro, with groups capped at 10 people.

“Meshida was warm and funny, and it was a good way to start the Tokyo stint of our Japan tour. We had to rush off, but it appeared you could chat to him after the show. It was a small venue, but this made it more engaging.”

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5.Traditional Japanese Comedy, Juggling & Magic Live Show in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · from $36

At EDOCCO STUDIO inside Kanda Myoujin Shrine, you’ll watch a 90-minute show combining rakugo comedy, daikagura juggling, and wazuma magic. English interpretation makes the acts easy to follow, and you’ll get a chance to try selected tricks and take home small traditional props.

“Great experience! We enjoyed the extra little taste of cultural japan!”

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6.Stand-Up Comedy in Shibuya (English)

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 27 reviews · 1h 30m · from $12

Spend 90 minutes at Tokyo Comedy Bar, three floors above Shibuya, for English-language stand-up, improv, craft beer, cocktails, and sandwiches. The $12 ticket covers entry only, so budget extra for drinks. Shows suit visitors age 12 and up.

“Average comedy on an average night. Weekends may be better.”

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7.English Standup Comedy Night

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 1 hour · from $11Best value

Join local comedian Ryo at a small Asakusa bar for a casual meetup and English standup show. Hear jokes shaped by his karate training and rickshaw work, learn about Japan, meet people from around the world, and perhaps share a drink afterward.

“Absolutely brilliant evening. The bar itself is very cute and cosy, and I felt very comfortable in it. Ryo told some really funny jokes. He is genuinely interested in his audience and bounces really well off them. We thoroughly enjoyed it and we laughed the whole time. A super cosy and enjoyable show! Well done Ryo”

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8.Asakusa Walking Tour & Comedy Night

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 3h 30m · from $43

Join comedian Ryo for a 90-minute English walking tour of Asakusa, with views of Tokyo Skytree, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Street, Asakusa Shrine, and Senso-ji. After free temple time, meet the group at Asakusa Smile Bar & Cafe for drinks, conversation, and a 45-minute culture-themed comedy show.

“The walking tour was great! The guide was knowledgeable and very professional. After the Asakusa tour, our guide took us to a cool bar where he was the headliner at a comedy show. It was a unique experience and one I would definitely recommend!”

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9.English Standup Comedy Night

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $15

Meet local comedian Ryo in Asakusa for 30 minutes of conversation, then watch a 45-minute English standup show about Japan, karate, rickshaw driving, history, and daily life. The venue can change, so check Ryo’s message before you go.

“We had a truly wonderful evening—laughing through the stand-up comedy and sharing a heartfelt conversation with Ryo-san, who also guides visitors through the charm of Asakusa.”

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10.Rakugo Comedy Show with Multilingual Subtitles

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $54

At DAIHATSU Shinsaibashi Kadoza, a solo rakugo performer creates several characters with only a fan and hand towel. English, Chinese, and Korean subtitles help you follow the story, while Japanese magic, Daikagura juggling, shamisen, drums, and flute fill out the 90-minute show.

“I didn't know Japan had such comedy. Even though he was sitting down, he became a samurai or a cow, his expressions were rich, and even though he was the only performer, I was drawn into the world of the story. Japanese magic is also traditional, performed in kimono. Japanese instruments were also played in the background, allowing me to experience traditional Japanese entertainment. Rakugo is the best!”

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