Top 8 Cultural Shows in Japan

1.Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 518 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $108Our pick

Spend three hours with guides such as Kenta, Ken, or Akari exploring Gion and nearby Miyagawasuji. Learn how geiko and maiko live and train, then meet a maiko for questions, a dance performance, and your choice of lunch, tea, or an eight dish dinner.

“We really enjoyed this tour. Kenta was a great guide, showing us around Gion and explaining about Geisha culture. Lunch was very good. We felt very privileged to meet a Maiko in person and spend time with her. Definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 483 reviews · from $121

Spend about three hours exploring Kyoto’s Gion district with guides such as Akari, Ken, or Kenta, then meet an apprentice geisha, called a maiko, for tea, dance, and questions. Dining options are available, but meal portions have not pleased everyone.

“Kenta was a fabulous tour guide with a clear passion for the geiko culture and spreading knowledge and love of it to visitors from overseas. The tour itself was varied, engaging, and culminated in having tea and meeting a meiko-san who performed two lovely dances for us all. Absolute highlight of our trip to Japan, can't recommend any more highly!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Samurai Kenbu Traditional Sword Dancing Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 426 reviews · 1 hour · from $32Best value

At Kyoto’s Samurai Kenbu Theater, watch graceful sword dances based on samurai poems and stories from Japan’s feudal era. English narration explains Kenbu, Bushido, and sword etiquette before you try basic movements with a katana and folding fan. Photos are allowed after the show.

“Excellent experience if you want to learn more about Samurai and Japanese culture, staff is very friendly and kind”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Traditional Japanese Performing Arts Show and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 2 - 3 hours

At SUIGIAN in Nihonbashi, you’ll enjoy a seasonal Japanese omakase dinner while watching three short performances of either kagura or nihon-buyo. The Noh-style stage, historic tableware, English explanations, four seat choices, and commemorative photo make this a polished introduction to traditional Japanese culture.

“Beautiful, atmospheric venue with traditional art but modern and sleek. Great food and drinks. There were three performances - a dancer with shamisen and vocalist. Each went for about 10 minutes so overall not as much live performance as I was expecting but very enjoyable. Staff were very good and spoke English. Do recommend for a bit of indulgence and traditional culture.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Japanese Traditional Music Show in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 1 hour · from $38

At ZAKURO SHOW in Harajuku, you’ll hear koto, shamisen, shakuhachi flute, and taiko drums played up close by musicians in kimono. An English and Japanese host explains each instrument and the music, from old Japanese pieces to a surprise Western cover. Photos are welcome during and after the show.

“great show great talent and I really hope they continue to grow”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Traditional Japanese Music ZAKURO SHOW in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · from $39

Spend about an hour in Omotesando with top-level Japanese musicians performing koto, shamisen, shakuhachi, and taiko. Musicians in kimono explain each instrument, its place in Japanese culture, and the music you hear, with English interpretation throughout. A Western song cover adds a playful surprise.

“Amazing experience for anyone who loves music and/or Japanese culture! Each instrument was explained between songs to provide musical, technical, and cultural knowledge. The musicians were incredible, and the translator did a wonderful job!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Traditional Asakusa Music Show with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $140

Meet your English-speaking guide at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center for city views and a short history walk through Sensoji. Then enjoy dinner, one welcome drink, and close-up shamisen, drum, and folk music at an izakaya. Guide Akiko has led this experience.

“Wow, the most super night ever. Our guide was amazing & her knowledge fantastic. Our dinner had us bursting at the sides both with food & laughter! Best food & music we’ve had. Music professionals at their best we were so privileged & thankful for their expertise. Thanks you so very much, highly recommended to all tourists & locals!”

Check availability →Read our full review