The Most Popular Theater in Japan, Ranked

Choose the theater you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:52
For many travelers and local enthusiasts, finding a top-notch theater experience in Japan can be a daunting task due to the sheer number of available options. Each theater offers a unique blend of performances, from traditional kabuki plays to cutting-edge modern dramas. This makes understanding which theaters resonate most with audiences an invaluable tool for both newcomers and seasoned theater-goers seeking quality experiences. That is why this dynamic ranking of theaters, shaped by public voting, serves as an essential resource. It helps to spotlight audience favorites while providing continuous insights into changing preferences and emerging trends in Japan's theatrical scene. By contributing your vote, you not only get to voice your opinion but also help others discover and enjoy the richness of Japan's performing arts.

What Is the Most Popular Theater in Japan?

  1. 1
    57
    votes
    Kabuki-za Theatre
    Tak1701d · Public domain
    Located in Tokyo, Kabuki-za is one of the most famous theaters in Japan, known for its traditional Japanese kabuki performances.
    The Kabuki-za Theatre is a renowned traditional Japanese theatre located in the Ginza district of Tokyo. It is considered the birthplace of modern Kabuki and has been the primary venue for Kabuki performances for over a century.
    • Location: Tokyo, Japan
    • Design: Neo-Baroque style with Japanese elements
    • Year of Construction: 1889
    • Capacity: 1,800 seats
    • Stage Size: 18 meters wide and 15 meters deep
  2. 2
    38
    votes
    Shochiku Kabuki-za
    Tak1701d · Public domain

    Shochiku Kabuki-za

    Shochiku Co., Ltd
    Another popular kabuki theater located in Tokyo, Shochiku Kabuki-za is known for its modern productions of the traditional art form.
    Shochiku Kabuki-za is one of the most popular theaters in Japan, specializing in traditional Kabuki performances. It is located in Tokyo and is considered a cultural landmark in the city. The theater showcases various Kabuki plays, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world.
    • Location: Tokyo, Japan
    • Type: Kabuki theater
    • Specialization: Traditional Kabuki performances
    • Audience: Locals and tourists
    • Capacity: Approximately 1800 seats
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Noh Theatre
    Rs1421 · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Noh Theatre is a traditional Japanese theater form that has been performed for over 600 years. It is known for its slow, stylized movements and minimalist set design.
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    Tokyo International Forum
    Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Tokyo International Forum

    Rafael Viñoly
    Located in Tokyo, the Tokyo International Forum is a modern concert hall and theater complex that hosts a wide range of performances, from classical music to contemporary dance.
    The Tokyo International Forum is a multipurpose convention center located in the Marunouchi district of Tokyo, Japan. It is primarily known for its iconic glass atrium and its state-of-the-art facilities, making it one of the most popular venues in the country for various events and performances.
    • Architectural Design: Designed by the Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 1996.
    • Glass Atrium: Features a spacious glass atrium that serves as the iconic centerpiece of the venue.
    • Flexibility: Offers multipurpose halls and conference rooms that can be adapted to a wide range of events.
    • Concert Hall: Includes a world-class concert hall with excellent acoustics and seating capacity of over 5,000 people.
    • Exhibition Spaces: Provides large exhibition spaces suitable for trade shows, galleries, and other displays.
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Suntory Hall
    Wpcpey · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Suntory Hall

    Yasushisa Toyota
    Suntory Hall is a concert hall located in Tokyo that is known for its excellent acoustics and world-class performances. It is particularly popular among classical music fans.
    Suntory Hall is a renowned concert hall located in Tokyo, Japan. It is considered one of the most popular theaters in the country, known for its exceptional acoustics and elegant design. The hall offers a world-class venue for classical music performances and has hosted numerous renowned orchestras and musicians from around the world.
    • Location: 1-13-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
    • Capacity: 2,006 seats
    • Construction: Built between 1985-1986
    • Architect: Shinichi Okada
    • Inaugurated: October 5, 1986
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Osaka Shochiku-za

    Shochiku Co., Ltd.
    Located in Osaka, Osaka Shochiku-za is a popular kabuki theater that is known for its modern productions of the traditional art form.
    Osaka Shochiku-za is a historic theater located in Osaka, Japan. It is a renowned theater that has been entertaining audiences for decades. The theater is known for its traditional Japanese performances, including kabuki and bunraku. With its rich history and beautiful architecture, Osaka Shochiku-za is a cultural landmark in Japan.
    • Location: Osaka, Japan
    • Type: Traditional Theater
    • Performances: Kabuki, Bunraku, Traditional Japanese
    • Architecture: Traditional Japanese
    • History: Decades of entertaining audiences
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    Meiji-za Theatre
    Lombroso · Public domain

    Meiji-za Theatre

    Yataro Fukuda
    Meiji-za Theatre is a traditional Japanese theater located in Tokyo that is known for its productions of kabuki and other traditional forms of Japanese theater.
    The Meiji-za Theatre is one of the most popular theaters in Japan, known for its rich history and cultural significance. It is located in Tokyo and has been a prominent venue for traditional Japanese performing arts since its establishment.
    • Location: Tokyo, Japan
    • Inaugurated: 1873
    • Architecture style: Neo-Renaissance
    • Seating capacity: 1,337
    • Stage size: Approximately 18 meters wide and 6 meters deep
  8. 8
    13
    votes
    New National Theatre Tokyo
    Wiiii · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The New National Theatre Tokyo is a modern performing arts complex that hosts a wide range of performances, from opera to ballet to contemporary theater.
    The New National Theatre Tokyo, also known as NNTT, is a prominent theater located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the leading performing arts facilities in the country, dedicated to presenting a wide range of outstanding theatrical and operatic performances.
    • Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
    • Type: Theater
    • Capacity: 1,814 seats
    • Inauguration: October 7, 1997
    • Architectural Style: Postmodern
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Kanamaru-za Theatre is a traditional Japanese theater located in Kagawa Prefecture that is known for its productions of kabuki and other traditional forms of Japanese theater.
    The Kanamaru-za Theatre is a renowned and historical theater located in the Gion district of Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the oldest active Kabuki theaters in the country and holds a significant cultural importance.
    • Location: Gion district, Kyoto, Japan
    • Type: Kabuki Theater
    • Established: 1624
    • Architecture: Traditional Japanese-style wooden theater
    • Capacity: Approximately 300 seats
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Nissay Theatre
    Wiiii · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Nissay Theatre

    Togo Murano
    Nissay Theatre is a modern theater located in Tokyo that hosts a wide range of performances, from musicals to plays to concerts. It is particularly popular among fans of musical theater.
    The Nissay Theatre is a renowned theater located in Tokyo, Japan. It is known for hosting a variety of theatrical performances, including musicals, plays, and ballet. The theater was designed by Togo Murano, a prominent Japanese architect, and was opened to the public in 1997. With its modern design and state-of-the-art facilities, the Nissay Theatre provides a captivating experience for audiences. Here are ten important specifications about the Nissay Theatre:
    • Location: Tokyo, Japan
    • Year of Opening: 1997
    • Capacity: 1,352 seats
    • Stage Dimensions: Approximately 27 meters wide and 17 meters deep
    • Acoustic System: Equipped with a sophisticated sound system for optimal audio quality

Missing your favorite theater?

Graphs
Discussion

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular theater in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or theater is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2250 views
  • 193 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each theater once every 24 hours. The rank of each theater is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular theater in japan

Japan has a rich culture of performing arts, and theater is no exception. The country is home to a plethora of theaters, each with its own unique history and charm. From traditional kabuki and noh theaters to modern multiplexes, there is something for everyone in the vibrant Japanese theater scene. But which theater is the most popular among audiences? Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders and find out.

Share this article