- Duration
- About 2 hours (introduction and one act of a performance)
- Group size
- 6–40 pax
- Cities
- Tokyo
- Indicative budget
- From ¥37,000 per person
The first part takes place in a private room at the hotel or near the theater. A performing arts specialist introduces the two traditions and how they differ: noh, restrained and slow, carried by carved masks and a chorus; kabuki, more spectacular, with bold make-up, stage changes and female roles played by men. Participants handle a fan, look at a mask up close and learn a few basic postures and movements.
The group then goes to the theater to watch an act of kabuki or a noh play, depending on the month's program. Seats are booked together. English audio guides or subtitles are offered at the main venues, and the introduction gives the keys to follow the story: who is who, when the audience reacts and what to watch on stage.
For a corporate group, this format solves a common problem: a classical performance without preparation can feel long and hard to follow. With a 30 to 40 minute introduction and a single act, the experience stays rich and understandable. It fits into the late afternoon before dinner and works well for incentive programs or for delegations hosting Japanese partners.
Objectives
- Make a classical Japanese art accessible to participants with no prior knowledge
- Offer a premium cultural outing that fits a tight schedule
- Give participants material for conversations with Japanese counterparts
How it works
- 1Welcome in a private room, with an interpreter.
- 2Introduction to noh and kabuki: history, masks, costumes, make-up and music.
- 3Gesture session: fan, postures, movements and a close look at a mask.
- 4Walk or transfer to the theater and seating in the reserved block.
- 5One act with audio guide or subtitles, followed by a short debrief on the way out.
Good to know
- Programs change every month and noh performances are less frequent than kabuki, so the date depends on the theaters' calendars.
- For groups above 40, a private demonstration by professional performers in a hotel function room is available on request.
- Smart casual dress; no photography or recording during the performance.
- Block seating is best booked two to three months ahead. The main theaters are in Ginza and central Tokyo, a few minutes from hotels in Marunouchi.
- A full performance (3 to 4 hours) can be arranged for groups who prefer it.
Indicative budget
From ¥37,000 per person (private introduction and a seat for one act, small-group basis). Tiered group rates on request depending on headcount and seat category; interpreter and transfers optional.
Frequently asked questions
Kabuki or noh: which suits our group best?
Kabuki is more visual and easier for a first encounter. Noh is more contemplative and suits executive groups or participants who already know Japan. The introduction always covers both, and we choose the performance based on the group's profile and the program.
Will participants follow the performance without speaking Japanese?
Yes, thanks to the introduction beforehand and the English audio guides or subtitles at the main venues. For French-speaking groups, the interpreter summarizes the plot in French before the curtain rises.
Can we continue with a dinner afterwards?
Yes, it is the most common sequence: introduction in the late afternoon, one act, then dinner at a Japanese restaurant near the theater. We adjust the timing to the chosen performance.
How many participants does this format suit?
From 6 to 40 people for the introduction followed by one act at the theater, with seats booked as a block. Beyond that, we offer a private demonstration by professional performers in a hotel function room, with no practical limit on numbers.
