Japan · SHOW
One country, a rail pass and never quite enough days. These 15 shows earn their slot, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
Review of the Mt Fuji and Hakone day tour from Tokyo, with Fuji 5th Station, Lake Ashi cruise, ropeway, drum show, lunch, and Shinkansen return.
“Mist shrouded view but otherwise it was a most enjoyable experience with plenary to see and take in over a well planned day.”
Enjoy a family-friendly Tokyo sumo show with bilingual commentary, geisha dance, chicken hot pot, audience challenges, and a souvenir photo.
“This was a very engaging and fun show and the food was delicious. Sumo history was interesting, all in all a great experience.”
Tokyo Sumo Room pairs close-up wrestling, Japanese food, history, and audience participation in a lively 90-minute cultural show.
“This was such a fun experience. my whole family really enjoyed it.”
Meet retired sumo wrestlers, learn the sport, watch demonstrations, join a friendly bout, and enjoy tonkatsu and chanko soup in Tokyo.
“There were many people, and some tables are quite far from the dohyo, so you'll have to stand to see better. The chanko was very good! The tonkatsu is good too, but, living in Japan, we're used to a (much) bigger quantity of cabbage. The show in itself was great. The sumo are funny and it was also interesting to learn more about this tradition. A delightful lunch overall!”
Learn sumo rituals, watch live demonstrations, join a friendly wrestling challenge, and meet two wrestlers at Tokyo’s Shinjuku Sumo Club.
“The Shinjuku Sumo Show was a highlight of my trip to Japan. I didn’t expect to walk away having learned so much about the origins, culture, and rules of sumo. Beyond putting on a hell of a show, the wrestlers were genuinely entertaining and funny. This is an absolute can’t-miss if you’re visiting Tokyo.”
Review of Tokyo’s Samurai Restaurant Show, with two drinks, neon spectacle, practical tips, value notes, and who should book.
“Was not expecting much but it was a very fun experience! Performers were engaging, emotional and did a phenomenal job! Would recommend this to grab as a short relaxation from exploring and walking around the city of Tokyo! Great show”
Review of a full-day Mt. Fuji and Hakone tour from Tokyo, with the 5th Station, Lake Ashi cruise, ropeway, lunch, and taiko drums.
“Guide was very guide but the various stops were really too rushed. Also no seat reserved so had to stand on train back to Tokyo.”
Review of Tokyo’s 90-minute Shinjuku sumo show, with live demonstrations, English explanations, audience wrestling, pricing, and practical tips.
“Amazing experience and my son loved getting in dohyo with the sumo wrestlers Great morning Would definitely recommend Thanks”
See live sumo bouts, try wrestling a rikishi, wear a haori, and add chanko hot pot at this lively Osaka experience.
“More vegetarian options for food, and more variety for drinks.”
Review of Tokyo’s Asakusa Sumo Club Annex, with bilingual commentary, geisha dance, A5 wagyu, drinks, sumo challenges, and practical booking tips.
“The whole experience was fun, interactive. The lunch was yummy”
Walk historic Gion, learn geiko traditions, meet a maiko, watch her dance, and choose Japanese lunch, tea, or dinner in Kyoto.
“Kenta was fantastic and so informative. The maiko that we met was an utter delight. Food was fantastic also!”
Explore Kyoto’s Gion, learn geiko traditions, meet an apprentice maiko, enjoy a dance and dining option in a small group.
“Akari was the sweetest and she made it a great experience! I wasn’t expecting to be the only solo traveler in the group but despite this, she made a lot of effort to make sure I feel included. It was really nice to see the maiko’s performance as well - it was so beautiful and nice to learn about their traditions.”
Review of Tokyo Bay’s yakatabune cruise with sukiyaki, shamisen music, soft drinks, Rainbow Bridge views, and practical booking tips.
“Ok, if you have time and want to do something different. It was not that impressive. The boat goes out to the edge of the bay and comes back. About 1 hr ride. In the boat there were two ladies playing the shimasen. Unlimited soft drinks and paid alcoholic drinks.”
Review of Kyoto’s one-hour Maiko show, with traditional dances, tea, Q&A, games, photos, venue tips, and honest value advice.
“something a bit different. easy to find meeting point good coms with guide. I just thought it was a bit expensive for what you got & didn't like being offered a "gift" for leaving a positive review as I rely on honest reviews for my trips.”
See Kyoto’s graceful Kenbu sword dance, learn samurai customs, and handle a katana during this intimate one-hour cultural show.
“Great Performance show of samurai dances (=kenbu). We had the chance to practise some moves by ourselves with a samurai sword. Fun experience.”
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