Few theatrical spectacles are as visually stimulating and just plain bizarre as kabuki, and Kyoto’s Minamiza Kabuki Theatre is the best place in Japan to see kabuki.
Kabuki theatre Minamiza: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com
Located in a grand building on the corner of Shijo-dori and Kawabata-dori in Gion, Minamiza is Kyoto’s premier kabuki theatre. If there’s a show on while you’re in town, we highly recommend that you see at least a few acts (performances usually go on for hours, with plentiful intermissions). You can get audio descriptions of the dialogue, but – frankly – why bother? We find that not understanding the otherworldly vocalizations of the performers adds immeasurably to the bizarreness of the entire spectacle. See our in-depth explanation of attending a kabuki performance at Minamiza.
English address:
198 Nakano-cho, Shijo-dori, Yamato-oji nishiiru, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address::
東山区四条通大和大路西入中之町198
Opening hours:
Irregular
Price:
Performances \4200-27,000
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Gion Shijo Station, Keihan line
Telephone: 561-1155
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Minamiza Kabuki Theatre is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
