Tokyo · SHOWS & PERFORMANCES
Good shows & performances tours book out well ahead in cherry season and over the New Year break. The 15 best sit below, priced and timed, with a line on who each suits.
See Mt Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi, ride the Komagatake Ropeway, enjoy Japanese drums, and return to Tokyo by Shinkansen.
“Might not see Fuji from station 5 due to weather/cloud conditions. However once cleared later great views from the other stops especially the cable cars at Hanoke (sp).”
Enjoy a family-friendly sumo show in Asakusa with bilingual commentary, geisha dance, chicken hot pot, audience challenges, and souvenirs.
“This was incredible, funny and educational, truly a masterpiece, the food was limited but the actual show was worth every cent.”
Watch former sumo wrestlers up close, learn the rules, join a playful bout, and enjoy Japanese food at Tokyo Sumo Room in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.
“very fun, was a great experience and show. highly recommend joining in with the sumos”
Asakusa-Kaguwa blends Japanese dance, drama, costumes, lights, and modern music in an intimate two-hour Tokyo cabaret night.
“The show was amazing! We went there with my mother and were delighted. Dancers are really kind and talented, outfits and lights are great, the mood is good and the show features many aspects of japanese cultures which were great to see! Thank you so much!”
Meet retired sumo wrestlers in Tokyo, learn the sport, watch live demonstrations, join a friendly bout, and enjoy tonkatsu with chanko soup.
“A light hearted way to gain information about Japanese culture and sport. Very funny and very well run. The food was amazing too.”
See professional sumo wrestlers, learn sacred rituals, try the dohyō, and take photos in this lively 90-minute Shinjuku experience.
“What a fun experience! We learned the history of sumo and the main tactics of the sport. Saw live demonstrations and my daughter got to challenge a wrestler. Staff was great.”
Review of Tokyo’s Samurai Restaurant Show, with neon, samurai, dancers, two drinks, practical tips, value notes, and who should book.
“One of the most amazing shows I've seen. Definitely worth going if you're visiting Tokyo for the first time, or if you just need something fun to see.”
Review of a full-day Mt Fuji and Hakone tour from Tokyo, with 5th Station, Lake Ashi cruise, ropeway, lunch, and taiko drums.
“Marie our guide was excellent. Learned a lot about local culture as well. Very good lunch and taiko drum entertainment a bonus”
Watch live sumo demonstrations, learn the rituals in English, and enter the ring yourself during this lively 90-minute Shinjuku experience.
“Very entertaining and clear explanation of how sumo works”
Enjoy a bilingual Tokyo sumo show with geisha dance, A5 wagyu sukiyaki, chanko hot pot, drinks, photos, and a ring-side challenge.
“The show was excellent, lots of humour and lots of learning. The meal was huge and delicious. we had lots of fun, and would recommend it.”
A friendly guide to Tokyo for first-timers — written by someone who remembers exactly what it felt like to walk out of Shinjuku Station for the first time.
