Kabuki-za

Japan’s number-one kabuki theatre. The schedule changes monthly, with matinees starting around 11am and evening performances around 4.30pm. Shows can last up to five hours, including intervals. You can also buy tickets to watch just one act from the fourth floor; these go on sale from one hour beforehand and often sell out. An English-language programme (¥1,000) and audio guide (¥650, plus a refundable deposit of ¥1,000) are invaluable. Note that the restaurants and souvenir shop are not accessible to fourth-floor visitors.