Movies / Theater / Hall / Live House Spots in Japan

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Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Movies / Theater / Hall / Live House

Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center)

3.5

681 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Koutou-ku Ariake 3-11-1

Located in the Ariake district of Tokyo's Koto City, this is Japan's largest convention center. It opened in 1996 and is used for various trade fairs and exhibitions throughout the year including business as well as cultural events. It is famous for hosting the Tokyo Motor Show and the Comic Market. The interior is mainly divided up into the Conference Tower, East Hall, East New Exhibition Hall, West Hall and Restaurant Avenue.

Currently visiting this wonderful structure for a lengthy work assignment and Im blown away by how large, impressive and well-run it is.
Makuhari Messe

3.5

449 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Chiba Pref. Chibashi Mihama-ku Nakase 2-1

A convention center capable of hosting domestic and international trade fairs, product fairs, exhibitions, events, and meetings. There’s always a host of fun programs being conducted at Makuhari Messe. In addition to 11 exhibition halls, there’s also numerous conference rooms, restaurants, and other facilities; the size of the structure will astound you. The shortest access routes for international exhibition halls 1-8 and 9-11, the Makuhari Event Hall, and the international conference rooms all differ, so be sure to check where the event you’re interested in is before heading out.

Makuhari Messe looked a little shabby compared to Tokyo Big Site. The site was big enough but it looked so much outdated.
Tokyo International Forum

4.0

943 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Marunouchi 3-5-1

A multipurpose public culture facility with eight halls of various sizes as well as 34 meeting rooms. The facility frequently hosts cultural events that help share with the world the unique charms of Japan. The airy Glass Building hall, walled in by huge glass panels, has been awarded three Michelin stars, and is a popular tourist spot in and of itself. The entire facility is decorated with works of art, and visitors can come and enjoy the building like an art museum.

The Tokyo International Forum truly is a photography wonderland. Head into the main building and take the elevator to the 7th floor. There are so many cool angles to shoot in this architectural...
Kabukiza Theatre

4.5

1016 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Chuou-ku Ginza 4-12-15

This theater located in the Ginza area of Tokyo's Chuo City is dedicated solely to kabuki. The current building is the fifth iteration of the Kabuki-za, having undergone reconstruction and remodeling in accordance with destruction by fire, repairs, and changing eras since it opened in 1889. In addition to the many types of seats from the first floor box seats to the third floor seats, on the fourth floor are the popular “hito-maku miseki,” special seats that allow people to see any one act of a kabuki play. The building's Japanese-style exterior with its tiled roof and balustrades makes for a splendid balance with the Kabukiza Tower that stands behind it and the Ginza streetscapes. In the basement is the Kobikicho Plaza with souvenir shops and restaurants.

To let others know incase you share my characteristics - I am queer/trans, overweight, tattooed, use a walking stick with limited mobility, white british. We needed to pick up our tickets from under...
Ryogoku Kokugikan

4.5

884 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Sumida-ku Yokoami 1-3-28

Called the Ryogoku Kokugikan, this is widely known as a venue for sumo competitions. It can accommodate more than 10,000 spectators and hosts various events besides sumo including pro-wrestling, boxing and concerts. Inside the venue’s shop visitors can purchase sweets and original merchandise featuring sumo motifs even when an official sumo tournament is not being held. The facility also houses the Sumo Museum where visitors can see color prints and ornamental aprons, as well as photos of past yokozuna champions.

This is the center of the Sumo Universe. Best venue to watch Sumo. The seating is traditional Japanese downstairs and western actual chair seats upstairs. If you enjoy being folded up like a lawn...
Namba Grand Kagetsu

4.5

578 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Osaka-shi Chuo-ku Nanbasennichimae 11-6

We enjoyed the first session Sunday. Laughed a lot. We believe our immune system was strengthened thanks to laughing. Some comedians there were not well-known but really gave us fun. One of...
Yokohama Arena

4.0

182 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kouhoku-ku Shinyokohama 3-10

This multipurpose event arena, first opened in April 1989, can accommodate up to 17,000 people. Able to host concerts, ceremonies, and a variety of other events, Yokohama Arena has also been selected as one of the 100 best event halls in Japan. Yokohama Arena offers a full suite of features, including giant video monitor systems, sound systems suitable for a variety of events, and universally designed facilities. The surrounding area includes convenience stores, restaurants, and hotels as well.

コロナ非常事態宣言解除後感染対策をしっかりして催し物を再開し、以来一度も感染者を出していないと聞いており、こんなときだが安心して入場できた。当方コンサートで利用したが、室内だがグッズ売場が入場口の真裏でかなり離れており、利用者が隔離されるような格好になっていた。ホール内に入る際に検温があり消毒させられたが、グッズ売場までどこにも触る機会がないにも関わらずまた消毒させられ、さらに販売窓口で販売員...
Suntory Hall

4.5

221 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Minato-ku Akasaka 1-13-1

"This classical music hall is located in Akasaka Ark Hills in Minato Ward, Tokyo. There are two performance halls, the large Main Hall and the smaller Blue Rose hall. Aiming to achieve the most beautiful sound quality in the world, all 2,006 seats in the Main Hall are arranged in terraced rows in what is called ""vineyard style,"" the first time this style has been employed in Japan. Performances by first-rate artists from across the country and the world are held here daily. The foyer has a drink area and shop and is designed to be a socializing space where adults can enjoy friendly conversation before performances and during breaks."

When they say Suntory Hall has fantastic acoustics, believe them. Attended an out of box performance of Legeti & Bartok pieces. Loved the experience.
Saitama Super Arena

Travel / Tourism

Saitama Pref. Saitamashi Chuou-ku Shintoshin 8

Saitama Super Arena is used as the site for many concerts and sporting events. Keyaki Hiroba, located adjacent to the arena and stadium, contains a number of cafes, taverns, and other eating and drinking establishments. The presence of a convenience store and a drugstore make the site especially convenient. Inside the arena is a temporary daycare center, so that parents can enjoy concerts and events without worrying about their children.
Osakajo Hall

4.0

72 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou 3-1

Situated inside Osaka Castle Park in Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, this is the largest event hall in western Japan with a capacity of 16,000 people. It was built in 1983 as the site of the “Osaka Chikujo 400-year Festival,” and the main part of the building was built underground out of consideration for the surrounding scenery. Aside from the arena, there are several halls and restaurants on the site. Popular domestic and overseas artists’ concerts and various ceremonies are held here, as well as a number of events attended by a large number of people throughout the year.

The Hall and the surrounding park had turned to a popular spot for local and tourists. It was really nice to stroll around. There were eateries and shops available for visitors. Pleasant area...
Tokimesse Niigata Convention Center

4.0

259 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Nigatashi Chuou-ku Bandaijima 6-1

This convention center complex is about a 20-minute walk from JR Niigata Station and is comprised of two buildings: the Niigata Convention Center with exhibition halls and meeting rooms and Bandaijima Building with a hotel. From meetings to parties to lodging everything can be conveniently served by this one space. On the fifth floor of the Bandaijima Building is the Niigata Bandaijima Art Museum focusing on modern art and on the 31st floor is the Befco Bakauke Observation Room from which you can the Sea of Japan, Sado Island, and the Gozu Mountain Range.

Have a free access of top floor for bird eye view of ocean and the city. Nikko hotel is also the best hotel in NIIGATA. Near by is a fish market and access to Sado ferry. They offer a 60 min free...
PACIFICO Yokohama

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Nishi-ku Minatomirai 1-1-1

This convention center is in the Minato Mirai area. The Pacific Convention Plaza Yokohama is one of the largest international conference halls in the world and hosts big global gatherings. It's connected to the Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel and the National Convention Hall, the only national conference hall in Eastern Japan. It's also a MICE complex and holds a wide variety of events.
Shinbashi Enbujo

4.0

106 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Chuou-ku Ginza 6-18-2

This theater in the Ginza district of Tokyo's Chuo City was built in 1925. Constructed as a place to showcase the arts of Shinbashi geisha, it is now used to stage a variety of programs with a focus on kabuki, shinpa (new drama) and shin-kigeki (a new comedy troupe). The Shinbashi geisha's Azuma Odori, which is held every year for four days in May, is popular as a spring tradition in Tokyo in which guests can catch a glimpse of the culture in Japan's traditional pleasure quarters which are normally off-limits to first-timers. There are bento meals boxes to enjoy the tradition of the Shinbashi pleasure quarters and a complete cafeteria menu inside the theater.

We were lucky enough to catch a show on 26 May 2019. (Only on for 4 days in Tokyo, I believe.) It consisted of 30 minutes dancing, then an intermission of 30 minutes (during which you could eat...
Minamiza

4.5

159 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Shi Higashiyama Ward Shijyo Ohashi Ebisu

A theater which has been in operation since the Edo period (1603–1868) located in Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto City. The theater has held kabuki performances for close to 400 years in Shijogawara where kabuki originated from, making it the oldest and most tradition-rich theater in Japan. The current building, four stories above ground and one below, incorporates modern and Momoyama architectural styles and was designated a Tangible Cultural Property in 1996. The theater’s performances of the Kaomise, held each year from the November 30 to the end of December, have become a winter tradition in Kyoto, and the sight of the traditional signboards presenting the performers’ names in Kanteiryu calligraphic style crowding the theater front above the entranceway is renowned.

I went with my language school. Even if you don’t understand what the play is about, like me, the visuals and acting was an experience on its own. Definitely go if you get a chance.
Nagoya Congress Center

3.5

89 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Atsuta-ku Atsutanishimachi 1-1

A convention center located in Shiratori Park in Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City. Facilities include the 3,000 seat Century Hall, international conference rooms, event halls, and more. The center holds regular events such as classical music competitions and concerts and is used by many locals and visitors from far and wide.

昔のアニメですが、響けユーフォニアムの聖地巡礼といったところです。アニメ上ではここで全国大会銅賞でしたが、今後卒業までの続編が出るといいんですけどね。訪問日は地元の大学の卒業式で大変な人出、間を縫って撮影しました。
Meijiza

4.0

123 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Chuou-ku Nihombashihamachou 2-31-1

Located just nearby the A2 exit of Hamacho Station, this is a playhouse that has been well-loved since it was established in 1873. Widely known as a hall for kabuki and shinpa (new drama), it is now host to a variety of performances including kayo concerts, contemporary drama, and musicals. The modern exterior of the Hamacho Center Building accommodates the internal appearance that retains the influence of Japanese-style architecture, and inside are a number of facilities such as a café, lounge, and long-established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop that visitors can enjoy during the intermission. The Meijiza traditional taste of the Maku-no-uchi bento is the real pleasure of going to this theater.

I really liked this show, especially its music. The whole show was a nice combination of some kabuki, dance, swordplay and some anime.
National Bunraku Theatre

4.5

166 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Nippombashi 1-12-10

The National Bunraku Theatre, which opened in 1984, is located in the Chuo Ward of Osaka City. The 753-seat Large Hall is mainly used for performances of Ningyo Joruri (Bunraku) puppet theatre, one of Japan’s traditional performing arts; it is also used as a venue for theatrical productions, dance performances, etc. The Small Hall is used for performances of Rakugo, Manzai, Rokyoku (Naniwa-bushi recitation), etc. The National Bunraku Theatre also holds special performances for schoolchildren etc. who may not be familiar with Bunraku, with explanations. The Exhibition Hall in the National Bunraku Theatre has permanent exhibitions of books etc. relating to the history of Bunraku, as well as holding special thematic exhibitions.

Very nice traditional theatre. Show a bit long but authentic. My girlfriend got bored but I loved it, the costumes, acting, sets were incredible.
Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikoro

3.5

315 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Kushiro-shi Akancho Akankonsen 4-7-84

Not a very authentic experience - but the only one available to appreciate Ainu culture, which in today;s Japan has become a commodity to attract tourists. Some nice hand crafts are sold in the area...
Tokyo Garden Theater

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Koto-ku Ariake 2-1-6
ASAKUSA ENGEI HALL

4.0

130 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Tokyo Taitou-ku Asakusa 1-43-12

This is a theater that conducts performance of rakugo (Japanese comedic storytelling) year-round. In addition to rakugo, there are also programs that include manzai (two-person comedy acts), skits and imitations. After opening in 1964, it gained popularity as a hall for comedy and famous artists such as Kinichi Hagimoto, “Beat” Takeshi and Kiyoshi Atsumi often performed there. Although there is a daytime part and a night-time part, there is no restriction on choosing one or the other so visitors can watch for the entire day. There is also a shop that sells bento lunch boxes, drinks and other merchandise. Tickets are only available for purchase on the day of the show.

Asakusa Engei Hall is a theatre where an actor perform alone on stage telling comic stories in japanese so it helps if you know the language but even if you don’t, you may enjoy the environment and...