Japan · SHOW

The 15 Best Shows in Japan

37 tours  ·  from $19

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 shows worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo - Mt Fuji 5th Station at 2,300 meters
1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Mount Fuji Day Trips, Show, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

1.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7,413 reviews · from $149Our pick

Spend nearly 12 hours with an English-speaking guide visiting Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, Lake Ashi, and Mt Komagatake. You’ll enjoy a short cruise, ropeway ride, Japanese lunch if selected, and a wadaiko drum show before returning to Tokyo by non-reserved Kodama Shinkansen.

“Great trip. Lots to do and see. Very weather dependent as mist can spoil view .a worthwhile experience combined scenery and culture”

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Tokyo: Sumo Show Experience with Chicken Hot Pot and a Photo - The opening: geisha dance and the language of sumo
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Tokyo: Sumo Show Experience with Chicken Hot Pot and a Photo

2.Sumo Show Experience with Chicken Hot Pot and a Photo

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6,678 reviews · 2 hours · from $103

At Asakusa Sumo Club, you’ll watch retired wrestlers demonstrate rituals, techniques, and a best-of-three match while a bilingual host explains the action. Enjoy all-you-can-eat chicken chanko-nabe, a geisha dance, a drink, a possible ring challenge, and a souvenir photo with the performers.

“Well worth the money it’s informative, fun and super well priced for what you get out of the experience!!”

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Tokyo: Sumo Show and Dining Experience - The English introduction makes sumo easier to understand
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Show, Sumo Experiences, Sumo Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Sumo Show and Dining Experience

3.Sumo Show and Dining Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,742 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $79

At Tokyo Sumo Room, former Makuuchi wrestler Tokitsumi and fellow rikishi explain sumo in English, perform practice bouts, and invite willing diners into the ring. Choose the 11:00 AM or 7:00 PM meal option for Japanese food and chanko-nabe. The 3:00 PM show has no meal plan.

“Excellent demonstration! We learned a lot about the sport and its history. The "Show with dinner" does NOT include dinner.”

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the SUMO show - Learning the rules before the action
Show, Sumo Experiences, Sumo Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

the SUMO show

4.the SUMO show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,960 reviews · from $89Top rated

At Yokozuna Tonkatsu in Sumida, you’ll spend 90 minutes with retired sumo wrestlers learning the rules, watching sparring, trying sumo yourself, and eating tonkatsu with chanko soup. The friendly, family-focused show welcomes participation, photos, and dietary requests made at least five days ahead.

“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!”

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Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show & Experience with Photo - The rituals are more than opening ceremony
Show, Sumo Experiences, Sumo Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show & Experience with Photo

5.Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show & Experience with Photo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $79

In Shinjuku, a bilingual MC explains sumo’s rituals, rules, tactics, and origins as two professional wrestlers perform live demonstrations. You can join a friendly challenge, ask questions, and take photos with the wrestlers. It is upbeat, family-friendly, and designed as an accessible introduction rather than a formal tournament.

“Very enjoyable, entertaining, and informative, the sumo wrestlers were very good at both wrestling and performing for the audience, and the announcer did a great job of explaining everything as well. The staff were absolutely great when we lost an item and were super helpful with it. Definitely would go again and a must-do for anyone in Tokyo. We had a great time and laughed a lot for Christmas day, with a fun surprise at the end.”

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Tokyo: Samurai Restaurant Show Ticket with 2 Drinks - Arriving in Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Dining Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences, Show, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Samurai Restaurant Show Ticket with 2 Drinks

6.Samurai Restaurant Show Ticket with 2 Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,307 reviews · 1h 30m · from $55

Spend about 90 minutes inside Shinjuku’s Samurai Restaurant, where samurai, ninjas, dancers, bold costumes, neon lights, and loud music share a compact stage. Your ticket includes two alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. The show is for adults 18 and older, and late arrivals wait until intermission.

“I really enjoyed the show. The energy was unmatched.”

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Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bus 1 Day from Tokyo - Mt. Fuji 5th Station at 2,300 meters
1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Mount Fuji Day Trips, Show, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bus 1 Day from Tokyo

7.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bus 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,287 reviews · from $122

Travel from Shinjuku to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Lake Ashi, and Mt. Komagatake on a full-day coach trip with an English-speaking guide. Add Japanese lunch and a taiko drum show, or bring your own meal. Guides such as Joe, Hiro, Nao, and Miko have earned especially warm praise.

“Everything was fantastic! Everybody enjoyed the trip. We can do this tour again and again. Our tour guide Miko was really WONDERFUL. No dull moment during this tour.”

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Tokyo: Sumo Show and Experience in Shinjuku - Watching professional wrestlers at close range
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Tokyo: Sumo Show and Experience in Shinjuku

8.Sumo Show and Experience in Shinjuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,001 reviews · 1h 30m · from $69

In Shinjuku, an English-speaking host such as Paula, Dai, or Ari explains sumo rules, rituals, training, and techniques before live exhibition matches. You can wear a traditional sumo outfit, enter the dohyo, and challenge a rikishi. The $69 price includes water but not food.

“Great experience! Staff came by to each party and introduced himself and chit chatted with us for a bit before the show started. Definitely felt welcomed. Show was informative and funny!! Props to the sumo wrestlers for showing us the art of sumo wrestling while putting on a great show, definitely a must see for the family!”

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Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience w/ Optional Kimono & Hot Pot - The 35-minute show: rules, techniques, and real performers
Kimono & Culture Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences in Osaka, Osaka Tours, Show, Sumo Experiences, Tour Reviews

Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience w/ Optional Kimono & Hot Pot

9.Sumo Show & Experience w/ Optional Kimono & Hot Pot

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 609 reviews · from $77

At Sumo Restaurant Ochiizumibeya near Rinku Town, you’ll watch a 35-minute sumo show, learn basic rules and techniques, try a bout if selected, and pose with the wrestlers. A haori try-on is included, while professional kimono dressing, chanko hot pot, and other food are optional.

“Super fun activity! Got to learn a lot about sumo and taking on one of the wrestlers was a great laugh.”

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Tokyo:Luxury Sumo Show Experience & Japanese cuisine & Drink - The bouts are close, funny, and made for participation
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Tokyo:Luxury Sumo Show Experience & Japanese cuisine & Drink

10.Luxury Sumo Show Experience & Japanese cuisine & Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 577 reviews · 2 hours · from $103

At Asakusa Sumo Club Annex, you’ll watch retired sumo wrestlers demonstrate rituals, training moves, and comic bouts while an English-speaking host explains the action. A geisha dance, A5 wagyu sukiyaki, chanko hot pot, drinks, photos, and a chance to enter the ring make this a lively two-hour Tokyo night out.

“This excursion is worth every penny. Truly a five star experience. Every single member of staff from the wrestlers, to the bar staff were fantastic. You MUST book this up!”

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Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options - Starting at the Izumo-no-Okuni statue
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Show, Tour Reviews

Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

11.Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 518 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $108

Spend three hours with an English-speaking guide such as Kenta, Ken, or Akari, walking through Gion before meeting a maiko for questions, music, dance, and photos. Choose a Japanese lunch, tea break, or dinner with eight shared dishes. Groups are limited to eight.

“An absolute must. This experience was one of the highlights during our time in Kyoto. Even if you’re not deeply interested in Geisha history and culture, you’ll still be amazed. Our tour guide, Akari-San, was 10/10 the best tour guide we’ve had during our time in Japan. We also had the opportunity to meet an experienced Maiko, Mio-San. Her performance was spectacular. All in all, a worthwhile experience that is a must for anyone visiting Kyoto.”

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Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options - Starting at the Izumo-no-Okuni statue
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences, Kimono & Culture Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Show, Tour Reviews

Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

12.Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 483 reviews · from $121

Spend about three hours with Ken, Kenta, or Akari exploring Gion’s shrines, theaters, and geisha streets before meeting a maiko. The 45-minute session includes tea, conversation, translation, and one or two dances. Dining options are available, but check exactly what your selected package includes.

“The experience was wonderful! Truly an amazing experience, specially thanks to Ken, he was the best guide one can expect. So kind and helpful, and he knew so much about the culture and Kyoto. I would definitely repeat.”

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Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks - Sukiyaki, drinks, and the value of a $65 ticket
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Show, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks

13.Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · from $65

Spend about 1 hour 40 minutes aboard a traditional yakatabune, enjoying sukiyaki, unlimited soft drinks, and live Japanese music. Hosts such as Karen, Yoyo, Sheila, and Midori help set the mood, while the open-air deck offers views of Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Fuji TV, and Tokyo Tower.

“Wonderful hostess, Sheila. Delicious food. Excellent entertainment and spectacular views of Tokyo from the traditional boat. Loved the experience!”

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1 Hour Geisha Show in Kyoto - Choosing between the Kyo-Machiya tea house and Gion Theater
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1 Hour Geisha Show in Kyoto

14.1 Hour Geisha Show in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 452 reviews · from $79

Meet a working maiko in Kyoto for two short dances, green tea, a translated Q&A, photos, and a traditional game. Your guide may be Soichiro, Ai, Genki, or Chihiro. Choose between an authentic Kyo-Machiya tea house and a dedicated Gion theater, and check the venue photos before booking.

“Beautiful show, love the cultural background, the question and answer session was very informative. We were able it interact with the young maiko, and play one of there games which they practice. Would recommend this show to come visit”

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Kyoto: Samurai Kenbu Traditional Sword Dancing Show - Arriving at Samurai Kembu Theater
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Kyoto: Samurai Kenbu Traditional Sword Dancing Show

15.Samurai Kenbu Traditional Sword Dancing Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 426 reviews · 1 hour · from $32

At Samurai Kembu Theater in central Kyoto, you watch performers tell samurai tales through graceful sword dancing, fan movements, and English narration. After the show, an instructor guides you through basic sword handling, with time for photographs and possibly a short fan lesson.

“the whole show was performed with finesse and emotion, was very enjoyable to watch, would recommend.”

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New in Show

★ 4.8Tokyo GINZA: KONPARU Japanese Cabaret Show with DrinkFrom $5038 reviews
★ 4.9Family Sumo Workshop & Live Wrestling Show with LunchFrom $6099 reviews
★ 4.9Not a show- a professional sumo practice with expertsFrom $10367 reviews
★ 4.7Authentic Japanese Dance Show ticket by professionalsFrom $5417 reviews
★ 4.5Samurai themed Entertainment show in ShinjukuFrom $10225 reviews
★ 4.9UTAGE Japanese Taiko Live ShowFrom $40167 reviews
★ 4.8Osaka Umeda: PICCADILLY DINNER SHOW & NIGHTCLUB with TastingFrom $3249 reviews
★ 4.7English Stand Up Comedy Show at Osaka Comedy ClubFrom $19203 reviews
★ 4.8Wazuma Magic Show & Tea CeremonyFrom $7729 reviews
★ 4.9Non-Verbal Theatre Show Tickets at GEARFrom $46198 reviews
★ 4.8KABUKI Show at Kabukiza Theatre Admission TicketFrom $106152 reviews
★ 5.0Japanese Traditional Music Show in TokyoFrom $3872 reviews
★ 5.0Gion Walking Tour, Geisha Show and Japanese Game in KyotoFrom $10865 reviews
★ 4.9Sumo Show Experience with Japanese food & PhotoFrom $7781 reviews
★ 4.8OSAKA NIGHT FUSION Japanese Taiko Kabuki Samurai Dance ShowFrom $40155 reviews

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