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Music, theatre & dance
The Japanese are highly committed to preserving their traditional arts, and it is thanks to this fact that you can still see, hear and participate in all kinds of music, theatre and dance today.
Take a lesson in taiko drumming on Sado Island; watch the spring geisha dances in Kyoto; attend Awa Odori, the largest traditional dance festival in Japan; enjoy a scene of Kabuki at Tokyo's newly restored theatre; or eat your dinner to the sound of the three-stringed shamisen. Japan's traditional performing arts are alive and well in the modern age, and there are all kinds of ways that you can watch and learn about them through InsideJapan Tours.
If you're interested in something more modern, Japan's contemporary music, dance and theatre scene is also extremely exciting. Japan's pop music market is the second-largest in the world (a staggering 44 of the world's 50 top-selling albums last year were Japanese!), avant-garde theatre groups such as the Takarazuka Revue are flourishing, and dance crazes such as para para sweep through the youth population so that every evening you can find groups of teenager practising their moves in parks and squares.
There are all kinds of ways to get involved in Japan's performing arts - whether as a spectator or a participant. Just have a look below for a few ideas!
Sado Island drumming
Learn the techniques and rhythms of taiko drumming from a former member of the world renowned Kodo Drummers of Sado Island.
Fuji Rock
One of the world's best music festivals in a stunning mountain setting, Fuji Rock Festival is like no other festival you've been to before
Insider Experience: Vinyl hunt
Passionate about vinyl? Meet our Tokyo "Insider" for an adventure through Tokyo's best record shops.
Kabuki
Attend a Kabuki performance to see outlandish costumes, dramatic stunts, high speed action and great story telling.
Takarazuka Revue
A Japanese all-female musical revue; enough feather boas and sparkles to please even the most reluctant theatre goer.
Backstage theatre tour
Permission to access all areas in Japan's oldest Kabuki theatre in Kotohira.
Taiko drumming lesson
Take a break from Tokyo sightseeing and beat a drum to your heart's content
Japanese dance class
Learn the graceful art of traditional Japanese dance complete with a kimono and fan.
Earth Celebration
A three day celebration of taiko drumming, world music, nature and global culture hosted by the internationally acclaimed Kodo Drummers.
Insider Experience: Tokyo rock night
Delve into Tokyo's vibrant amateur live rock music scene with one of our "Insiders"
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