
BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro worth booking?
BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro is a 1.8-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from ¥7,300 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 49 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- ¥7,300 per person
Bunraku is one of Japan's representative traditional theater arts for adults, inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a closely collaborative form which synchronizes narrative recitation, shamisen music and puppetry in performance. Recitation of stories by a narrator letting out his voice with all of his might, the dynamic and delicate sound of the shamisen, and the beautiful movements of the puppets astound the audience. Featuring this outstanding unique style, Bunraku is praised as very sophisticated puppet theater arts in the world. Experience the true essence of Japanese culture, not just imitation. This performance will feature top performers who have been sharing authentic art for hundreds of years. English audio guide is included, making the performance easy to understand. We invite you to take this opportunity to enjoy BUNRAKU!
What you get
About this experience
Bunraku is one of Japan's representative traditional theater arts for adults, inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a closely collaborative form which synchronizes narrative recitation, shamisen music and puppetry in performance. Recitation of stories by a narrator letting out his voice with all of his might, the dynamic and delicate sound of the shamisen, and the beautiful movements of the puppets astound the audience. Featuring this outstanding unique style, Bunraku is praised as very sophisticated puppet theater arts in the world. Experience the true essence of Japanese culture, not just imitation. This performance will feature top performers who have been sharing authentic art for hundreds of years. English audio guide is included, making the performance easy to understand. We invite you to take this opportunity to enjoy BUNRAKU!
What's included
Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- On-board restrooms
- English Audio Guide
Not included
- Transportation to the theatre
- Audio guides in Japanese and other languages
What you'll see and do
You will see a Bunraku (traditional Japanese puppet theatre) performance at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Playhouse) (Ikebukuro, Tokyo). *The time is estimates and could vary. *English Audio Guide included.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tokyo
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Program II : Start at 14:30
1st Class seats: The seats are on the first floor seating area. Seating positions will be left to our theatre. English audio guide included. Duration: 3 hours 25 minutes: Program ll (2:30 p.m.-6.15 p.m.) *The time is estimates and could vary. Program: "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura"
Program III : Start at 19:00
1st Class seats: The seats are on the first floor seating area. Seating positions will be left to our theatre. English audio guide included. Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes: Program lll (7:00p.m.-8:50 p.m) *The time is estimates and could vary. Program: "Sonezaki Shinjū"
Program I : Start at 11:00
1st Class seats: The seats are on the first floor seating area. Seating positions will be left to our theatre. English audio guide included. Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes: Program l (11:00 a.m.-1:45 p.m.) *Time is estimates and could vary Program: "Kagamiyama Kokyō no Nishikie"
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 国立劇場
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Audio guide is English only. Japanese and other languages are not available.
- If you are coming in a wheelchair, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can provide wheelchair-accessible seating.
Photos






Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Learn about the history of Japan through puppetry
I’ve always wanted to see puppet theater and Bunraku didn’t disappoint. It was a classical performance about loyalty and fidelity back in day when Japanese warlords ruled supreme. Lucky for me and my wife, the theater provided headsets with an English narrator. An elaborate production, three people operated each of the major characters and a choir of singers and instrumentalists also performed. The show was a great way to learn about Japanese history.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- ¥7,300 to ¥10,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 49
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro cost?
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Prices start at ¥7,300 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro take?
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Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.
Is BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro?
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Included: All Fees and Taxes; On-board restrooms; and English Audio Guide. Not included: Transportation to the theatre; and Audio guides in Japanese and other languages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What booking options are available for BUNRAKU performance by National Theatre in Ikebukuro?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Program II : Start at 14:30, Program III : Start at 19:00, Program I : Start at 11:00. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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