Kabuki
A traditional form of theater tracing back to the Edo Period, kabuki involves elaborate costumes, eye-catching make-up, outlandish wigs, and the exaggerated actions performed by the actors. The art form is not easy to access for everyone, but can be enjoyable – it helps to know a bit about its history and unique features. It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance, and if you’re short on time, you can get a single-act ticket instead of watching the whole show. Since performances are in Japanese, renting a translation iPad can make it easier to follow the story. You can bring snacks and drinks to enjoy during intermission, as food is allowed inside the theater. The venue sells traditional bento boxes, so you can have a meal while watching the performance.
← Theaters
Kabukiza Theatre (Ginza). Performances are held most days of the month, and if you aren't sure about committing to an entire show, there are single-act tickets, called Hitomaku-mi, available for purchase on the door (¥1,000-¥2,000).
Asakusa Engei Hall (Asakusa). Asakusa was once a vibrant Kabuki theater district. This theater offers marathon entertainment sessions twice daily in the afternoon and evening that last around 5 hours.
Spectator Sports
← Sumo Grand Tournaments
Basho in Tokyo take place January, May and September. Tournament tickets sell out quickly so advance booking is essential. There three tiers of seats, ringside (impossible w/o connections), box seats (seats four on mats), and tier (western seating, nosebleed) : website
← Watch practices
If you are between tournaments or tickets are sold out, and really want to see some sumo you may still attend the free sumo wrestling practice, asakeiko, at one of the stables; heya are where sumo wrestlers train. Ryogoku is the area to go where you may watch.Arashio-beya practice schedule
Oshima-beya only allows members, but says you may contact them for permission
Musashigawa beya homepage
For sumo enthusiasts
There is a Grand Sumo App that keeps you up to date on stats for the tournaments, wrestlers’ status (win loss, etc).
Sumo Museum: Exhibitions of art and items on sumo’s history, including woodblock prints and ceremonial mawashi worn by top wrestlers.
Chanko Nabe meal: hearty stew eaten by sumo rikishi. Where to get it: Chanko Kirishima, Sumo Chaya Chanko Edozawa, Sumo Chaya Terao, Chanko Masuiyama, Rikishi Ryori Kotogaume
← Watch Baseball
If you’re in Tokyo between March and October, catching a baseball game offers a unique cultural experience even if you aren’t a sports fan. The city hosts two pro teams: the Yomiuri Giants (at Tokyo Dome) and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows (at Meiji Jingu Stadium). Tickets can be purchased online through the teams' official websites or via convenience store kiosks. Attending a game immerses you in the enthusiastic atmosphere of Japanese baseball, characterized by organized cheering sections and a family-friendly environment.
← Watch the Horses
Tokyo has a few major racecourses, with Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu being the most accessible and grand. I’ve never been to either but from all accounts there’s cheap admission (around ¥200), food stalls, and wide open spaces. Big race days can draw enthusiastic crowds. Oi Racecourse is famed for its "Twinkle Races," nighttime horse racing events.