Getting there
Finding the upstairs theatre
Getting to the Asakusa troupe theatre: the two stations called Asakusa, the shared address, the staircase entrance, when to arrive and what to bring.
Find a performance day ↗Quick answer
Head for Asakusa, which has two stations of the same name, and follow the map pin in your booking. Check that the pin names the theatre you booked, because another theatre shares the address. The entrance is on a street corner with stairs leading up; a greeter with a meeting-point sign, or a receptionist on the second floor, will point you in. Arrive early, with cash.
Asakusa in brief
Asakusa is a district of Taitō ward on the north-east fringe of central Tokyo, best known for Sensō-ji, the Buddhist temple dedicated to Kannon. It sits at the heart of the area called Shitamachi, the low city, on the banks of the Sumida River, and it keeps a more traditionally Japanese atmosphere than most of the capital.
Two stations called Asakusa
Wikipedia notes that the district has two railway stations with the same name. One is shared by several railway and subway lines; the other belongs to the Tsukuba Express and stands apart from it. Whichever you arrive at, open the map pin from your booking and walk from there.
The shared address
Another theatre shares the same address, so a quick map search can send you to the wrong door. Before you set out, open the pin in your booking and make sure it names the theatre you booked. The entrance is on a street corner, with a staircase leading upstairs; the theatre you want sits above the other one.
Meeting point and arrival
A greeter in a colourful jacket holds a meeting-point sign at the entrance, or a receptionist waits on the second floor. Arrive in good time. Two performances a day are usual, and because the troupe rebuilds its programme every day, the start can move up to fifteen minutes before or after the time printed on your booking. Arriving early also gives you time at the cash-only snack bar.
Timing your arrival
Your booking shows the start time for your performance; two a day are usual. Treat it as approximate, because the troupe changes its programme completely every day and the show can begin up to fifteen minutes earlier or later. Aim to be at the theatre with time to spare, find your seat and visit the snack bar, where small snacks and refreshments are sold for cash. Keep up to two hours clear before your next plan.
What to bring
Leave red wine and alcohol behind, as they are on the not-allowed list along with pets and smoking in the audience.
- Low-value banknotes for tipping and snacks
- Your booking on your phone, with the map pin saved
- Patience with stairs: the theatre is up a flight
Access and the stairs
The theatre is upstairs, reached by a staircase from the street corner, and wheelchair users are advised not to book. The show also excludes children under ten, babies, people with respiratory problems or people with epilepsy, because of loud music, flashing lights, smoke effects and performers who may smoke on stage. If someone in your group is affected, the chopstick workshop in the comparison guide is wheelchair accessible and welcomes families.
Read next: Troupe show or a craft hour?
Making a day of it
Sensō-ji is Tokyo's oldest established temple, with a main hall, a five-story pagoda and large gates. Nearby, Hanayashiki claims to be the oldest amusement park in Japan. The rickshaw card here takes you through the old streets and Sumida Park; Tokyo Tower makes a good end to the evening across town.
Read next: Rokku, Asakusa's stage quarter
Sources