I went to the Japanese Show Theater Asakusa Kaguwa! When you think of Asakusa, you probably picture Senso-ji Temple or Nakamise Street during the day. But if you want to enjoy Asakusa at night, this is the place to go. And let me tell you—it was way more fun than I expected!
A Gorgeous Oiran Show Full of Surprises
The Kaguwa show is packed with Japanese traditional culture—Oiran, Kabuki, lion dance, and even samurai sword fighting—blended with a modern twist. It feels like a dance performance but also has a storyline, so it’s really engaging. And since there are no spoken lines, international visitors can easily enjoy it too.
There were about 30 people in the audience, with around 80% being foreign tourists. Luckily, I got a seat close to the stage, so I could see the performers’ expressions and details of their costumes up close. The atmosphere was amazing!
The highlight was definitely the original Oiran performance—glamorous costumes, traditional instruments, powerful dance and sword fighting all coming together. It was way beyond my expectations.
One moment that stood out was when a performer’s mask suddenly changed in the middle of the dance—so fast the audience gasped!
Samurai Action With Laser Beams
And then came the samurai action with laser beams. It felt like Edo meets the future—super cool and stylish.
Of course, there was also the classic lion dance, where the lion bit people’s heads for good luck 😂. The whole hour flew by.
Photo Time Included!
Videos aren’t allowed during the show, but photos are totally fine. Even better, before the performance you can take a photo with the cast for free.
Kume in a green costume looked so proud, we couldn’t stop laughing. He even joked he looked like he was in a St. Patrick’s parade.
Free Oiran Show on the Streets of Asakusa
Here’s a bonus: every week there’s a free Oiran show on the streets of Asakusa. On this day, the performers from Kaguwa went straight from the theater to the stage in front of Don Quijote.
They walked in an Oiran parade, drawing a big crowd, and then performed again on the street. The energy was incredible, and it really lit up the night.
Discover Japan’s Glamorous Past – Free Oiran Night Show in Asakusa, Tokyo
Perfect for a Night in Asakusa
Asakusa is usually thought of as a daytime spot, but Kaguwa is perfect if you want to experience the nightlife. A glamorous, powerful Oiran show that both Japanese and international visitors can enjoy—it’s definitely worth checking out!
I’ll keep introducing more fun things to do in Tokyo.
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