The National Theater is the oldest and best theater for traditional Japanese dance. There are two theaters: one with a seating capacity of 1654 in which kabuki is staged for about eight months of the year, and the other with a capacity of 594 in which Bunraku, an elaborate form of a puppet show, is performed. Earphone guides and an explanation of the story are available. A restaurant on-site serves Japanese food as well as alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Ticket prices vary according to performance.
The Contemporary Sculpture Museum is located in a quiet residential area in Nakameguro. It is well known that Japan is short on space, so the two-floored venue for this collection of contemporary sculpture comes as a pleasant surprise. The building provides ample room for the imposing works, some of which would be classified as cutting edge. A pleasant garden and a coffee shop are additional facilities on the site.
A relatively new venue in the Yebisu Garden Place complex, this hall has a capacity of 763 and fairly good acoustics. It stages mainly rock and jazz concerts but occasionally other events. The complex is well supplied with shops, restaurants and an assortment of watering holes. The concert-goer can find a full day of entertainment here - start the day off with a little shopping followed by a concert and finished off with a meal or a drink.
A small and very friendly venue that stages contemporary and traditional dance, modern drama, and music in the form of traditional folk and jazz. It seats 100 for a dance performance and 130 for a concert. Starting times vary greatly so it is advisable to confirm these in advance. There is a bar counter that sells an assortment of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Located in one of Tokyo's most vibrant student districts, the Shochiku is the remnant of the bygone age. This classic "underground" theater seats 240 in somewhat spartan conditions, and the only refreshments available are soft drinks from vending machines. In its favor, however, this cinema shows a fairly good combination of art movies, foreign language classics and reruns, as well as some rare cinema classics. Phone ahead for listings of current and upcoming events.
Loft is a basement venue with two stages that accommodates about 500. It is one of the best places in Tokyo to see new as well as established Indie and new wave Japanese bands play. There is a service area laying on a variety of refreshments such as soft drinks, wine, beer and (according to the staff) a wide variety of cocktails. The food menu leans towards traditional Japanese yatai (hawker) goodies, such as broiled chicken and fried noodles as well as simpler stapes like fried potatoes.