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Asakusa Engei Hall: Tokyo's Home for Traditional Comedy

Experience traditional Japanese comedy at Asakusa Engei Hall, a historic 'yose' showcasing rakugo, manzai, and more in the heart of Tokyo's Asakusa district.

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Experience classic Japanese comedy at Asakusa Engei Hall, one of Tokyo's few remaining 'yose' theaters. Enjoy rakugo storytelling, manzai comedy acts, magic, and more in this lively entertainment venue that has been a launching pad for famous comedians since 1964.

A brief summary to Asakusa Engei Hall

Local tips

  • Check the performance schedule outside the theater to see the day's lineup of rakugo storytellers and variety acts.
  • Tickets are sold on the day of the performance, and seating is unreserved, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
  • Enjoy snacks and drinks purchased inside the hall during the performances.
  • Take advantage of discounts offered for entering after 6 PM or 7 PM.
  • Even without fluent Japanese, you can still enjoy the non-verbal performances like magic, acrobatics and paper cutting.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Asakusa Engei Hall is easily accessible by public transport. From Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line), it's approximately a 7-10 minute walk. From TX Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express Line), it's only a 1-minute walk. A single subway fare in Tokyo typically costs between ¥170 and ¥320 depending on the distance.

  • Walking

    Located in the Rokku district, Asakusa Engei Hall is a short walk from many of Asakusa's main attractions, including Sensoji Temple. From Sensoji Temple, walk west towards the Rokku entertainment district. The hall is easily spotted with its traditional signage and posters of performers. Walking is free.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Asakusa. A short taxi ride from Asakusa Station to Asakusa Engei Hall will typically cost around ¥730-900, including the initial fare. Note that traffic can affect the final price.

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Discover more about Asakusa Engei Hall

Asakusa Engei Hall is a celebrated 'yose' (rakugo hall) in Tokyo, offering daily performances of traditional Japanese comedy and variety acts. Opened in 1964, it stands as a survivor from Asakusa's golden age as an entertainment district. The hall is known for its dedication to rakugo, a comedic storytelling art form, but also features manzai (stand-up comedy duos), magic, acrobatics, and other performances. Located in the Rokku district, west of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Engei Hall has played a significant role in launching the careers of many famous Japanese comedians, including Beat Takeshi. The hall's program is divided into daytime and evening performances, with rotating acts every ten days. Visitors can freely enter and exit the theater, making it easy to experience a portion of the show or enjoy the full program. Inside, a small counter sells drinks, snacks, bento boxes, and souvenirs, allowing audience members to eat and drink while watching the show. The theater itself has two floors with a total of 340 seats. While a strong understanding of Japanese is needed to fully appreciate rakugo, the variety of acts provides entertainment for all. Asakusa Engei Hall offers a unique glimpse into Japan's vibrant cultural landscape.

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