Japanese Hotels Where You Can Easily Enjoy Japanese Theatre - Taishu Engeki Our Staff's Recommendations
In recent years, tourism in Japan has skyrocketed, which means an oversupply of hotels all over Japan. There are hotels of all kinds available to stay at: more familiar, western hotels; Japanese ryoukans (onsen hotels); and even hotels with niche themes, such as a Hello Kitty hotel! Some accommodation options in Japan offer live theatre from within the hotel, in an internal theatre room. This type of performance, Taishu Engeki at a ryoukan hotel, was historically much more common than it is now, but there are still some options available for the international traveler seeking a very traditional, local stay experience in Japan.
1. Fukuoka – Amagikan Hotel
- Taishu Engeki (popular theatre) available every day from 13:00 – 15:30; Followed by an open bath/onsen from 15:00 – 21:00.
- Buffet restaurant is open and available on weekends – all you can eat for 60 minutes, for just 1200 yen.
- This self-proclaimed affordable hotel offers Taishu Engeki performances and a wide variety of public baths. As the hotel offers a wide range of facilities, it is perfect for both a day trip or an overnight stay with either family, friends, or your spouse.
- The public bath is an ancient hinoki style bath you can enjoy a large onsen and cold bath using natural, underground spring water, and a stone sauna. The public bath is separated by gender.
- This hotel is the longest-operating Taishu Engeki theatre in the Fukuoka Prefecture. Taishu Engeki troupes typically perform at the Amagikan for 6-8 weeks, before moving to their next venue.
- Click here to view the hotel’s direct website, Or you may use a third-party booking service.
2. Hiroshima – Sera Onsen
- A “super-sento” theatre complex (very large public bathhouse) partnered with the Fairfield By Marriott Hiroshima Sera Hotel.
- Including a dedicated theatre space for Taishu Engeki performances every day, with the ability to reserve your preferred seats.
- There are both indoor and outdoor baths available for usage, separated by gender. Within the public bath, there is: (1) Large public bath, (2) Open-air, outside public bath, (3) Medicinal herbal bath, (4) Event bath – seasonal or themed baths, and (5) Salt Sauna
- In addition to the sento service, there are also massage services such as body care and foot massages, which are standard in “super-sento” complexes.
- Although this onsen is not directly inside the associated hotel, it is often recommended to guests of the hotel and is perfect for a long day trip.
3. Osaka, Yao Grand Hotel
- An all-in-one hotel offering a rare blend of a historical, natural hot spring public bath, and also one of the largest Taishu Engeki theatres in the Kansai prefecture, all in the one place.
- Located about 1 hour away from the centre of Osaka city.
- The hot spring has been used and treasured for over two thousand years, historically known only to a few as a very sacred bathing place.
- The onsen is naturally hot spring water, flowing at 48c and offers multiple bathing styles: large, open air public baths; outdoor baths to soak under the sun; specialty baths such as herbal, whirpool baths, or waterfall showers; both hot and cold-water baths; and saunas, steam rooms, and foot baths.
- The hotel specifically lists guests with tattoos are welcome to enjoy the baths.
- The hotel boasts a 400-seat theatre hosting daily Taishu Engeki performances. The layout of the theatre allows intimate moments of connection with the performers.
4. Tokyo – Nono Asakusa Bettei Hotel
Finally, the closest ryoukan hotel to the famous Asakusa Mokubakan Theatre, the hub for all Taishu Engeki in Japan. Taishu Engeki shows are not available inside the hotel, but you are just 1 minute walk away from the best Taishu Engeki experience in Japan.
Located in the hub of Asakusa, this 4-star premium business hotel is located within 5-minute walking distance of
- An amusement park
- The famous Hoppi-doori Izakaya Restaurant Street,
- The Asakusa shopping district
- Sensouji Temple
- and dozens of Japanese restaurants, cafes, and bars.
You can truly enjoy a full day in the area surrounding the hotel.
The Asakusa Mokubakan Theatre next to the hotel offers 2 Taishu Engeki shows every day, an afternoon 1:30pm show and an evening 7:30pm show, meaning you can schedule your day around your preferred timeslot.
The public bath is located in the basement of the hotel, and uses black, natural hot spring water. The water is characterized by it’s rich minerals and mysterious color. Pot bathtubs, cold baths, and saunas are also available to be enjoyed.
Written and Published by Liam Hallin