Each day, two performances are held - one in the afternoon and one in the evening - each lasting about three hours. With dramatic period plays and dazzling dance shows, it's sure to be an unforgettable night.

Table of Contents
・Enjoy Taishu Engeki without making a reservation
・A unique experience combining traditional performing arts and dance shows
・Interview with General Manager Ando: The best part of Taishu Engeki
・March performance schedule
・Theater details

The stage curtain at Hakata Shingekiza was woven as a single piece in the "Size 1" format (11m wide, 4m high), designed by Nishijima Isao, a famous children's book illustrator. It is a uniquely prestigious woven made with Fukuoka's traditional fabric "Hakata-ori."

Enjoy Taishu Engeki without making a reservation

Taishu Engeki has been a popular entertainment since the Showa era. It features a combination of dramatic plays and dance performances, and theater companies called "Tabi Ichiza", traveling troupes, tour all over the country, performing their favorite plays in various places.
The biggest charm of Taishu Engeki is that it is a full-fledges stage play you can enjoy without the need for prior reservations.

Each performance consists of two or three parts, and each theater company presents their signature plays on a rotating schedule, ensuring that even regular visitors never tire of the experience. The theater company is often made up of a family, allowing audiences to enjoy perfectly coordinated performances.

If you prefer to secure a good seat, advance reservations are available by the day before (300 yen on weekdays on top of the ticket price, 500 yen on Sundays, holidays and special performances). Groups of 10 or more can benefit from a group discount by calling the day before.

Sit in the traditional Sajiki-Seki (tatami seating area), where rental cushions are available for 200 yen each.

Enjoy traditional performing arts and dance shows at the same time; it's a great deal!

The first act of the performance features a dramatic play, mainly period dramas with some modern plays, so you can enjoy a variety of plays such as emotional human stories and tragic romances. 

Since the stage is close to the audience, you can feel the actors' facial expressions, making the performance engaging even if you do not understand Japanese.

You will be drawn in by the actors' passionate performances, and there will be scenes where you will be moved to tears. The elaborate costumes and stage sets are also a highlight.

The second act showcases a vibrant dance revue, featuring traditional Nihon Buyo (Japanese dance) and troupe-original performances inspired by classical Japanese arts. Song and dance are a common language around the world. At this time, both local and international audiences come together and enjoy the show.

In particular, the beauty of the kimono-based costumes in the dance where male actors elegantly perform as female characters, called "Oyama", is a must-see!

The immersive atmosphere, created by the proximity of the stage and audience, makes for an unforgettable evening. If you see a great actor, you can call out their name during the performance or show your support by participating in the "O-hana" (tipping) system.

Hakata Shingekiza is loved by many people because you can enjoy it in the way you like. If you don't have a lot of time, you can choose to only watch the dance show.

There is an anecdote about a tourist from overseas who became a fan of Taishu Engeki. On the day he left Fukuoka, he had only a little time but bought and offered flowers on his way to the station before leaving.

General Manager Ando talks about the best part of Taishu Engeki

"The appeal of Taishu Engeki lies in its variety of performances and the reasonable prices. It's accessible and can be enjoyed by people of all ages," says Ando Takayuki, General Manager of Hakata Shingekiza.

"Our audience ranges from loyal visitors in their 90s who come every day to children who have been brought along by their families. Even solo attendees can easily enjoy the show. There are also an increasing number of young people who find cosplay elements in the dance show, so I hope you will enjoy the performances in your own way."

"Hakata Shingekiza" March Performance Schedule

Troupe: "Gekidan Hanafubuki March 1 - march 30, 2025
Afternoon Show: Doors open at 11:00 AM, Performance 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Evening Show: Doors open at 5:00 PM, Performance 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Eating and drinking are allowed in the lobby. Snacks and limited-edition bento meals are available for purchase. Regular visitors who come every day and fans from all over the country often gather in the lobby, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

It also has an authentic theater appearance (currently under renovation in February)

If you head towards JR Hakata Station from the theater, there are many restaurants open until late at night. After the evening performance, be sure to head out to Fukuoka's nightlife!

Details of Hakata Shingekiza:

Location: 2-3-10 Katakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Opening Hours:
- Afternoon Show: Doors open at 11:00 AM, Performance 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Evening Show: Doors open at 5:00 PM, Performance 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
(Schedule may be subject to change. Please check the official website.)

Admission Fees:
Adults (General): 2,100 yen / Advance ticket: 1,900 yen
Groups of 10 or more: 1,900 yen (Advance registration required)
Children (Elementary school & younger): 1,200 yen
Seniors (70+): 1,900 yen (ID required)
Shingeki Members: 1,800 yen (Annual membership at 5,000 yen)
Dance Show Only: 1,400 yen
Disabled Visitors: 1,900 yen (Prices are scheduled to be revised after April 2025)

＞＞Tickets

Important Notes:
Photography and video recording during plays are prohibited. Some dance performances may allow photography, so please follow the announcements.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the theater.

Access to Hakata Shingekiza:
JR Trains: 6-minute walk from Hakata Station
Subway Airport Line: 6-minute walk from Gion Station or Hakata Station
Nishitetsu Bus: 6-minute walk from Hakata Bus Terminal (Hakata kotsu Center), Hakata Ekimae, Gionmachi, or Midoribashi bus stops