Tokyo: The Bathhouse of Honest Desires & Backstage Tour

Getting to experience a Japanese play coupled with a behind-the-scenes look at the theater itself sounds like a pretty special way to spend an evening in Tokyo. This tour, offered at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Playhouse, combines a performance of “The Bathhouse of Honest Desires” with an interactive backstage tour, guided in English. It’s a rare chance to see the artistic process up close and learn what goes into creating a production that’s a cross-cultural collaboration between Japan and Taiwan.

What we love about this experience is its blend of entertainment and education. You get to enjoy a theatrical performance inspired by Yasunari Kawabata’s novel, with multilingual subtitles to help non-Japanese speakers follow along. Plus, the backstage tour offers a behind-the-curtain perspective from artists and staff, making it more than just a show—it’s an immersive cultural peek. An added bonus is the central location, easily accessible from Ikebukuro Station. The only thing to keep in mind? The play is in Japanese and Chinese, so if you’re not comfortable with these languages, this may not be ideal.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to explore Japan’s contemporary arts scene, theatre enthusiasts, or those curious about cross-cultural performances. It offers a richer, more nuanced understanding of Japanese-Taiwanese collaboration, all wrapped into one evening.

Key Points

• Unique Cultural Experience: Combines a performance inspired by Japanese literature with a backstage tour.
• Multilingual Elements: The play features subtitles in Japanese, English, and Traditional Chinese.
• Expert Insights: After the show, you’ll hear directly from performers and staff.
• Convenient Location: Just a 2-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.
• Value for Money: For $47, you get a theater ticket, backstage access, and insurance.
• Family Friendly: Not suitable for children under 9 years old, but ideal for mature audiences interested in theatre.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Playhouse, the experience begins with attending “The Bathhouse of Honest Desires”. This play, created through a collaboration between Shakespeare’s Wild Sisters Group and NIWA GEKIDAN PENINO, promises a mix of Japanese and Taiwanese theatrical styles. It draws inspiration from Kawabata’s novel “The House of the Sleeping Beauties”, offering a provocative and poetic narrative set in a traditional bathhouse.

The performance is notable for its cast of unique performers, including singer Pei-Yu Hung, which adds a layer of musicality and vibrancy. The production uses multilingual dialogue with subtitles, making it accessible for international audiences. Reviewers mention the play’s visual storytelling and engaging acting, with some noting that the language barrier isn’t a significant obstacle due to the subtitles.

Once the curtains close, the backstage tour kicks off. Led by an English-speaking guide, you’ll venture into hidden theater spaces, including dressing rooms, technical areas, and possibly even the costume department. The tour is designed to demystify the theatrical process, with artists and staff sharing insights about the production, acting techniques, and set design. Travelers have described it as “a rare peek behind the curtain,” adding a layer of appreciation for the complexity of theater.

The entire activity lasts around three hours, with the balance of time devoted to the show and the backstage exploration. The group size is manageable, providing an intimate atmosphere ideal for questions and interaction. The theater’s central location means you’ll be finished in time for dinner or to explore the vibrant Ikebukuro neighborhood.

The Theatre: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Playhouse

Situated at 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is a modern venue easily reached from Ikebukuro Station’s West Exit. Its proximity makes it a sensible choice for travelers based in the city’s bustling northwest district. The venue itself offers a comfortable, well-equipped space with S-class seating for the performance—meaning you’ll have a good view regardless of where you’re seated.

From reviews, we learn that the staff is friendly and helpful, guiding guests to their seats and making the experience smooth. The theater’s facilities are modern, and the ambiance is conducive to appreciating the performance fully.

The Performance: “The Bathhouse of Honest Desires”

This play stands out for its cross-cultural collaboration. The creative team blends Japanese theatrical sensibilities with Taiwanese influences, resulting in a unique aesthetic. The production feels both traditional and innovative, with elaborate costumes, expressive acting, and minimal but effective set design.

The storyline, inspired by Kawabata’s novel, explores themes of desire, secrecy, and human connection within a bathhouse setting. The dialogue is in Japanese and Chinese, with subtitles providing clarity for international viewers. One reviewer shared that the subtitles helped bridge the language gap, making the show accessible without losing the emotional depth.

Musical elements, especially the participation of singer Pei-Yu Hung, add a lyrical layer to the storytelling. The performance has been praised for its visual poetry and compelling cast, making it a captivating theater piece that’s also thought-provoking.

The Backstage Tour: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

Post-performance, the backstage tour is where the experience elevates from just watching to understanding the art form. The guide, fluent in English, leads guests through various areas of the theater—dressing rooms, stage equipment, and perhaps even the rigging.

Guests consistently remark on how revealing and insightful the tour is. One reviewer noted, “It was fascinating to see how much effort goes into every scene,” while others appreciated the chance to ask questions directly to performers and staff. This part of the experience allows you to appreciate the technical expertise and creative decisions behind the show.

The tour also sheds light on the collaborative nature of this international project, highlighting how different cultures influence the staging and storytelling. For many, it’s a rare opportunity to see the theater from the inside out, especially in a venue that is actively producing contemporary works.

More Great Tours Nearby

Value and Practicalities

At $47 per person, including a ticket, backstage access, and insurance, this experience offers excellent value. Compared to typical theater tickets in Tokyo, which can be quite pricey, the added backstage element makes it a more immersive and memorable outing.

The group size is kept manageable, ensuring that you’re not just a number but part of an intimate group. The location also means easy access without long travel times—perfect for a relaxed evening after a day sightseeing.

Keep in mind, the performance language may not be suitable for young children under 9, and the play’s themes might be more appreciated by mature audiences. The option to reserve and pay later adds flexibility for planning your trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for theatre lovers who want a deeper understanding of Japanese and Taiwanese stage art, as well as curious travelers eager to see a contemporary, culturally blended production. It’s perfect if you’re interested in behind-the-scenes access and want to see how modern plays are staged in Japan.

Plus, those who enjoy multilingual performances and are open to a bit of a language barrier will find this tour especially rewarding. It is less suitable for families with very young children or travelers seeking purely sightseeing-focused activities.

The Sum Up

For a modest price, this tour offers a rich blend of live performance and behind-the-scenes insight into Japanese and Taiwanese theater. The combination of an engaging play and a backstage tour makes it stand out as a meaningful cultural experience, especially for those who love exploring the arts in depth.

The venue’s central location, combined with the intimate group setting, makes it a convenient and memorable choice. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a night in Tokyo that feels both entertaining and enlightening.

If you’re keen to see Japan’s contemporary arts scene and want a peek at the inner workings of a theater, this experience hits the mark. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy cultural activities with a touch of theatrical magic, and who appreciate the chance to learn from industry insiders.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-Japanese speakers?
Yes, the guide speaks English, and the play features subtitles in Japanese, English, and Traditional Chinese, making it accessible for international visitors.

How long does the entire experience last?
The full experience, including the performance and backstage tour, lasts approximately three hours.

Can I choose my seat in the theatre?
Seats are assigned upon arrival, with the ticket offering S-class seating for good viewing angles.

Is the backstage tour physically demanding?
No, it involves walking through various theater areas but remains suitable for most visitors with normal mobility.

Are children allowed to participate?
Children under 9 years old are not suitable for this activity, likely due to the themes and language.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The guide speaks English, and the performance has subtitles to accommodate different languages.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where exactly does the tour start?
At the special reception desk on the 1st floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, near the entrance.

This experience offers a fantastic glimpse into Japan’s modern theatrical landscape, making it a worthwhile addition to your Tokyo itinerary for those curious about arts, culture, and behind-the-scenes magic.

You can check availability for your dates here: