Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (東京芸術劇場), located in front of Ikebukuro Station, runs monthly guided theatre tours known as "劇場ツアー" (Gekijo Tour). In July 2026, the programme includes tours of the Playhouse and Theatre East during active stage-setup (仕込み) sessions, as well as tours through the Concert Hall ahead of scheduled performances.
July 2026 Tour Overview
After exploring the building's architecture and artworks on display throughout the venue, tour participants enter one of the halls in the second half to see it in use. Each tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and is led by knowledgeable tour guides with their own unique specialties and personalities.
Playhouse (Stage Setup Tour)
On July 8 (Wednesday), the tour visits the Playhouse while the stage crew is setting up for "NORA" (production site: https://www.geigeki.jp/performance/theater408/). Two sessions are available:
- 11:00 AM (check-in from 10:45 AM)
- 2:00 PM (check-in from 1:45 PM)
Concert Hall
The Concert Hall tours on July 24 (Friday) and July 26 (Sunday) allow visitors to enter the audience seating area and observe the hall's acoustic design and stage machinery. The stage will be set up for an orchestra ahead of an upcoming performance.
- July 24 (Friday) — 6:30 PM (check-in from 6:15 PM)
- July 26 (Sunday) — 10:00 AM (check-in from 9:45 AM)
Theatre East (Stage Setup Tour)
On July 30 (Thursday), the tour visits Theatre East during setup for "映画を撮りたいゾンビの演劇" (production site: https://www.geigeki.jp/performance/theater412/):
- 11:00 AM (check-in from 10:45 AM)
Note: Tour routes may change on the day depending on the venue's usage and weather conditions.
About the Tours
The theatre's monthly guided tours take visitors through areas not normally seen during performances. Routes vary each time depending on which halls are in use, but every session covers both the architectural and hardware aspects of the building — stage machinery, acoustics, hall characteristics — alongside the performing arts programme currently in production. Artworks displayed throughout the venue are also featured on every route.
Tour Guides
Tours are led by enthusiastic guides who bring their individual areas of expertise and personalities to each session. Alongside the guides, visitors walk through the venue, sit in the otherwise-empty audience seats to understand how the halls work, and hear directly from people involved in the creative process. Guides encourage questions throughout.
Past Tour Scenes
Details
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre — 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (〒171-0021)
Eligible participants: Students in 4th grade (elementary school) and above; children in elementary school must be accompanied by a guardian
Participation fee: ¥500 (tax included)
Capacity: 20 participants per session (first-come, first-served); day-of tickets available only if capacity is not reached
Reservations: Pre-registration required via the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre official website (payment on the day)
Booking page: https://www.geigeki.jp/performance/gt2026-07/
About Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (通称: 芸劇, Geigeki) is a multi-purpose arts and culture venue located directly in front of Ikebukuro Station. The complex houses four dedicated halls for music, theatre, and dance, as well as exhibition spaces. Its Concert Hall features one of the world's largest pipe organs and is dedicated exclusively to music. The Playhouse and two smaller halls — Theatre East and Theatre West — host theatre and dance productions. The venue also operates an atelier, gallery exhibitions, lectures, and workshops, functioning as a creative and production hub as well as a presenting venue.
*Tour routes vary each time.
