You can watch ninjas fight up close in the Shinjuku Ninja Live Show, a modern-day performance inspired by the traditions of Kabuki theater. Staged in Tokyo’s Kabukichō area, the show has the backing of the Japan Ninja Council — the world’s only official ninja organization.
The first performance was held in August 2024, and we got to experience everything that the Shinjuku Ninja Live Show has to offer, within its opening month. Here’s our review — and whether it’s worth the price of the tickets.
Pro tip: For even more extravagant entertainment in the area, check out the super popular Samurai Restaurant and the all-female performance known as “The Show” at Kanda Myojin Shrine.
What is the Shinjuku Ninja Live Show?
Blending traditional culture with modern technology, “Shinjuku Ninja Live” takes you on a sensory journey. Director Denjiro Tanaka, the famous Kabuki musician who performed in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, takes inspiration from techniques used in Kabuki theater. Using these historical methods, alongside 3D projection mapping and other technology, the completely non-verbal performance is a feast for the eyes.
The main show tells the tale of a ninja falling in love with an oiran courtesan and fighting for peace against a rival ninja gang. The narrative comes to life through daring sword fights among the crowd, impressive acrobatics, and intricately designed digital backdrops.
Getting tickets to the Shinjuku Ninja Live Show
To get the most out of this experience, it is best to book ahead online. You can buy tickets on Klook and Rakuten Travel Experiences. As always, we suggest price-checking across platforms to find the best deal for your dates.
Although tickets are available at the door, on the day, it is not a guarantee. Plus, if you buy on the day, you won’t be able to get your hands on the special bento meal.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost ¥8,000. We reckon this is a reasonable price for an original performance, special bento meal, and drink. It’s what you’d expect to pay for something along these lines in Tokyo. Not to mention, the production has high-profile organizations behind it, such as the Japan Ninja Council — the only official ninja organization in the world.
What to expect at the Shinjuku Ninja Show
The show is separated into three parts. The first is a freestyle DJ session with “SAMURAI DJ” — you can drink freely, start digging into your special bento, and vibe along to the beats. The host will then introduce themselves in both English and Japanese, interacting with the crowd and talking through the schedule in more detail.
The show thrives on audience participation, so make sure to support the cast and interact as much as possible, whether that is by clapping or going on stage yourself later on.
Following this, the main show will begin, where you will see what can only be described as vibrant visuals, hear the sounds of taiko drums, and immerse yourself in the world of ninjas.
After another interaction with the host, the final act will commence. SAMURAI DJ returns, this time accompanied by female dancers performing to club-style beats and a bartender juggling bottles of premium sake. The cast will invite audience members to join in and dance along.
Before you leave, there is a brief photo session where you will get the chance to capture a commemorative photo with the cast of the show.
Note that you are not allowed to take photos and videos during the main show and final act.
What time is the Shinjuku Ninja Live Show?
There are three shows each day:
- 12:00 – 13:30
- 15:00 – 16:30
- 18:00 – 19:30
We would highly recommend attending the evening performance, as much of the experience is all about enjoying drinks from the bar and dancing along with the cast. Think of it as being at the club, but with ninjas.
Entry to the venue opens 30 minutes before the show, but during this time, you’ll mostly be waiting in the front foyer. Arriving 15 minutes early should be sufficient.
Note: As of now, performances are only scheduled on weekdays, and announced one month in advance.
How long does the performance last?
Each performance lasts around 90 minutes. This includes time to grab drinks at the bar while bopping to beats by SAMURAI DJ, watch the main Ninja Kabuki Show, and take photos with the cast.
What are the seats like?
The seating is arranged in a way that allows performers to navigate through the audience. At points, it will feel as though you are part of the mighty ninja fight.
When you arrive at the venue, you’ll be guided to one of the long tables in the center. Since seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, to secure the best spots, we suggest arriving a bit early and being at the front of the queue in the foyer.
Is it suitable for families?
Although children under the age of six can enter for free, we would say this performance is better suited for adults. One of the reasons is that the second part of the show feels like a nightclub experience, with more “sensual-style” dances. On top of this, the loud music and intense lighting might overwhelm younger children.
Note: The drinking age in Japan is 20.
Food and drinks at the Shinjuku Ninja Show
What can I eat?
If you book you the ¥8,000 ticket in advance, you will get to enjoy a Makunouchi Bento — this contains Japanese Wagyu beef as well as some beautifully shaped vegetables, pickles, and a separate box of rice topped with sliced tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet).
Notably, the choice of serving Makunouchi Bento is deliberate, as the word translates to “between-act” bento. In the Edo period, theatergoers would receive one of these bentos while watching Kabuki and Noh performances.
It is worth keeping mind that the bento is a special benefit and requires you to make a reservation at least 7 days before the show. If you are vegetarian or vegan, we would suggest contacting the ticket provider or venue.
Note: There were no snacks or other food options when we went to the show.
What about drinks?
Included in the ticket price is one free drink ticket. As you would expect from a club, the drink selection is reasonably varied. On offer are soft drinks, plum wine, cassis, whisky, gin, shochu, and beer. If you are having the bento, the recommended drink of choice is sake, which comes at an additional price.
Note: After ordering your first drink, all other drinks will need to be ordered and paid for at the bar.
How to get to the Shinjuku Ninja Show
The venue is Warp, a club in the heart of Kabukichō. If you are walking in the direction of the main red-lighted gate, the entrance can be a little difficult to find.
Make sure to walk around and get to the entrance of the GiGo games arcade. You will then see signs for the show at the front of the club. Once there, head down to the reception and show your tickets to one of the staff members.
What else to see and do around Kabukichō
After the performance, you could head to Kabukichō Tower, an entertainment complex located right next to Warp. There, you can grab some food from the food court or play some crane games at the namco TOKYO games center.
For other ideas, check out our guide to Things To Do in Kabukichō.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
