Things to do in Akihabara: A Unique Cultural Experience Beyond Anime

Are you enjoying the shopping, arcades, and maid cafes in Akihabara? After soaking up the energy of Electric Town, how about taking a short walk to a quiet, exciting world of deep Japanese tradition? Right near Akihabara Station, there's a place where you can have an unforgettable experience: the MYOUJIN Show-RAKUZA at the Kanda Myoujin EDO Culture Complex B1F EDOCCO STUDIO.

What is this Cultural Experience? A 90-Minute Trip to Old Japan

So, what is the MYOUJIN Show-RAKUZA? It's a 90-minute journey into old Japan. You'll experience three traditional performing arts: Rakugo (comedic storytelling), Daikagura (acrobatics), and Wazuma (traditional magic). These arts have been performed in "Yose" theaters since the Edo period (1603-1867).

It's incredibly rare to see all three in one place. But here’s the best part: it’s not just about watching—you get to try them yourself!

Plus, the price is a great value: 5,500 yen for adults and just 1,100 yen for those 18 and under. The show is held indoors, making it a perfect activity for hot summers, cold winters, or rainy days.

Kanda Myojin: A Sacred Spot for Anime Pilgrims and Culture Fans

Kanda Myojin is a historic shrine with a 1,300-year history. It's famous because the great shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu prayed here for victory before a decisive battle, and won! Since then, it has been revered as one of Tokyo's most important shrines.

But for many visitors, Kanda Myojin is also famous as a sacred spot for anime. It's a key location in the popular anime series "Love Live!" and "Steins; Gate," both of which are officially recognized as "Anime Pilgrimage Sites."

This makes Kanda Myojin a unique place where Tokyo's deep history and modern pop culture meet.

Three Unforgettable Experiences in One Place

At MYOUJIN Show-RAKUZA, you don't just watch the pros perform—you get to be part of the show. This is a rare opportunity that even most Japanese people have never experienced. Let's break down the three arts.

1. Rakugo: The Art of Storytelling That Sparks Your Imagination

A single storyteller (Rakugo-ka) sits on a cushion and, using only a fan and a hand towel, performs a comical or moving story. With English interpretation available, you'll first enjoy a professional's tale. Then, you'll learn how to use the fan to pretend to eat soba noodles or drink sake! Best of all, you get to keep the fan and the tenugui hand towel as souvenirs.

2. Daikagura: Edge-of-Your-Seat Traditional Acrobatics

This is a breathtaking traditional performance art. We saw two acts: the "Five-Story Teacup Balance" and the "Umbrella Tricks." After watching the master balance objects on his chin, it was our turn. We got to try spinning a paper balloon on an umbrella. It's harder than it looks, but so much fun! The whole room was filled with laughter, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I finally did it. You can take the paper balloon home, too.

3. Wazuma (Tezuma): Witness the Magic of Samurai-Era Illusions

Wazuma (Tezuma) is a traditional Japanese magic. A female magician, Kyoko, performed incredible illusions that combined lightning-fast movements with Japanese culture. The audience gasped and sighed in amazement. Afterwards, she did something unbelievable: she taught us some simple tricks using a string and then revealed the secrets! You even get to take the props home. Getting souvenirs from a magic show is an amazing and rare service.

My Verdict: More Surprising Than a Rare Gachapon!?

As a fan of Japanese culture, I've seen these arts before, but I've never experienced them. It was far more fun than I ever imagined. For a traveler, finding this experience is rarer than getting a super-rare item from a Gachapon machine in Akihabara!

More Than a Thing to Do in Akihabara—It's a Must-Do in Tokyo

The MYOUJIN Show-RAKUZA shouldn't just be on your "Things to do in Akihabara" list; it should be at the top of your entire "Things to do in Tokyo" list. I can't recommend it enough.

Imagine this: enjoy modern Japanese culture at a maid cafe in Akihabara, and then, just minutes away, dive into "real" traditional arts. You can experience this "gap" between old and new—what we call "Gap Moe" (finding charm in the unexpected contrast). It's the perfect way to have a rich, multi-layered trip to Japan.

You will definitely go home with amazing stories to tell your friends.

Ready for an unforgettable memory?

→ Check the official website and book your spot here! 

Click Here !

How to Access Kanda Myoujin Edo Culture Complex