National Theatre of Japan

Opened in 1966 near the Imperial Palace, the National Theatre of Japan is the country's central stage for traditional performing arts, including kabuki, bunraku puppet theatre and court and folk music. Its architecture echoes the ancient azekura log-storehouse style of Nara. The complex trains performers and preserves repertoire that might otherwise fade, presenting works with detailed programme notes for newcomers. The building's log-cabin styling deliberately evokes ancient Japanese storehouse architecture.