Bunkamura is a major theatre, concert hall, and art exhibition space owned by the Tokyu department store chain, located next to Tokyu’s flagship store in Shibuya.
Opening in 1989, the complex contains four performance venues, the largest being Orchard Hall, a shoebox-style concert hall with a 20-metre-high ceiling and towering vertical walls. This magnificent venue is used for classical music, opera, and ballet.
The second-largest venue, Theatre Cocoon, has a capacity of nearly 750 people and is suited for musical drama, concerts, and contemporary dance. The two smallest venues, Le Cinéma 1 and Le Cinéma 2, are state-of-the-art screening rooms primarily showcasing French films and international cinema.
Bunkamura also houses two art exhibition spaces:
- The Bunkamura Gallery is an open-style exhibition space designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere for visitors to enjoy stunning artwork. With around 30 exhibitions on display at any given time, it aims to stimulate the senses and enhance quality of life.
- The Museum is a flexible exhibition hall that transforms to accommodate a range of temporary exhibitions, often featuring modern Western paintings and photography.
Beyond the theatres and galleries, Bunkamura features a small retail area and several cafés, offering visitors a chance to relax and watch the lively streets of Shibuya.
The architecture of Bunkamura is a stunning work of art in itself, said to be inspired by the flowing lines of a classic sailing ship.
Getting There
Bunkamura is about a 7-minute walk from Shibuya Station’s “Hachikō” exit. From the station, head west past the Shibuya 109 complex along Bunkamura Street, then turn left at the Tokyu Department Store.
Shibuya Station is served by:
- JR Yamanote Line
- Hanzomon Line (Z-01)
- Ginza Line (G-01)
Official Website:
https://www.bunkamura.co.jp/english/
