A Comprehensive Guide to DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO: Facilities, Pricing, Access, and Surrounding Areas (2/2)

To fully enjoy DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO, it's important to understand not only the performance content but also the venue facilities, pricing, and access methods in advance. Even though it's located close to Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, your comfort on the day can vary greatly depending on where you store your luggage, how you choose your seat type, and how you return from tourist attractions.

This article comprehensively covers ticket prices, directions from Kyoto Station, transportation routes from major tourist spots in Kyoto City, and nearby commercial facilities you can visit. If you want to make the most of your time before and after the performance, be sure to read through this guide before your visit.

Table of Contents

4. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Facilities

4-1. Entry Methods to DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO
4-2. Seating Capacity of DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO
4-3. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Lounge and Rooftop
4-4. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Gift Shop
4-5. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Lockers and Cloakroom
4-6. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Multilingual Support
4-7. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Accessibility Features

5. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Pricing

6. Access to DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

6-1. Transportation Routes from Tourist Spots in Kyoto City

7. Facilities Around DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

7-1. Kyoto Avanti
7-2. Kyoto Porta
7-3. JR Kyoto Isetan

Summary

4. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Facilities

To make the most of DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO, it's recommended to consider not only the performance itself but also the flow before and after your visit. In addition to being just about 1 minute away from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit via underground passage, the venue features a bar, rooftop terrace, and gift shop. However, there are no lockers or cloakroom facilities. Deciding where to store your luggage before the performance will make both transportation and entry smoother.

4-1. Entry Methods to DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

The theater is located on the 9th floor of Kyoto Avanti. It's about 1 minute from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit via underground passage, making it easily accessible whether you've just arrived by Shinkansen or after sightseeing in the city. The limousine bus stop to Kansai Airport is also nearby, making it convenient for those who want to attend a performance on their last day in Kyoto.

The bar, rooftop terrace, and gift shop inside the venue are exclusive spaces available only to visitors with tickets. If you arrive just before the performance starts, you won't have time to choose drinks or take photos. If you want to enjoy the experience before and after the show, it's recommended to arrive a bit early and head up to the 9th floor.

At the entrance, there are gates that allow entry by scanning QR codes. At the entrance, prepare your electronic ticket purchased through "Tickets in Japan" by opening it from your "Account" in advance. Show the Purchased Ticket Information to the venue staff, and they will process your entry through the "STAFF ONLY" link.

User Guide | Tickets in Japan

4-2. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Seating Capacity

The seating is designed compactly so you can experience the performers' movements and taiko drum vibrations up close. By default, the maximum seating capacity is 270 seats, including 2 wheelchair-accessible seats. Rather than viewing the entire performance from a distance like in a large hall, this venue allows you to feel the sound and breathing of the performers up close.

4-3. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Lounge and Rooftop

The lounge and rooftop transform your waiting time before the performance and moments after the show into "time to enjoy Kyoto's nighttime atmosphere." You can heighten your mood with a drink in hand before the show or take a breather while savoring the afterglow following the performance, allowing you to fully enjoy the nighttime ambiance without disrupting the flow of your theater experience. Since these facilities are exclusive to ticket holders, you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere compared to crowded tourist area bars.

If you plan to use the lounge, it's recommended to enter a bit before the performance starts and secure your drink immediately after entry. There's a large bar inside the theater, and one drink is provided upon entry. Additionally, Kyoto-style light meals are available, including snacks from "SHUKA," a confectionery shop established in 1926 in Kyoto, and bite-sized sushi called "Temari Sushi."

The rooftop is a space suited for those who want to enjoy the scenery. You can spend time overlooking the nighttime view around Kyoto Station. You can bring drinks and food provided at the theater and leisurely enjoy the illuminated Kyoto Tower and surrounding station area, making it also a great spot for commemorative photos with companions. However, the rooftop is closed during rainy weather.

4-4. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Gift Shop

The gift shop is a welcome facility for those who want to obtain mementos of their theater experience on the spot. While there are numerous souvenir shops around Kyoto Station, the DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO gift shop carries theater-exclusive merchandise.

T-shirts, hand towels, pin badges featuring kanji motifs, folding fans, and other DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO original goods are available only here.

4-5. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Lockers and Cloakroom

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO has neither lockers nor a cloakroom. Visitors with luggage need to decide where to store it before heading to the venue. Store your luggage around the station area before going sightseeing or to the theater. The main storage options are as follows:

Additionally, there's a baggage storage service at B1F after taking the escalator down from the central ticket gate of JR Kyoto Station, and Crosta Kyoto baggage storage and delivery service is located at B1F directly below the main line central ticket gate. However, note that these storage services operate from 8:00 to 20:00, so you cannot retrieve luggage after the performance starts.

4-6. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Multilingual Support

As of April 2026, DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO supports English. English-speaking staff are available, venue announcements are primarily made in English, and signs and menus throughout the venue are displayed in both Japanese and English.

Additionally, since the performance content centers on non-verbal performances, it can be enjoyed even without understanding Japanese.

Support for other languages besides English is undetermined as of April 2026.

4-7. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Accessibility Features

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO has wheelchair-accessible seats available, which can be selected and purchased through the ticket purchasing website. The venue is close to Kyoto Station and accessible via underground passage, so the transportation burden is relatively minimal. While nighttime entertainment venues can vary greatly in terms of accessibility routes, this theater is located within a commercial facility near the station, making wheelchair navigation manageable.

Additionally, there's one multipurpose restroom in the venue and one each on the 1st and 3rd floors of Kyoto Avanti, making it convenient for wheelchair users who need restroom facilities.

5. DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO Pricing

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO tickets are priced at 10,000 yen for Standard and 15,000 yen for Premium, with all seats reserved and including one drink. Premium seats come with performance-specific perks, making them worth considering for those wanting to spend a special anniversary or evening.

Premium seat perks vary depending on the show. For Part 1, “HIBIKI,” you’ll receive an original happi coat that you can wear during the performance. For Part 2, “YUME,” DRUM TAO members will hand you an original gift after the show. If you’d like to take the afterglow of the stage home in a tangible form, these perks will feel especially appealing.

6. Access to DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO has excellent access from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit. The theater is located on the 9th floor of Kyoto Avanti, approximately 1 minute on foot from JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, about 1 minute on foot from Subway Kyoto Station, and about 3 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Kyoto Station, so you won't get lost regardless of whether you return to Kyoto Station by Shinkansen, subway, or Kintetsu. Exit toward Hachijo Exit, enter Kyoto Avanti, and go up to the 9th floor to arrive.

Below, we'll explain the access method from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit on foot at ground level with photos.

1: Exit the Shinkansen ticket gate and move toward the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit.

2: From Hachijo Exit, walk to the left.

3: When you can see Kyoto Avanti, cross at the traffic light.

4: Move to the left of the main entrance of Kyoto Avanti.

5: Enter Kyoto Avanti through the entrance on the left side.

6: Take the elevator to the 9th floor.

7: You have arrived at DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO.

6-1. Transportation Routes from Tourist Spots in Kyoto City

Below are transportation routes from various tourist spots in Kyoto City to Kyoto Station. Note that during spring and autumn weekends or long holidays, roads tend to be congested and travel times can vary significantly, so the following times are estimates only. Plan to arrive at Kyoto Station 30 minutes before the performance starts.

From Kiyomizu-dera (Estimate: about 30 minutes)
On weekends and holidays, take Tourist Express Bus EX100 or EX101. Walk about 12 minutes from Kiyomizu-dera to Gojozaka, or about 15 minutes to Kiyomizu-michi side, then take the bus. Gojozaka → Kyoto Station takes about 10 minutes, Kiyomizu-michi → Kyoto Station takes about 12 minutes.

From Yasaka Shrine (Estimate: about 25 minutes)
On weekends and holidays, take Tourist Express Bus EX100 from Gion A bus stop to Kyoto Station. Gion → Kyoto Station takes about 15 minutes, and it's just a few minutes' walk from Yasaka Shrine to the bus stop. During road congestion, it's recommended to walk about 10 minutes to Subway Higashiyama Station, then transfer via Tozai Line to Karasuma Oike Station → Karasuma Line to Kyoto Station.

From Kamigamo Shrine (Estimate: about 35-40 minutes)
Taking City Bus Route 4 directly from Kamigamo Shrine to Kyoto Station takes about 30-40 minutes with no transfers, which is convenient, but it may be affected by traffic jams as it goes through Kawaramachi-dori. Taking Route Kita 3 or 37 from Kamigamo Misono-bashi to Kitaoji Station (about 12 minutes), then Subway Karasuma Line to Kyoto Station takes longer but is less affected by traffic. Kitaoji Station → Kyoto Station takes about 13 minutes.

From Heian Shrine (Estimate: about 30 minutes)
The recommended route is about 7 minutes on foot to Subway Higashiyama Station → Tozai Line to Karasuma Oike Station → Karasuma Line to Kyoto Station. Higashiyama Station → Kyoto Station takes about 15 minutes. On weekends and holidays, you can also take Tourist Express Bus EX100 from Okazaki Park Museum of Art・Heian Shrine A bus stop, taking about 21 minutes to Kyoto Station.

From Kinkaku-ji (Estimate: about 35-40 minutes)
Take City Bus Route 204 or 205 from Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop to Kitaoji Bus Terminal (about 11 minutes), then Subway Karasuma Line to Kyoto Station (about 13 minutes). It's about a 5-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji to the bus stop. While Route 205 goes directly to Kyoto Station, note that it has many stops and is easily affected by traffic congestion.

From Ginkaku-ji (Estimate: about 50-55 minutes)
On weekdays, take City Bus Route 203 from Ginkaku-ji-michi C bus stop to Karasuma Imadegawa (about 29 minutes), walk about 3 minutes to Subway Imadegawa Station → Karasuma Line to Kyoto Station in about 10 minutes. On weekends and holidays, you can take Tourist Express Bus EX100 directly from Ginkaku-ji to Kyoto Station (about 30 minutes). During congestion, Route 203 + subway may be faster than EX100.

From Nanzen-ji (Estimate: about 35 minutes)
Walk about 10 minutes from Nanzen-ji to Keage Station → Tozai Line to Karasuma Oike Station → Karasuma Line to Kyoto Station. Keage Station → Kyoto Station takes about 17 minutes. During tourist season, the area around Nanzen-ji gets congested, so it's safer to avoid buses.

From Fushimi Inari Taisha (Estimate: about 20-25 minutes)
Taking JR Nara Line from JR Inari Station to Kyoto Station is the shortest route. Inari Station → Kyoto Station takes about 9 minutes (local trains only), and it's about a 5-minute walk from the shrine's main approach to JR Inari Station.

7. Facilities Around DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

Around DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO, there are facilities where you can handle dining, shopping, and souvenir hunting all in one place. Since the venue is in the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit area, it's convenient for those who want to grab a quick bite before the performance, buy souvenirs immediately after the show, or do last-minute shopping before departure.

Below, we'll introduce the facilities around DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO.

7-1. Kyoto Avanti

Kyoto Avanti, the building housing DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO, is a complex commercial facility.

The building includes tax-free shops, foreign currency exchange service on the 1st floor, ATMs that allow cash withdrawal with overseas-issued cards, free Wi-Fi, and an information counter, allowing you to handle dining, daily necessities shopping, and tax-free shopping all in one building.

B1F has a concentration of restaurants, including eel, izakaya, teppanyaki, family restaurants, and beer restaurants, offering abundant choices.

Additionally, the 6th floor features Japanese subculture shops where you can purchase various manga and anime goods. Even after the performance, Don Quijote stays open until 24:00, so you can buy drinks and daily necessities before returning to your hotel.

7-2. Kyoto Porta

Kyoto Porta is a large underground commercial facility directly connected to Kyoto Station with about 220 stores. It brings together restaurants, cafes, fashion, general goods, and souvenir shops, with the advantage of being accessible without leaving the station. About 50 souvenir shops are gathered here, where you can find a full range of Kyoto's standard souvenirs including wagashi (traditional sweets), Western confections, pickles, and matcha sweets. It's a convenient facility for those who want to dine in the station area before heading to the theater or quickly select souvenirs after the performance.

The availability of coin lockers and ATMs is also an advantage, allowing you to store luggage before dining and souvenir shopping.

7-3. JR Kyoto Isetan

JR Kyoto Isetan is a department store directly connected to Kyoto Station, suitable for those who want to combine dining with searching for quality souvenirs. It handles not only fashion but also a wide range of items including wagashi and tea from long-established Kyoto shops, prepared foods, and traditional crafts. Tax-free procedures, foreign currency exchange machines, and ATMs compatible with overseas-issued cards are available, creating an environment where international tourists can shop easily.

The B1 food floor features bento, wagashi and Western sweets, bread, alcohol, and flavors from renowned shops centered in Kyoto. The restaurant areas on the 11th floor and near the JR West Exit ticket gate offer sukiyaki, tempura, sushi, tonkatsu, as well as Kyoto-style washoku, tea cafes, and dashi chazuke (tea-poured rice).

Summary

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO is a theater close to Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, making it easy to plan how to spend time before and after the performance. While it offers unique experiences like the lounge, rooftop, and gift shop that can only be enjoyed here, there are no lockers or cloakroom facilities, so you need to decide where to store luggage in advance. Pricing includes one drink with all reserved seating, available in two types: Standard and Premium.

By understanding the routes from major tourist sites in Kyoto City back to Kyoto Station and the surrounding commercial facilities, you can seamlessly combine sightseeing with theater attendance. To spend your evening in Kyoto comfortably, it's recommended to check everything in advance before your visit.

※This article is based on information as of April 2026