Konpira Grand Theater (Kabuki) — Attraction in Kotohira

This is the oldest Japanese kabuki theater in Japan, built in 1835! The ticket costs 500 jpy per person, but once inside you can walk around freely and see the different rooms at the back, too, not only the stage and audience seats. Don't forget to take a look at all the mechanisms below the ground, eg the mawari butai revolving stage! If you can speak Japanese I highly recommend asking the local guide (free of charge) to explain some of the features. We were lucky enough that the guide was there today and he kindly took around 30 minutes to show us around and tell us some interesting stories related...

We were fortunate to get tickets to the spring Kabuki performance (April 2024). What a treat! The male performers, the musicians, singers, stage hands that manually moved the props, all were stunning. If you don't understand Japanese (like us), read up on the play beforehand so you can at least follow the plotline. The dance number at the end featured a high-flying act that was extra special. This was a once-in-a-lifetime event - highly...

Definitely a must see. This is the oldest Kabuki theater in Japan, and it's still in use! It's also the only one with a special trap door next to the stage. Entrance is only 500 yen, and we got a guided tour and explanation from a very nice old man who was able to explain most stuff in simple English. You get to go around the entire theater, check out the dressing rooms, go under the stage to see how it rotates...absolutely a...