Just a little knowledge before the performance can completely change what you see on stage.

Konpira Kabuki is an annual kabuki performance held at Kanamaruza Theatre in Kotohira, Kagawa.
Kanamaruza is known as the oldest surviving kabuki theatre in Japan.
With features such as a rotating stage and hanamichi runway,many of its stage mechanisms still operate manually— a rare and living piece of theatre history.
However, without any context,you might find yourself wondering what is actually happening on stage.
That’s why Kotohira Travel offers a simple pre-performance experience— just a short moment to understand before you watch.

Choose from 2 courses

Introduction｜Why Konpira Kabuki is Better When You Know a Little First.
Choose from two experiences to suit your travel style.

• ＼Simple, Quick, and Easy／A Self-Guided Introduction to Konpira Kabuki

  Just 10 minutes before the show can change everything.

  Before attending the performance, you will watch an introductory video about the Konpira Kabuki Theater to understand the structure and characteristics of the stage before enjoying the Konpira Kabuki performance.

  Recommended for

  • First-time Konpira kabuki viewers
  • Travelers with limited time
  • Visitors looking for a casual cultural experience
  • Independent travelers and weekend visitors

  Reservations

• ＼Limited guided experience／Discover Kanamaruza and Konpira Kabuki with Visuals and Explanation

  Watch, understand, and enjoy kabuki with confidence.

  Enjoy a limited-edition guided Konpira Kabuki experience, where you can understand and appreciate Japan's oldest theater, the Kanemaru-za, through video and supplementary explanations from a guide.

  Recommended for

  • Those who prefer guided support
  • For those who want to understand the mechanics of the stage before watching a play.
  • Those who have a strong interest in Japanese culture and traditional performing arts
  • Those looking for a special cultural experience for inbound tourists

  Reservations

Information about the Shikoku Konpira Kabuki

• 

  『傾城反魂香　土佐将監閑居の場』（けいせいはんごんこう　とさしょうげんかんきょのば）

  山科の里にある絵師の土佐将監の館にやって来たのは、弟子の浮世又平と女房おとく。生来言葉が不自由な又平に代わり、口達者な女房おとくが土佐の名字を授かりたいと将監に申し出ますが、絵の道で功を立てない上には難しいと、その願いは却下されました。弟弟子の土佐修理之助にも先を越されてしまい、絶望した夫婦は死を決意します。又平は、今生の名残にと庭先の手水鉢に自画像を描きますが……。近松門左衛門の義太夫狂言の名作で、実直な又平と夫をかいがいしく支える女房おとく、この夫婦の絆と命を懸けて起こした奇跡が胸を打ちます。夫婦の深い情愛を描いた心温まる物語をご堪能ください。

  『身替座禅』（みがわりざぜん）

  大名の山蔭右京は、大の恐妻家でありながら浮気性。愛人の花子が都へやって来たことを知り、なんとか会いたいと願いますが、奥方玉の井が外出を許しません。そこで右京は、邸内の持仏堂に一晩中籠って座禅をすると嘘をつき、家来の太郎冠者に座禅衾を被せて自身の身替りにし、花子のもとへ向かいますが……。狂言の大曲「花子」をもとにした舞踊劇。花子と一夜の逢瀬を叶え、ほろ酔い加減で帰ってきた右京が、自身と花子を踊り分けながらその様子を物語る場面はみどころの一つです。怒りに打ち震える玉の井と、それに気づかず浮かれた様子の右京の対比が、ユーモアも交えて描かれます。松羽目物に相応しい格調と品格のなかに、可笑しみが溢れる舞台をお楽しみください。

• 

  『妹背山婦女庭訓　三笠山御殿の場』（いもせやまおんなていきん　みかさやまごてんのば）

  権勢を誇る蘇我入鹿の三笠山御殿へ、入鹿の妹の橘姫が戻ってきます。橘姫の振袖に赤い糸をつけて後を追いかけて来た恋人の求女が現れると、二人は御殿の中へ…。そこへ、求女を追って訪ねてきたのは、杉酒屋の娘お三輪。恋い慕う求女の裾につけた苧環の白い糸が切れてしまい途方に暮れるお三輪は、通りかかった豆腐買おむらにその行方を尋ねます。これから橘姫と求女が祝言を挙げると聞いたお三輪は御殿の中へ急いでいきますが、お三輪は橘姫の官女に弄ばれた挙句、聞こえてきたのは二人の結婚を祝う声。嫉妬に狂い、凄まじい形相となったお三輪が中へ押し入ろうとすると、漁師鱶七が立ちはだかり……。大化の改新を素材とした『妹背山婦女庭訓』。ドラマチックな展開の「三笠山御殿」は、お三輪の切なく情熱的な恋心が胸を打ちます。重厚かつ壮大な歴史ドラマにご期待ください。

  『鷺娘』（さぎむすめ）

  静かに雪の降る水辺に、白無垢姿の娘が佇んでいます。蛇の目傘を差したこの娘は、人間の男との道ならぬ恋に思い悩む鷺の精で、切ない恋心を次々と見せていきますが、やがて苦しみもがき出し……。恋に迷う女性の姿を様々に見せていく本作は、幻想的な美しさの中で激しく凄まじく踊る幕切れは必見です。歌舞伎舞踊の名作を是非ご覧ください。

Choose from 2 courses

Introduction｜Why Konpira Kabuki is Better When You Know a Little First.
Choose from two experiences to suit your travel style.

• ＼Simple, Quick, and Easy／A Self-Guided Introduction to Konpira Kabuki

  Just 10 minutes before the show can change everything.

  Before attending the performance, you will watch an introductory video about the Konpira Kabuki Theater to understand the structure and characteristics of the stage before enjoying the Konpira Kabuki performance.

  Recommended for

  • First-time Konpira kabuki viewers
  • Travelers with limited time
  • Visitors looking for a casual cultural experience
  • Independent travelers and weekend visitors

  Reservations

• ＼Limited guided experience／Discover Kanamaruza and Konpira Kabuki with Visuals and Explanation

  Watch, understand, and enjoy kabuki with confidence.

  Enjoy a limited-edition guided Konpira Kabuki experience, where you can understand and appreciate Japan's oldest theater, the Kanemaru-za, through video and supplementary explanations from a guide.

  Recommended for

  • Those who prefer guided support
  • For those who want to understand the mechanics of the stage before watching a play.
  • Those who have a strong interest in Japanese culture and traditional performing arts
  • Those looking for a special cultural experience for inbound tourists

  Reservations

A Theatre That Draws Global Attention

Kanamaruza Theatre and Konpira Kabuki have attracted attention not only in Japan, but also from international media.
The Japan Times has featured this unique experience—watching kabuki in Japan’s oldest theatre,and the cultural charm of Kotohira.
Why do people travel all the way to Kotohira to watch kabuki?
What makes Kanamaruza so special?

• The Unique Appeal of Kanamaruza and Kabuki—Seen from an International Perspective
• Discover Kotohira—A Town Full of Culture, Charm, and Travel Experiences

FAQ

Can I enter Kanamaruza Theatre?

No. During the performance period, interior visits are not available.

What’s the difference between self-guided and guided?

Self-guided includes video only. Guided includes video + explanation.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. Even first-time visitors can enjoy kabuki with this short introduction.

Is food included?

No, meals are not included.