Tucked away in the mountains of Kagawa lies a hidden gem many locals don’t even know about, the Konpira Grand Theatre, the oldest Kabuki performance hall in Japan. Every year, tucked away in the lush forests of Kotohira, among the blooming sakura, a time-traveling Kabuku experience is held!
Discover Japan’s Oldest Kabuki Theatre in Kagawa’s Hidden Mountains
Now Kabuki is synonymous with Oska, but Shikoku holds its own rich history of this performing art. Years before its construction in 1865, temporary kabuki stands were constructed for travelers to the nearby Konpira Temple. Seeing a need in their community, a group of local geisha raised 1,000 ryo, or roughly ¥120,000,000 ($747,600.72USD) to have a proper theater built.
After its construction, the most famous Kabuki actors of the Edo period came to perform in its halls. For the next 40 years, Konpira Grand Theatre enjoyed a steady stream of visitors and high-profile performers until the decline of the artfrom nation wide in the late 1800’s. The theatre fell into disrepair, frequently changing hands until it was bought by Kanamaru Genjirō for ¥4,500, roughly ¥30,000 ($200 USD) in today’s money. The theatre struggled to stay open until it was designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the national government in 1970. Since then, the theatre has been restored to its former Edo-period glory!
Now Kabuki is synonymous with Oska, but Shikoku holds its own rich history of this performing art. Years before its construction in 1865, temporary kabuki stands were constructed for travelers to the nearby Konpira Temple. Seeing a need in their community, a group of local geisha raised 1,000 ryo, or roughly ¥120,000,000 ($747,600.72USD) to have a proper theater built.
After its construction, the most famous Kabuki actors of the Edo period came to perform in its halls. For the next 40 years, Konpira Grand Theatre enjoyed a steady stream of visitors and high-profile performers until the decline of the artfrom nation wide in the late 1800’s. The theatre fell into disrepair, frequently changing hands until it was bought by Kanamaru Genjirō for ¥4,500, roughly ¥30,000 ($200 USD) in today’s money. The theatre struggled to stay open until it was designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the national government in 1970. Since then, the theatre has been restored to its former Edo-period glory!
A Spring Spectacle: Experience Edo-Era Kabuki as it Was 200 Years Ago
If you are in Shikoku during the spring, the Konpira Grand Theatre is a must-see hidden gem! During April, you can be transported back in time to the Edo period and watch Kabuki performances in exactly the same environment as people did 200 years ago. Each spring, for about one month, the theatre is opened to the public for regular viewings and performances.
Konpira Grand Theatre is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be had in Kagawa. If you’d like to time-travel back to the Samurai age and watch authentic Kabuki amongst the cherry blossoms, then Konpira Grand Theatre is a must-see!
If you are in Shikoku during the spring, the Konpira Grand Theatre is a must-see hidden gem! During April, you can be transported back in time to the Edo period and watch Kabuki performances in exactly the same environment as people did 200 years ago. Each spring, for about one month, the theatre is opened to the public for regular viewings and performances.
Konpira Grand Theatre is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be had in Kagawa. If you’d like to time-travel back to the Samurai age and watch authentic Kabuki amongst the cherry blossoms, then Konpira Grand Theatre is a must-see!
■Role：
Shikoku Tours Social Media Manager & Historian specializing in Japanese History
■Experience：
10 years of living in Japan, specifically in the Ehime area. I also have 8 years of experience in social media content creation, specifically in the areas of niche travel and History.
Hello! I’m Tehya, a historian with a passion for social media and using it as a tool for education. My goal is to help people discover the amazing and historical places Shikoku has to offer!
■Role：
Shikoku Tours Social Media Manager & Historian specializing in Japanese History
■Experience：
10 years of living in Japan, specifically in the Ehime area. I also have 8 years of experience in social media content creation, specifically in the areas of niche travel and History.
Hello! I’m Tehya, a historian with a passion for social media and using it as a tool for education. My goal is to help people discover the amazing and historical places Shikoku has to offer!
