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Awaji Puppet Theatre & Bunraku Viewing

Puppet shows that began as Shinto rituals in Awaji Island are spreading throughout Japan!

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The Awaji Puppet Theatre has a history that spans over 500 years. Three people in each group operate a single puppet, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that the performances that carry with them an elegant tone and that have been passed down for generations are the essence of Japan's proud performing arts. The puppets that are shown to be even more animated than humans express emotional drama that invites spectators to a dream world.

The Awaji Puppet Theatre Company is the permanent venue for the Awaji Puppet Theatre. Inside a theatre lit by paper lanterns, they conduct four performances per day every day. Use the translated audio guide to listen to the program's story before the performance begins. If you understand the story beforehand, you are sure to better enjoy the performance.

See an experience report for this facility!

Photos

  • They use puppets that are also highly valued as works of art.

    They use puppets that are also highly valued as works of art.

  • The gidayu reciter and shamisen player stand alongside for the musical performance.

    The gidayu reciter and shamisen player stand alongside for the musical performance.

  • There is a lot of room to view it with 180 seats.

    There is a lot of room to view it with 180 seats.

  • The program will differ depending on the season. If you visit during New Year's, auspicious performances also take place.

    The program will differ depending on the season. If you visit during New Year's, auspicious performances also take place.

  • A valuable display that lets you understand at a glance the mechanisms behind the puppets.

    A valuable display that lets you understand at a glance the mechanisms behind the puppets.

  • You can also view the mechanisms inside the masks.

    You can also view the mechanisms inside the masks.

Reviews

8
  • Byz

    The backstage tour was very interesting and also the play involving the snow was stunning. The puppet, the snow, the temperature of the room, the music and the background gave life to the play. It felt so real.

  • Alex

    Access to the backstage and talks with the theater representant

  • Irene Comas Chercoles

    Explanations at the backstage and learn how they move the puppet

  • Adri

    The explanation of how they move the part of the puppets and the behind the scenes explanations where great! I learned a lot.

  • Ilaria

    This was AWESOME! Got to experience Japanese puppet theatre by having everything explained by the people that have been working on/behind the stage for a whole life. Beautiful, a must do when in Japan!

Experience information

Name of facility
Awaji Puppet Theatre
Name of experience
View a Awaji Puppet Theatre performance
Address
1528-1 Fukurako, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo 656-0501
Business hours
Performance start times: 10:00 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Extra performances: 9:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. *The extra performances are for groups of 30 or more people, and a reservation is required 15 days in advance.
Off days
Wednesdays (December 25th–31st is the New Year's closure. There are also temporary closures.)
Estimate
Admission fee: Adults: 1,800 yen, junior high and high school students: 1,300 yen, elementary school students: 1,000 yen, young children (ages 3 and up): 300 yen
Payment methods
Cash only
Number of guests accepted (groups)
From 1 person
Telephone number
0799-52-0260
Multilingual support
None (There is a translated audio guide service to explain the story.)
Official Website
Official Website(English)