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Awaji Puppet Theater Backstage Tour

Visit backstage the traditional art of the “Awaji Ningyo Joruri” puppet show

Last update :

Awaji Puppet Theater Company, a specialized theater for traditional Awaji Island puppet shows (Ningyo Joruri), offers a backstage tour. This traditional art is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. Why don't you try this behind the scenes learning experience?
Knowing the secrets of the stage greatly enhances one’s appreciation of the play!

Highlights

  • A fascinating building designed by the famous architect, Shuhei Endo
  • Photographs are allowed backstage. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
  • Be sure to check the monthly updated schedule for plays on the official website
  • Foreign language audio guide is available at the reception

See the experience report for more details!!

Photos

  • You can see a collection of puppets from the different plays close up.

    You can see a collection of puppets from the different plays close up.

  • The amazing architecture by Shuhei Endo

    The amazing architecture by Shuhei Endo

  • The papers for the traditional wrapping tips at the end of the performance

    The papers for the traditional wrapping tips at the end of the performance

  • The quite special audience hall uses pieces of locally produced traditional kawara roof tiles along its inner wall.

    The quite special audience hall uses pieces of locally produced traditional kawara roof tiles along its inner wall.

  • A group of puppets welcomed us backstage

    A group of puppets welcomed us backstage

  • You can try on the special puppeteers’ sandals, taka-geta.

    You can try on the special puppeteers’ sandals, taka-geta.

  • Fusuma panel

    Fusuma panel

  • The puppet’s costume kimonos

    The puppet’s costume kimonos

  • A yukabon, or storybook, is handwritten in a unique script.

    A yukabon, or storybook, is handwritten in a unique script.

  • Three puppeteers control one puppet

    Three puppeteers control one puppet

  • The Ebisu Mai

    The Ebisu Mai

  • In the end, take a picture with Ebisu.

    In the end, take a picture with Ebisu.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

English, Chinese and Korean overviews are available by audio guide with advanced reservation. You can also visit the main website to access the same data before arriving.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

What is the recommended attire?

A

Nothing in particular.

Q

Is it possible to join without advanced reservation?

A

You can usually view without prior reservation but there are limited open hours at times, so please call ahead to confirm.

Reviews

Details

Activity name
Awaji Puppet Theater Backstage Tour
Facility name
Awaji Puppet Theater Company
Postal Code
656-0501
Address
1528-1 Fukurako, Minami-Awaji City, Hyogo
Telephone
0799-52-0260
Open hours
Performance time 10:00 am, 11:10 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm (for 45 minutes)
Close
Check on the official website
Payment
Cash, phone QR payment (PayPal)
Fee
Varies by play
Available group size
179 seats
Available foreign language
Audio guide on English, Chinese, Korean *only for plays
Official website
Official website