An incredible building which stages the very best in Kabuki Japan has to offer. You simply must come to experience it. Yes you can see brilliant Kabuki in Tokyo....but there is a certain magic here which resists definition. Maybe it's the mountain air and the spring water you know is running beneath your feet. There is a palpable spirituality and a certain 'spriteliness' in this town and I think these are reflected by the actors either consciously or subconsciously. Either way, it's unforgettable.
Of course the Konpira Grand Theatre in itself is magnificent, a very interesting showcase of traditional architecture, craftsmanship, and art. But for me the highlight of the visit was the volunteer guide who showed me around the place, blending Japanese and English, to the best of his abilities, explaining plenty of little details the ordinary visitor would never notice alone.
The theatre is beautiful but the rooms have very bare bones signage and they could do a lot more to explain what each room is used for, maybe add some props inside the rooms as well given the signs are only in Japanese.
Fantastic. The oldest kabuki theater in Japan features a lot of hidden details and things to discover. You can move freely but the guides on-site will tell you a lot of great stories and share their background knowledge.
Very good historical building with wooden structure. Only one japanese performance every April. Good guided tour by the volunteer~theatre security. Clear explanation and you are welcome to walk through the auditorium, stage area, under stage area and dressing room.
