Kanamaru-za

Top choice


This is Japan's oldest kabuki playhouse, though it had a lengthy stint as a cinema before falling out of use. Nowadays it has sporadic shows, but can be visited daily. The restorations are superb; wander backstage and see the revolving-stage mechanism, basement trapdoors and a tunnel out to the front of the theatre. The playhouse is 200m east of the main approach to Konpira-san. There's a good English leaflet available, and English-speaking volunteer guides are sometimes on hand.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ō-mon

0.2 MILES

The first notable landmark on the long climb at Konpira-san is Ō-mon, a stone gateway that leads to Hōmotsu-kan.

2. Kinryō-no-Sato Sake Museum

0.2 MILES

This sake museum, located along the main approach to the shrine, is in the old premises of a brewery that has owned the building since 1789. There's an…

3. Hōmotsu-kan

0.21 MILES

The first notable landmark on the long climb at Konpira-san is Ō-mon, a stone gateway that leads to Hōmotsu-kan, where the collection of treasures is…

4. Shoin

0.37 MILES

Shoin is a designated National Treasure that dates from 1659. It has some interesting screen paintings and a small garden.

5. Konpira-san

0.4 MILES

Konpira-san or, more formally, Kotohira-gū, was originally a Buddhist and Shintō temple dedicated to the guardian of mariners. It became exclusively a…

6. Asahi-no-Yashiro

0.46 MILES

Built in 1837, this large hall is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, and is noted for its ornate wood-carving.

7. Takadōrō

0.47 MILES

At 27m, this is the highest wooden lantern in Japan, originally built to guide ships sailing on the Inland Sea.

8. Ema-dō

0.48 MILES

Ema-dō is filled with maritime offerings ranging from pictures of ships and models to modern ship engines.

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