Shikoku Information

Area：

  • Kagawa

Category：

  • Sightseeing Spots
  • History and Culture

Kanamaruza (Konpira Grand Theatre)

Kanamaruza (Konpira Grand Theatre)
Japan’s oldest surviving playhouse, preserving the theatrical culture of the Edo period.
Kanamaruza (Konpira Grand Theatre), built in 1835, is Japan’s oldest surviving playhouse. Its hanamichi walkway, traditional box seating, and human-powered stage mechanisms remain intact, preserving the atmosphere of an Edo-period theater. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Three highlights of Kanamaruza
1. Walk through an Edo-period playhouse
See the hanamichi used by performers and the wooden box seating up close. Take a seat and imagine the lively atmosphere experienced by audiences long ago.
2. Discover human-powered stagecraft
The revolving stage, under-stage area, trap lift, overhead rigging, and classical aerial-performance equipment reveal the ingenuity that supported productions without electricity.
3. Learn about the Konpira Kabuki performances
During the spring Shikoku Konpira Kabuki Grand Theatre performances, Kanamaruza once again welcomes actors and audiences as a working theater. Regular tours may be unavailable during performances.
Quick access guide
By car
About 10 minutes by car from Zentsuji IC on the Takamatsu Expressway.
There is no dedicated parking lot; please use a paid parking facility in Kotohira.
By public transportation
About a 20-minute walk from JR Kotohira Station or Kotoden-Kotohira Station.
The route climbs uphill from the approach area, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
* Regular tours may be unavailable during performances or events. Check the latest official information before visiting.
Nearby attractions
Known affectionately as Konpira-san, this shrine is the symbol of Kotohira. Climb the stone steps of the main approach to enjoy views of the Sanuki Plain from the Main Shrine.
・Kotohira Town History and Folklore Museum
Located on the former site of Kanamaruza, the museum displays materials on Kotohira’s temple-town culture and theatrical history.
・Kinryo no Sato
This sake-brewing cultural facility stands along the main approach. Discover Sanuki’s sake culture among white-walled storehouses and a magnificent camphor tree.
* Opening status and visitor conditions may change. Check each facility’s official information before visiting.

Details

Area Kagawa Prefecture
Address 1241 Otsu, Kotohira, Nakatado District, Kagawa 766-0001
TEL +81-877-73-3846
FAX -
E-mail -

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Basic Information

Open hours 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.)
Closed regularly Open year-round (may be closed during performances or events)
Admission fee Adults: ¥500; junior high and high school students: ¥300; elementary school students: ¥200
Group and disability discounts available
Parking lot No dedicated parking
Free Wi-Fi No
Toilet Yes
Recommended season Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter

A special experience found only here.

During the Edo period, attending a play was a major pleasure for pilgrims visiting Kotohira-gu Shrine from across Japan. Today, the Shikoku Konpira Kabuki Grand Theatre is held each spring, with leading kabuki actors performing on this historic stage. Every stage mechanism is operated by hand, preserving the atmosphere of Edo-period theater. Also look for the overhead rigging used to scatter paper confetti and the traditional aerial-performance apparatus restored during the major 2003 renovation.

Kotohira-gu Shrine

Continue from Kanamaruza to the shrine approach and climb the stone steps to visit this historic sacred site.

Opening hours 07:00 - 17:00
Closed Open year-round

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Access Information

Train
Kotoden Kotohira Station
Approx. 60 minutes from Kotoden Takamatsu Station on the Kotohira Line.
Approx. 5 minutes from Kotoden Kotohira Station by car.
　
JR Kotohira Station
Approx. 60 minutes from JR Takamatsu Station on the Tosan Line.
Approx. 10 minute walk from JR Kotohira Station.
Car
Zentsuji IC
Approx. 15 minutes from Zentsuji IC by car.
Air
Takamatsu Airport
Airport Limousine Bus available.
Approx. 45 minutes from Takamatsu Airport to JR Kotohira Station.
10 minute walk from JR Kotohira Station.

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