A Historic Wooden Playhouse from Meiji 43, Still Operating: Tour Korakukan Theatre
About this spot
A wooden playhouse built in Meiji 43 (1910) as a welfare facility for Kosaka Mining workers, holding one of Japan's most distinguished histories and designated a National Important Cultural Property. Its exterior features Western-style white weatherboarding, while the interior showcases a unique blend of Japanese and Western styles with tiered seating, a hanamichi (flower path), and a hand-operated revolving stage. The greatest appeal is that it remains an "active playhouse" where performances continue today. During facility tours, you can walk behind the scenes with a guide to see the naraku (trap door), sukipon (trap door mechanisms), and other normally hidden elements—both children and adults will marvel at the Meiji-era theatrical technology powered by human hands. This is a venue where you can truly feel the vibrant energy of a mining town full of theater-goers.
Tips
Just a short walk from Kosaka Railway Rail Park down Meiji Centennial Street. On performance days, combination tickets for both kabuki viewing and facility tours are available—if timing works, enjoy a performance. Guided tours are available at set times; confirm the tour schedule at the reception. Using a combination ticket with the Kosaka Mining Office is a good value.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Morning tours tend to be more relaxed. If attending a performance, adjust your timing accordingly.
Access & map
Matsunoshita 2, Kosaka Kozan, Kosaka, Kazuno District, Akita Prefecture 017-0202
Model course featuring this spot
Kosaka Rail Bikes and Meiji-Era Kabuki Playhouses
Akita
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