Active Wooden Theater Building Where You Can Tour the Rotating Stage and Trap Door
About this spot
A wooden theater building constructed as a center of entertainment for the people of Uchi-ko town, which flourished through wax and raw silk production. Contrasting with its dignified exterior of irimoya-zukuri (hip-and-gable roof) style, the interior retains original features unique to kabuki theaters: square seating (masuseki), the hanamichi flower path, the rotating stage, and the trap door mechanism below the stage. On days without performances, visitors are free to tour from the audience seating to behind the stage, experiencing the charm of walking on the actual stage and seeing up close the rotating mechanism of the trap door. As an active theater still hosting kabuki and bunraku performances, you can savor the luster and warmth of well-used wood in a way that speaks to its continued use.
Tips
Parking at the Town Streetscape Parking Lot (paid) allows for efficient touring on foot from Uchiko-za to the streetscapes. On performance days, interior viewing is restricted, so it's wise to check opening conditions in advance. Note that shoes must be removed in certain areas inside the building.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour. Early morning right after opening means fewer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the square seating and stage almost as if having them to yourself.
Access & map
〒791-3301 Ehime Prefecture, Kita-gun, Uchi-ko Town, Uchi-ko 2102
Model course featuring this spot
Uchi-ko: Uchiko-za Theater and the White-Walled Retro Town of Wax Production
Ehime
Explore features & model courses
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