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Korakukan Theater (National Important Cultural Property)
One of Japan’s oldest theaters, preserving the charm of the Meiji era.
Opened in 1910 as a playhouse and welfare facility for people working at the Kosaka Mine, this theater has never been relocated or renovated, preserving the atmosphere of its original construction to this day. Its exterior has a modern Western-style look, while the interior is a classic Japanese-style playhouse, a distinctive blend of Japanese and Western design. Highly valued for its history as a surviving playhouse, it is also designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Inside, you’ll find traditional stage mechanisms still operated by hand, including a revolving stage, a “kiri-ana (suppon)” lift that raises actors using ropes and pulleys, and hanamichi walkways on both sides of the stage. Performances are held almost daily even today. On days without special programs, the theater offers a guided facility tour that includes backstage areas and dressing rooms. The tour takes Approx. 30 minutes and lets you learn about the playhouse’s history and features.
The on-site shop sells drinks and sweets you’ll want to enjoy during a performance. You’ll also find original items perfect for souvenirs, along with local specialties from Kosaka.
Highlights
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One of Japan’s oldest theaters, opened in 1910.
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Still hosts performances today, and you can also tour the interior.
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Designated as a National Important Cultural Property as the oldest surviving playhouse that preserves traditional styles.
Photos
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One of Japan’s oldest theaters, with an eye-catching Western-style exterior
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A classic Japanese-style playhouse atmosphere inside
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You can also tour the actors’ dressing rooms (“gakuya”)
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In the dressing rooms, you can even see old graffiti left by actors
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Plenty to see, including a revolving stage still in active use today
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
Sorry, we don’t.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
No.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
Is re-entry allowed?
A
Facility tours are OK on the same day. Performances are not, as the venue operates on a full turnover system.
Q
Are there smoking areas?
A
No.
Q
Entering the building
A
You’ll need to take off your shoes to enter.
Q
Eating and drinking inside
A
Eating and drinking inside is OK, but please refrain from consuming food and drinks brought in from outside.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 康楽館（国重要文化財）
- Postal Code
- 017-0202
- Address
- 2 Matsunoshita, Kosakakozan, Kosaka-machi, Kazuno-gun, Akita
- Phone
- 0186-29-3732
- Closed on
- New Year’s holidays
- Hours
- 9:00am-5:00pm, November-March 9:00am-4:00pm (Last admission 30 minutes before closing each day)
- Admission
- High school students and up: 2,500 yen; elementary and junior high school students: 1,250 yen; preschoolers: free *Facility tour only: high school students and up: 700 yen; elementary and junior high school students: 350 yen; preschoolers: free
- Access
- Approx. 25 minutes from JR Towada-Minami Station on the Shuhoku Bus bound for Kosaka; get off at Korakukan-mae, then it’s a short walk
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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