Yasugibushi Performance Hall

Yasugibushi Performance Hall is a theater daily performing the Dojou-Sukui dance (dojo pond loach catching dance) which grew very popular from the Taisho Period to the beginning of Showa Period. It is known for its comical dance with the humorous movements and expressions, arranged to the folk song Yasugibushi and backed by shamisen and tsuzumi drum music. The dancers hold a flat bamboo basket in their hands and hang a small basket to the waist. The dances by the Yasugibushi folk dance conservation association are performed four times a day.

In addition to the Dojou-Sukui Dance, the performance includes Zeni-taiko, a musical instrument with coins in a bamboo tube. There is also a short dancing time in the end for the audience to learn the Dajou-sukui dance, while wearing costumes on stage. Try this rare opportunity open only for five people.

The theater also displays movies showing the history of Yasugibushi and the karakuri mechanical puppets. Adjacent is the Dojou-tei restaurant which serves local dojo loach dishes in the style of Yanagawa-nabe, karaage, and kakiage. In particular, Marugoto Yasugi-don is very popular; this is a rice bowl with various local specialties, such as dojo loach from Yasugi, bamboo shoots, and Hirose Miso. There are also menus not using dojo loach if you wish.