Yachiyoza

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Yachiyoza

An ornately luxe playhouse with the old-world charm of Edo.

3.95 1

Last update :

Yamaga is a town that flourished due to its distribution via water canals along the Kikuchi River, and as a hot springs resort during the Edo Period. A successful businessman at the time used these same resources to build Yachiyoza, a large style playhouse in 1910. Yachiyoza continued as a mainstay of the classic theatre in the Meiji and Taisho periods, but after it began to decline after the 1950s and was remade into a movie theatre. The playhouse then eventually closed in 1973 after the popularization of TVs.

Afterwards the building was abandoned until a city person donated funding to launch its restoration in 1987. After a large overhaul it was finally restored to its former glory as a playhouse in 2001.

Able to hold a capacity of 700 people, guests here will find square-theatre seats, box seats, a long raised “hanamaichi” center stage, historic adverts across the ceiling, a scene reminiscent of the kabuki playhouses depicted in vivid, ukiyo-e prints during the Edo Period. On non-performances days, the playhouse is open for tours where you can go behind the curtain, under the stage to see the revolving stage mechanism and elevator. To learn more you can also visit Yume-kogura, the adjacent building with history documents outlining Yachiyoza’s long life and the many elements of the stage.

Highlights

  • Opened in 1910, this nationally registered Important Cultural Property is still home to classic Japanese theatre performances today.
  • The classic charm of the Taisho Era is still evident in this playhouse.
  • The entire is built in the fashion of an Edo era kabuki theatre, while the ceiling is ornately decorated with the adverts of sponsors from the Meiji era.
  • Available for touring on days when no performances are scheduled.
  • The historic articles building, Yume-kogura, is an even older, historic building than Yachiyoza.

Photos

  • The mystical light display made with plenty of Japanese flair.

    The mystical light display made with plenty of Japanese flair.

  • Sakura-yu, the bathhouse and symbol of Yamaga Onsen.

    Sakura-yu, the bathhouse and symbol of Yamaga Onsen.

  • The photogenic theatre hall where you can enjoy classic theatre performances from the Edo and Meiji eras.

    The photogenic theatre hall where you can enjoy classic theatre performances from the Edo and Meiji eras.

  • Look up to the ceiling to find the vividly restored adverts of sponsors the playhouse at its opening.

    Look up to the ceiling to find the vividly restored adverts of sponsors the playhouse at its opening.

  • Still open today, playing kabuki and rakugo performances.

    Still open today, playing kabuki and rakugo performances.

  • Exclusive, behind-the-curtain tours of the intriguing under-stage area available.

    Exclusive, behind-the-curtain tours of the intriguing under-stage area available.

  • Built in 1910, the playhouse is recognized nationally today as an Important Cultural Property.

    Built in 1910, the playhouse is recognized nationally today as an Important Cultural Property.

Reviews

1
  • 劉淑娟

    來進入八千代座,從舞台的上下前後揭穿它的歷史與魅力哦👍

Details

Name in Japanese
八千代座
Postal Code
861-0501
Address
1499 Yamaga, Yamaga City, Kumamoto
Telephone
0968-44-4004
Closed
Second Wednesday of every month, New Year’s holiday
Business hours
9:00am-6:00pm (Admission allowed until 5:30pm)
Fare
Yachiyoza Adult: 530yen, Elementary/Middle-school Students: 270yen.
Shiryoukan Yumekogura Adult: 220yen, Elementary/Middle-school Students: 110yen.
(Combined Tickets Adult: 730yen, Elementary/Middle-school Students: 370yen.)
Access
From JR Kumamoto Station, take the Kyushu Sanko Bus to Yamaga Onsen (Yachiyoza Iriguchi) Stop and walk 5 min. to arrive.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website