The oldest kabuki theatre in Japan

We also stopped at the old Konpira Grand Theater was constructed in 1835 and is the oldest kabuki theatre in Japan. It has an authentic rotating stage and trap doors. Performances are still staged every spring. It was fascinating,  we were able to go backstage and pretty much all over the theatre.

Sake barrels and walking sticks people can borrow

Our tour guide was incredible.  He was so enthusiastic and dynamic. He had to have been an actor himself, or at least an aspiring actor. He clearly loves the kabuki theater.

Board showing which actors are in the theatre 

View of the audience from one of the boxes.

View of the stage from one of the boxes

Lanterns hung with the image representing the actors in the current production.

Boards for patrons to get to their floor seats

Path to get to seats and for actors to get to the stage.

Ceiling and catwalk which allows actors to fly across the house 

Trap door 

Across the stage

Looking our from center stage

Dressing room for lesser name actors 

Under the stage, how to rotate the scene

View when entering the house

Up on the balcony

Saying goodbye to our amazing tour guide