Uchiko-za
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Uchiko-za is a traditional theater that was built in 1916 to celebrate the enthronement of Emperor Taisho and is loved arts and entertainment lovers. Designated as an important cultural property by the government in 2015, it has become a major tourist attraction in Uchiko, along with the preserved streetscape district. This two-story wooden theater with a traditional Japanese-style thatched roof showcases historical architectural techniques and was used to hold kabuki, bunraku (puppet theater), and rakugo (comic storytelling) performances. In recent years, it was scheduled for demolition due to aging, but thanks to the enthusiasm of local residents, it was saved and renovated. The restoration work was completed in 1985, and it has since been reborn as a theater, serving as a hub for artistic and cultural activities both from within and outside Uchiko.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
124 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
62
Average
13
Poor
0
Terrible
0
petertaylor57
Auckland Central, New Zealand385 contributions
Nov 2022
The fact that this is still being used by the locals is impressive. However, I'd have liked to have seen something going on. Maybe for an hour or two during the day as plenty of tourists. Revolving stage but the audience seats look VERY uncomfortable. Nevertheless, old-style.
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gcpradhan1
Kyoto Prefecture, Japan100 contributions
Dec 2018 • Business
Visited as part of a training program focusing on rural preservation activities in Uchiko Cho and Uchiko-cho was a great visit. This old building is still standing there, being used for several purposes now. Nothing special, it's like other such theatre in Japan. But what's special about this place is that there are not many such old theater's standing in Japan now. If you are in Uchiko-cho, then have a short stroll to this place.
Written December 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ted C
La Mesa, CA194 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
While smaller and less elaborate than the Kabuki Theater in Kotohira this is the real thing. Probably built by the locals when Uchiko-cho was in its prime. Still in use for movies and once in a while a kabuki performance.
Well worth seeing as is the entire restored part of this tiny, 10,000 +/- population we had an absolute great time there. Spent about 6 hours walking, looking, tasting, seeing.
This is a not to be missed location if you are in western Shikoku.
Well worth seeing as is the entire restored part of this tiny, 10,000 +/- population we had an absolute great time there. Spent about 6 hours walking, looking, tasting, seeing.
This is a not to be missed location if you are in western Shikoku.
Written December 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mpeg36
Canberra, Australia246 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We spent a night in Uchiko and bought the pass to the main three attractions. This old theatre was beautifully restored. The guide used his iPad to translate basic information. Worth a trip!
Written August 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter R.
Ulsan, South Korea1,374 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Not knowing what to expect, I arrived in Uchiko before 9:00am in the morning, thinking that I would rush around the various 'things-to-see', and soon be on my way to my next destination (Ozu). The 100-year old wooden theatre (b. 1916) with the painted Kabuki scenes outside, however, looked sufficiently interesting to pay the admission fee and venture inside.
Although I'm in my late 60's, the friendly guide must have easily been 20-years my senior ..... but armed with an i-pad he insisted on dispensing every detail firstly in Japanese then in my native tongue (English) via the i-pad. After receiving this informative tour on the ground floor, the guide said I was free to explore the basement and balconies on my own ..... and probably the most interesting and unique element of the theatre [viz: the revolving stage] can actually be explored from underneath.
Thoroughly enjoyed the hour spent at this charming theatre ..... despite the negative impact on my previously planned schedule!
Although I'm in my late 60's, the friendly guide must have easily been 20-years my senior ..... but armed with an i-pad he insisted on dispensing every detail firstly in Japanese then in my native tongue (English) via the i-pad. After receiving this informative tour on the ground floor, the guide said I was free to explore the basement and balconies on my own ..... and probably the most interesting and unique element of the theatre [viz: the revolving stage] can actually be explored from underneath.
Thoroughly enjoyed the hour spent at this charming theatre ..... despite the negative impact on my previously planned schedule!
Written June 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JooliC
Singapore, Singapore112 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Uchiko Za theatre is a very old Kabuki theatre that has been well-preserved, and still in use.
We were there on a Sunday when the theatre was having some performances, and were allowed to visit for free. However, no tours were running due to performances.
We were able to see and feel the lovely atmosphere of the theatre in action.
We were there on a Sunday when the theatre was having some performances, and were allowed to visit for free. However, no tours were running due to performances.
We were able to see and feel the lovely atmosphere of the theatre in action.
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lara N
Takamatsu, Japan147 contributions
Feb 2017
We went to Uchiko on a rainy day because it was a good break between other destinations, so really did not know what to expect. The Uchikoza is a beautifully restored, functioning theater that does Bunraku puppet performances and Kabuki shows. The guide was friendly and gave us a general introduction, then we were free to explore the balconies and basement by ourselves. There are even hapi coats to wear and take photos on the stage. This was an informative and fun break in our drive, and we would like to return and see more of the town when we have time.
Written February 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mish_H50
Japan387 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
This renewed theater is great to see what local kabuki were like. Even in a remote area a lot of effort was put into the kabukiza. Don't miss the underpass where you can see how the revolving stage worked, its really amazing.
Written July 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan S
Brisbane, Australia226 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Complete with trap doors, hidden entrances and a revolving stage (which we saw revolve for ourselves), this was a little bit of old Japan.
Written May 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PuntledgeCinema .
4 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
I know very little about Kabuki, but the chance to explore all aspects of an operational theater was of interest to me. It was great fun to walk through 'hell', the Japanese term for the working bowels of the stage where the stage could be rotated and trap doors allow characters to appear. There are some great old photos of the theater in busier days. In a country where there is a lot of reconstruction, this is the real thing, a hundred year old wooden structure that still functions.
Written April 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingUchiko-za - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Uchiko-za
- Uchiko-za is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Uchiko-za:
- (0.06 mi) Matsunoya
- (0.13 mi) Shinmachiso
- (0.17 mi) HOTEL AZ Ehime Uchiko
- (0.17 mi) Uchiko no Yado Kura
- (0.20 mi) Machiya besso Kokoro
- Restaurants near Uchiko-za:
- (0.08 mi) Rinsuke
- (0.04 mi) Gacchanya, Stone-Roasted Bibimbap & Shabushabu
- (0.08 mi) Restaurant Takamatsu
- (0.06 mi) Cafe & Bar Kanade
- (0.06 mi) Yakiniku Arimoto
Uchiko-za Information
Excellent Reviews | 49 |
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Very Good Reviews | 62 |
Uchiko-za Photos | 227 |