Highlights of Konpira kabuki and Konpira Shrine
Konpira kabuki
Old Konpira Ooshibai is the most ancient genuine playhouse in Japan that was built in 1835.
In 1970, the playhouse was designated as National important cultural property for its high academic and cultural quality. In 1976, in order to maintain this playhouse, it was recovered and reconstructed using subsidized funds by the country, moved to the current location, and became revived as the appearance from the Edo era.
Ever since the first performance held in 1985, "Shikoku Konpira Kabuki Ooshibai" has been held every year with support and understanding by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Kagawa-prefecture and Shochiku Co., Ltd. and has become a regional event to promote regional development, which has been continuing to fascinate kabuki fans national wide.
In 2003, aseismic reinforcement work (Large renovation of Heisei) was performed in addition to removing the 4 steel poles that were in the way of the performance for long years. During investigation, a trace of tricks during Edo era "Budo-dana (=grape-vine trellis)" and "kakesuji" were found and were then recovered. The details of the Old Konpira Ooshibai once again underwent a transformation and became a playhouse showing a glimpse of Edo era.
In addition, with the theater bringing the stage and audience all together and by making good use of the trick of the theater created after reconstruction, plays have been performed with even more variety of programs.
The 33rd Shikoku Konpira Kabuki Ooshibai is paid attention because of the fact that announcement of the succession to another stage name of Shibajaku Nakamura revised fifth generation of Jakuemon Nakamura, who is expected to be a leading female role actor (in kabuki) is to be made, and the living national treasure, Nizaemon Kataoka, who will be serving as the head is to perform.
●Kanamaruza
The most ancient genuine playhouse built in 1835 is designated as National important cultural property, and grand preformance is held every year by the kabuki actors.
●Cultural Zone
Works of art and valuables of Kotohiragu such as the drawing room, Yuichi Takahashi Museum, treasure museum, storehouse of documents of Konpira beliefs are possessed and some sections are open to public. In addition, exhibitions and events are held.
●Okuyashiro (rear shrine)
Izutama-hikonomikoto, the founder of Kotohira teaching is enshrined here. Annual festival is held every 6th of January and monthly festival is held every 6th of the month. There are 1368 stairs to the Okuyashiro.
●Kamitsubaki
Café and restaurant "Kamitsubaki" run by Shiseido Parlor located in the woods of the 500th step out of the 785steps to the main shrine. You can enjoy drinking tea.
●Kompira hot springs
Let's get relaxed with the hot springs after visiting the Kompira Shrine The service and facility are excellent with many long-established stores that are more than 100years old as well as new hotels.
●The home of Sanuki udon
Many famous stores around Kotohira-town! Please enjoy the different types of Sanuki udon such as soy-sauce based udon and straight-from-the-pot udon. Using the taxi is convenient for visiting different udon shops!