内子座

Uchikoza is a traditional wooden two-story theater built in 1916 to commemorate the enthronement of Emperor Taisho. It was rebuilt in 1985 with close fidelity to the original design. Uchikoza hosts a variety of performances including kabuki, kyogen, bunraku, concerts, and rakugo. Despite still being an active venue, the interior can be toured on days without performances. Visitors can explore highlights such as the revolving stage, the under-stage “”naraku”” area, and the hanamichi runway, and also compare seating in box seats and the second-floor area. The revolving stage used to be operated manually but has since been converted to electric operation, while the “”seriage”” lift that brings performers up from the naraku is still operated by hand. The hanamichi is a passage extending from stage left (as seen from the audience) into the audience area; sitting nearby offers a close, powerful view of actors’ entrances and exits. On the roof is a drum turret that was used until 1985 to signal that a performance was taking place.