Japan- Shikoku- Kompira Oshibai (Kanamaruza) Kabuki theater
 

Has anyone been to this Kabuki theater (the oldest in Japan, w/ a rotating stage) for one of their rare performances that take place only in April of each year? How did you get tickets? I will be in that area in 4/06 and want to arrange for tickets (which internet says you must get many months in advance, but no info on how to get them).

Bonjour Emd,

I've seen a program about its restauration and we went to visit it last May but there was no performance.
From what I know, you can make inquiries at the Takamatsu JR or tourist office ((0878) 23-0973 ) or Kotohira Town Office ‹Õ•½’¬–ð�ê: �§766 Kotohira - cho (0877) 73-2111 .

I don't know if there are English speakers in Kotohira, there was someone who understood a few words in Takamatsu.

It seems the info about performances and ticket selling comes out in January in local and national newspapers, so you might like to ask our resident Japanese to have a look for you around that time.

More here: http://www.waoe.org/steve/shikoku/kagawa.html

http://www.town.kotohira.kagawa.jp/kabuki/

Some Japanese sites including above say :
- It's hard even for the locals to get the tickets
- The performance indeed takes place usually only in April every year. For 2006, the perfomance plan was not announced yet to the public so you can not reserve so far.
- The official ticket prices this year were: 1300yen(Seat A), 1000yen(B) and 7000yen(C).
- Except for April where the only yearly performance takes place, visiting the theater is possible for admission 300yen. Tuesday closed.

If I see anything about actual reservation info 2006, I will post it.

Oops, correction. Seat A was 17000 yen, B 10000 and C 7000.

Florence and Kappa! How lucky could I get to get answers from you both. Thanks so much Kappa for taking a look. I will ask the concierge in Kyoto to try to get tickets for me. Florence, I have some more questions for you tomorrow on Takamatsu, so check back please...you are one of the only ones (maybe the only one) who has posted on it. We are going there overnight, Naoshima overnight, and Kurashiki on a trip from Kyoto, returning to Kyoto.

I'm also going to call JTB to ask about tickets.

Hi emd,

I confirm my first post above. It's too early for the reservation. JTB Takamatsu says :
- Every year, booking is open only in February for the performances of April the same year. (I suppose you still can send your request to JTB so you will be one of the first to be treated.)
- The performance periode : 2/3 weeks
- They will ask you about 3 dates in the order of preference. Weekday tickets will be easier to get than weekends.

Good luck!

> I suppose you still can send your request to JTB ...

I meant you can try to send you request NOW.