Uchikomachi's Uchiko Theater

#Spring0yenTrip The Uchikoza is a wooden playhouse built in 1916 in Uchiko-cho, Kita-gun, Ehime Prefecture. It has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a valuable presence that still conveys the image of playhouses, which were the center of entertainment for the common people at that time. Access: * Train: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Uchiko Station on the Yosan Line. From the station, you can walk through the charming Uchiko townscape. * Car: About 10 minutes from Uchiko Isasaki IC on the Matsuyama Expressway. There is a parking lot (paid) near the Uchikoza. Attractions: The appeal of the Uchikoza is, above all, its value as a historical building and the fact that you can feel the atmosphere of a playhouse at that time. * Taisho-era playhouse: It has been left almost exactly as it was when it was first built, and you can see the structure of a traditional playhouse, including the warm wooden space, revolving stage, runway, and box seats. It is a space filled with realism, where you can almost hear the breathing of the actors and audience. * Revolving stage and runway: The manually operated revolving stage and the runway that runs through the audience seats to the stage allow you to imagine the stage production of the time. You can actually go up on the stage or sit in the audience seats to experience what it was like to watch a play at that time. * Backstage tour: One of the attractions is being able to see backstage areas that you normally cannot see, such as the dressing rooms and the pit (under the stage). You can learn about the technology of the time, such as the stage machinery and lighting equipment. * Regular performances: Even today, various genres of performances are held, including kabuki, puppet shows, rakugo, and music events. You can enjoy modern entertainment unfolding on a historic stage (please check the official website for the performance schedule). * Harmony with the townscape of Uchiko: Uchikoza blends into the beautiful townscape of Uchiko, which is a preservation district for important traditional buildings. As you stroll down the streets lined with white-walled storehouses and merchant houses, the stately Uchiko-za building catches your eye. * Exhibits that tell the story: Inside the building, exhibits include the history of Uchiko-za and materials from plays that were previously performed, allowing you to learn about Uchiko's culture and performing arts. Uchiko-za is not just a tourist attraction, but a living cultural asset that is still loved and utilized by local people today. It is a rare place where you can experience the charm of history, culture, and theater all at the same time. If you visit Uchiko, be sure to stop by and experience its charm for yourself.