ABOUT
About this spot
Yachiyoza in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a playhouse in the Edo-period style, built in the Meiji era (1910) through the passion of local patrons. It once fell into decline and was nearly abandoned, but after a restoration movement led by local citizens, it is now designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The first thing that catches your eye inside is the vivid ceiling of advertisement paintings that covers the entire ceiling. The retro colors of ads from local shops of the time make it truly photogenic. With a guide's explanation, you can also see rare stage machinery you will not find in modern halls, such as the manually operated revolving stage and the "naraku," the space beneath the stage. On days without performances, you can even step onto the stage and the hanamichi runway, feeling the excitement the audiences of the day experienced and the breath of the actors. Combine it with a stroll through the charming streets of nearby Yamaga Onsen and enjoy a moment of Meiji-era romance.
Last updated March 27, 2026