Kaho Gekijo Kabuki Theater

【現在休館中】嘉穂劇場

Built in 1922 (Taisho 11) and remodeled in 1931 (Showa 6), Kaho Gekijo has Hanamichi walkways extending from either side of its stage into the audience and Masu (box) seating, both of which can be called characteristic of Japanese theater construction. It is the only two-story, wooden Kabuki theater in Japan with those features that continues to make use of its original building! The theater is particularly famous for playing host to the annual Zenkoku Zacho Taikai, a day of performances by the country’s top itinerant Kabuki troupe!

The Kaho Gekijo Theater was originally opened as a place where the coal miners could enjoy themselves after a hard day in the mine. During its heyday as a major mine producing region, the Chikuho area alone boasted 48 theaters. However, once the various mines closed down so did most of the theaters. The Kaho Gekijo theater was saved this fate by Mrs. Eiko Ito.

In 2003, the theater was damaged by heavy rain which flooded the whole building. For a period of time it was not known if the theater would be repaired. However, a charity event was held in order to restore it. Many well-known Japanese actors took part in the event. They included Masahiko Tsugawa, Sanma Akashiya and Kanzaburo Nakamura.

Address (Japanese)	820-0041　福岡県飯塚市飯塚5-23
Address	5-23 Izuka, Izuka City, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	0948-22-5500（飯塚市役所経済部商工観光課観光係（内線1461））
Contact	Kaho Gekijo Kabuki Theater
Fax Number	0948-22-2505
Open	9am till 5pm Please refer to the home page of the theater for any information about coming events.
Closed	The New Year’s (Dec.31st-Jan.4th) Tours not available on performance and rehearsal days.
Price	Field trip Adults: 300 yen Children: 100 yen
Car Park	40 vehicles
Access	About a 15 minute walk from JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line Iizuka Station About a 7 minute walk from Nishitetsu Bus Iizuka Bus Center bus stop *About a 7 minute drive from Honamihigashi Interchange off of the Yakiyama Bypass
Website	http://kankou-iizuka.jp/topic_6/