National Bunraku Theater Tours
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If you’re interested in seeing a bunraku puppet show while in Japan, Osaka’s National Bunraku Theater is arguably the best place to do so. The art of bunraku puppetry dates back more than 300 years, and it reached its peak in Osaka in the 1740s.
A typical performance at this theater features a series of puppets, each requiring three handlers working in tandem to operate it. Unlike in other forms of puppetry, the bunraku puppeteers appear openly on stage. Performances typically last the better part of a day, with each of two halves lasting three to four hours, but it is possible to buy a ticket for only one part or even for just a single act. With these tickets, visitors can get a sense of the art form without spending a whole day watching it.
While the plays (typically traditional samurai dramas) are in Japanese, English language headphone guides that explain what’s happening onstage can be purchased.
Practical Info
The National Bunraku Theater typically hosts performances during January, April, June, August and November. Tickets often sell out quickly.
Address: 1-12-10, Nippon-bashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Admission: Varies by performance
2 Tours and Activities to Experience National Bunraku Theater
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Day TripsOsaka Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
Enjoy an efficient, full-day walking tour of Osaka accompanied by a nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you explore Japan's second-largest city while introducing both modern and traditional sides of this colorful, dynamic metropolis.
Start your day with a morning pickup at your hotel, then it's off to the races! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
... More
- 6 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$127.34
Price varies by group size
Day TripsOsaka Off the Beaten Path Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore off the beaten areas in Osaka!
We would like to introduce some of the best nostalgic neighborhood locations. If you want to experience the local life and enjoy the nostalgic warm feelings, these backstreets of Shinsekai, Tenjimbashi-suji, Ameyoko and Koreantown are totally recommended to visit while your stay in Osaka.
You can walk with English speaking guide and enjoy some foods and drinks on the way! Let us know what you would like to experience, and your guide will arrange a six-hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
... More
- 6 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$121.13
Price varies by group size
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