Discover Kotohira through three cultural experiences: Kabuki at Kanamaruza, Sanuki udon cuisine, and the history of sake. At the entrance to Kotohira Park, there is also an artwork with striking dimensions and several types of stone. The differences matter when planning your trip: Kabuki performances take place in spring, while the hands-on udon experience lasts 40 to 60 minutes.
Kabuki in a Historic Theater
The former Konpira Grand Theatre, commonly known as Kanamaruza, was built in 1835 and is Japan’s oldest surviving playhouse. Kabuki performances are still held at Kanamaruza in spring; they are popular with locals and visitors from across the country. The performance tradition in Kotohira has continued since 1985. This brings a historic theater building and a vibrant performing arts culture together. If Kabuki is a priority for you, plan your visit for the spring performance season and check the specific dates separately.
Sanuki Udon, from the Dish to Its Preparation
Kotohira is known as the “birthplace of udon shops.” Many restaurants in the city serve handmade Sanuki udon noodles in a light iriko dashi soup—that is, a broth made from dried sardines—often topped with chopped green onions. For a different perspective, try the Nakano Udon School on Kotohira’s Omotesando: during the hands-on experience, you knead flour under the guidance of a professional, roll out the dough with a rolling pin, cook the noodles, and then eat them. The experience lasts 40 to 60 minutes. This differs from a restaurant meal: there, the finished dish takes center stage; here, the focus is on the preparation process. Check reservation requirements and fees for your preferred date in advance.
Sake History and Tasting
Kinryo no Sato offers a look at the history of sake. The museum preserves a brewery dating back to the Edo period, kept as it was when it was founded, and continues to share the history and culture of sake brewing. You can taste sake in the shop run directly by the brewery. Here, you can experience both the brewery’s history and the drink itself. If you plan to sample the sake, check the latest operating details in advance. Kinryo no Sato offers a different focus from the theater or the hands-on experience of working with udon dough.
Art at Kotohira Park and Getting There
The 4-meter-tall artwork “宙（そら）にかぶく” by Shinohara Katsuyuki still stands at the entrance to Kotohira Park. It consists of four iron posts, each about 3 meters long, on a base made from materials that include Aji stone and other stones from around the world. Its height, posts, and materials give the work a distinctive profile alongside the themes of theater, food culture, and sake.
From Okayama Station, it takes about 60 minutes to reach JR Kotohira Station via the JR Seto-Ohashi Line and the Dosan Line. Check the timetable and service information for your travel day. Kabuki performances set a seasonal timeframe, while the duration of the udon experience helps with planning your day. These details answer different questions: when you might want to travel for Kabuki and how much time to set aside for a single hands-on activity.
Discover more destinations: Higashikagawa, Manno, Nishishirakata, Tadotsu, Furue, Zentsūji, Marugame, Takamatsu
For the broader travel overview: Kagawa Prefecture.
