Tokushima, old Awa, has one of Japan’s richest traditions of ningyo joruri — the art of puppet theatre, in which large, elaborately costumed puppets are brought to life by teams of skilled puppeteers, accompanied by chanted narration and shamisen music. Once hugely popular in the region’s villages, with rural stages at many shrines, the art survives here as a living tradition. Awa Jurobe Yashiki, on the site of a historic residence in Tokushima city, is the place to experience it: daily performances stage the region’s most famous puppet play, and you can see the intricate puppets up close, watch the puppeteers at work, and learn about the craft. For anyone interested in traditional Japanese performing arts, it is a rare chance to see this powerful, expressive puppetry in its heartland.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Tokushima City, Tokushima |
| Hours | ~9:30–17:00 (daily performances) |
| Admission | Around ¥410 adults |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; check show times |
What to See
- Daily ningyo joruri puppet performances.
- Large, elaborate puppets brought to life by puppeteers.
- Chanted narration and shamisen accompaniment.
- The intricate craft of the puppets up close.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Awa Odori attractions in the city.
- Pair with Tokushima Castle nearby.
- Read our Tokushima overview .
Getting There
- By bus: from central Tokushima to Awa Jurobe Yashiki.
- By car: parking at the site.
Tips
Check the daily performance times before you go and arrive for a show, as the live puppet performance is the highlight and the reason to visit. Sit close to appreciate the puppeteers' skill and the puppets' expressive detail, allow time to see the puppets and exhibits, and combine it with the city’s Awa Odori attractions for a day of Tokushima’s performing arts.
