The National Bunraku Theatre is more than a museum—it is the main hub for preserving and performing Bunraku, a sophisticated Japanese puppet theater. Established in 1984 and designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, the theatre showcases a modern architectural style with touches of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Bunraku performances involve three puppeteers controlling each intricately crafted puppet, accompanied by a Tayu narrator who voices all characters and a shamisen musician providing the score. The theatre’s main facilities include a Large Theatre seating about 700–753 people, a Small Hall for smaller-scale performances such as Rakugo storytelling, and an Exhibition Room where visitors can view puppets, costumes, and historical documents for free during opening hours.

Regular performances are held in January, April, July/August, and November, with special programs like Bunraku for Beginners, providing English explanations for first-time audiences. English audio guides are also available for rental, ensuring international visitors can fully appreciate the art form.

• Take the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line or Sennichimae Line, or the Kintetsu Line to Nihonbashi Station. The theatre is a 1-minute walk from the station, conveniently located near the Dotonbori district.

• Arrive early to explore the Exhibition Room and see historical puppets and costumes.

• Consider attending Bunraku for Beginners if it’s your first visit to understand the story and characters.

• Check the official schedule in advance, as performances are seasonal.

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking from nearby stations or exploring the surrounding area.

Admission Fee:

• Exhibition Room: Free

• Performance Tickets: Vary depending on the show and seat, typically ¥3,000–¥7,000 for adults; discounts may apply for students or seniors.

Opening Time:

• Theatre (Performance Area): Varies depending on the performance schedule. Showtimes and opening hours are set according to the specific program on the day of the performance.

• Exhibition Room: Generally open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; admission is usually free.

• Holidays: Closures are irregular and depend on the performance schedule. Typically closed during New Year’s holidays (end of December and early January) and occasionally on other dates, such as July 1.