6 Theatres in Fukuoka worth your time

A premier 1,500-seat performance venue in Fukuoka hosting traditional kabuki, modern musicals, and large-scale commercial theater productions.

What it is

• A major theater located within the Hakata Riverain complex in Fukuoka City.
• Opened on May 30, 1999, and operated by a public-private joint venture.
• The venue occupies the second through sixth floors of its building.
• A versatile space designed for kabuki, musicals, and various commercial theater shows.

What to see

• A large auditorium with a maximum seating capacity of 1,500 people.
• Traditional stage features including a revolving stage and a flower path.
• A dedicated orchestra pit for musical and theatrical performances.
• Kabuki actors performing a traditional boat arrival ceremony on the nearby river.

When to go

• Open to local citizens for use every December.
• Note a major renovation is scheduled from June 2029 through September 2030.

Getting there

• The facility is directly accessible from Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station.

Official site

www.hakataza.co.jp

Read more about Hakata-za

A historic 1931 wooden kabuki theater in Iizuka featuring a manual revolving stage and traditional Edo-style architecture.

What it is

• A traditional Edo-style kabuki theater founded in 1931 after its predecessor was destroyed.
• A registered tangible cultural property and designated Heritage of Industrial Modernization.
• A two-story wooden structure that underwent major restoration in 2004 following flood damage.
• Ownership transferred to Iizuka City in 2021 for preservation and seismic retrofitting.

What to see

• Traditional wooden architecture designed in the classic Edo-style kabuki theater layout.
• A rare manual revolving stage used for changing scenes during performances.
• The interior structure which was restored with support from famous Japanese entertainers.

Getting there

• The theater is a 15-minute walk from JR Iizuka Station.

Read more about Kaho Gekijō

A modern performance hall in Fukuoka dedicated to traditional Noh and Kyogen theater, designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Oe.

What it is

• A dedicated performance venue for traditional Noh and Kyogen theater.
• Construction of the facility was completed in March 1986.
• The building was designed by architect Hiroshi Oe.
• Fukuoka Prefecture owns the facility which includes one floor above and below ground.

What to see

• A main auditorium containing 590 spectator seats for visitors.
• A bronze statue of Umetsu Shien located in the courtyard.
• Traditional architectural elements designed for classical concerts and theater.
• The venue where Sota Fujii won the Oi Shogi title in 2020.

When to go

• During scheduled performances of Noh, Kyogen, or classical music concerts.
• When the theater hosts professional Shogi and Go title matches.

Official site

www.ohori-nougaku.jp

Read more about Ōhori Park Noh Theater

A rare 1938 wooden Noh theater within Sumiyoshi Jinja featuring traditional acoustic jars and historic tiered seating.

What it is

• A traditional wooden Noh theater completed in the autumn of 1938
• One of only two remaining wooden theaters with traditional tiered seating in Japan
• A Fukuoka City Designated Tangible Cultural Property owned by Sumiyoshi Jinja
• A structure blending traditional Japanese styles with Western construction techniques

What to see

• The main building featuring a traditional irimoya-zukuri style roof
• An interior Noh stage topped with a cypress bark roof
• Large acoustic jars buried under the stage floor to enhance sound
• Traditional vertical wooden boarding on the recently restored exterior walls
• Historic tiered seating areas known as sajiki-style seating

Official site

www.nihondaiichisumiyoshigu.jp

Read more about Nōgakuden, Sumiyoshi Jinja

A compact theater and sewage public relations center built directly above an active pumping station in the Gion district.

What it is

• Official music and drama training center opened by Fukuoka City in September 2000
• A small theater venue designed to utilize the space above the Mukaijima Pumping Station
• The name is derived from the word pump to reflect the facility below
• Managed under a city ordinance to provide space for music and dance performances

What to see

• A small theater hall with a maximum seating capacity of 108 people
• A public relations corner for sewage facilities located on the second floor
• The surrounding area situated between Canal City and Kawabata Shopping Arcade

Getting there

• One minute walk from Kushida Shrine-mae Station

Official site

pomplazahall.jp

Read more about Pomplaza Hall

A premier multi-hall theater complex inside Riverwalk Kitakyushu recognized as one of Japan's top performance venues.

What it is

• A multi-purpose performing arts facility located inside the Riverwalk Kitakyushu complex.
• The venue took over the cultural functions of the former Kokura Civic Hall.
• It is officially recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Halls.
• The theater currently operates under the name J:COM Kitakyushu Performing Arts Center.

What to see

• The Main Hall featuring 1,269 seats designed for multi-purpose events.
• A 700-seat Medium Theater dedicated specifically to theatrical performances.
• The Small Theater which provides a flexible flat-floored space for various uses.
• The Medium Theater situated directly above the NHK Kitakyushu station facility.

Official site

q-geki.jp

Read more about Kitakyushu Performing Arts Center