Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum

Awaji ningyo joruri (puppet theater) began touring around western Japan in the early Edo period (about 300 years ago), spreading joruri culture throughout the region. At that time, there were more than 40 puppet theaters on Awaji Island, but only one remains today (the Awaji Ningyoza) as entertainment has diversified.

The Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum was established in 1990 in the birthplace of Awaji puppet theater (Sanjo Village in the Edo period, now Sanjo, Minami-Awaji City) after receiving a set of puppets and tools from Ichimura Rokunojoza, a famous Awaji puppet theater that ceased operations in the mid-1940s.

The Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum does not perform ningyo joruri. Ningyo joruri can be seen at the Awaji Puppet Theater.

In this article, we will give you some pointers for sightseeing as well as the charms of the Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum that we experienced during our actual visit.

What is Ningyo Joruri?

Joruri is a traditional art form in which a tayu (tayu) tells a story accompanied by shamisen accompaniment, and was given this name because the story of Ushiwakamaru and Princess Joruri became popular in the mid-15th century. Ningyo joruri is a comprehensive art form that combines the three elements of tayu, shamisen, and puppeteer.

Contents

Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum Tourist Attractions
Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum Exhibits
Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum Basic Information

Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum Tourist Attractions

Visitors can see a set of puppets and tools of the Ichimura Rokunojoza, a famous Awaji puppet theater, and learn more about ningyo joruri (puppet theater).

By visiting the museum in conjunction with the Awaji Ningyoza, which still performs ningyo joruri today, visitors can learn more about ningyo joruri, the traditional performing art of Awaji.

Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum Exhibits

Ebisu-sama, an Ebisu dance performed in many fishing village towns — Ebisu-sama, the Ebisu dance performed in many fishing village towns

The Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum mainly exhibits the following materials.

Exhibition of various types of dolls
Exhibition of doll heads and introduction of doll makers
Gorgeous doll costumes "Costume Mountain
Exhibition of Joruri books
Nogake hut exhibit
Sale of related materials and postcards (souvenirs)

Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum's puppet heads and puppeteers — Puppet Heads and Puppeteers

Joruri book at Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum — Joruri book

Gorgeous Mountains of Costumes at Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum — Gorgeous Mountains of Costume

Nogake stage at Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum — Outdoor staging area

Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum's Nogake Shows in the 1950s — Outdoor Shows in the 1950s

Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum souvenir "postcards — Postcard souvenirs

Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum Basic Information

Name	Awaji Ningyo Joruri Museum
Address	880 Sanjo, Minami-Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Phone	0799-42-5115
Official WEB	https://www.city.minamiawaji.hyogo.jp/soshiki/jyoururi/ningyo.html
Opening hours	10:00-17:00
Closed	Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission	Free
Parking	Yes
Parking fee	Free
Access	Public Transportation: 12 min. walk from "Ichi" bus stop. By car: 10 min. from "Seidan Mihara IC".