【持ち物】カメラ(淡路人形と写真を撮られる場合)
【服装】動きやすい服装、靴(バックステージツアーでは靴を脱いで見学いただきます)
This private tour offers unparalleled access, allowing you to go behind the scenes of the Awaji Puppet Theater. You will visit the puppet performance space, gaining insight into the intricate workings of the stage. The experience includes a personal guide who is an active puppet troupe member, offering unique perspectives not available during regular visits. You'll also learn the history and craft of Awaji Ningyo Joruri firsthand.
The private guided tour significantly enhances the 'Ebisu Dance' viewing by first providing a comprehensive educational background at the Awaji Puppet Joruri Museum, where you'll learn the 'iroha' (basics) of the art. Afterward, you will return to the Awaji Puppet Theater to watch the main 'Ebisu Dance' performance from carefully arranged seats, allowing for a deep appreciation of its cultural significance and intricate movements, complemented by the prior backstage insights.
At the Awaji Puppet Joruri Museum, visitors gain deep historical insights into Awaji puppets. The museum houses a complete set of puppets and tools from the renowned Ichimura Rokunojo-za, which ceased activity in the mid-1960s. Established in 1990 in the birthplace of Awaji puppets, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the art's origins and evolution, guided by a troupe member who can provide context on its rich Edo period history.
An active puppet troupe member serves as your personal guide throughout the Awaji Puppet Theater tour, accompanying you in a private taxi. They bring an Ebisu-sama puppet, enabling rare photo opportunities at sites related to Awaji puppets, which is usually not possible. This personalized guidance allows for in-depth explanations of Awaji Ningyo Joruri's history and significance, offering insights only an insider can provide, and ensuring a truly immersive and interactive learning experience.
The 'Ebisu Dance' is a performance deeply rooted in Awaji Island's fishing village traditions. Originally, Ebisu was revered as a god of the sea, and the dance was performed during local festivals to pray for bountiful catches and safe voyages. It's a rare surviving form of puppet performance as a sacred ritual, performed to the rhythm of drums rather than the shamisen. The dance symbolizes good fortune, happiness, and a positive outlook on life, with Ebisu-sama gracefully bringing prosperity.
Guests on the Awaji Puppet Theater Backstage Tour can expect an exceptionally valuable and personalized experience. It is limited to one group per day, ensuring an intimate setting with a dedicated guide who is an active troupe member. This includes exclusive backstage access, a private taxi for touring related sites, rare photo opportunities with a puppet, and premium seating for the 'Ebisu Dance'. The tour provides deep cultural immersion and a unique connection to the traditional art, crafting an unforgettable memory.
The Awaji Puppet Theater plays a crucial role in preserving Awaji Ningyo Joruri by inheriting and continuing the legacy of historical puppet troupes. It performs using tools and traditions passed down from one of the major Edo period troupes, Yoshida Denjiro-za. By staging regular performances and offering educational experiences like this private tour, the theater ensures that the unique artistry, storytelling, and cultural significance of Awaji Ningyo Joruri remain vibrant and accessible for future generations and visitors.
This private guided tour is designed for exclusive groups, accommodating up to three participants per session. It lasts approximately three hours, providing ample time for a comprehensive exploration. All transportation during the tour is handled by a private taxi, ensuring comfort and efficiency as you visit various sites related to Awaji Ningyo Joruri. This setup allows for a highly personalized and convenient experience without the need to navigate public transport.