Akizuki Castle Town · Fukuoka, Japan
See the story. Then walk it.
Akizuki Castle Town: Kyogen Theater & Historic Footpath Walk
Akizuki of old comes alive on the Kyogen stage. When the play ends, step out onto the story's paths and walk through Akizuki as it is today.
Dates & bookingKonjaku · Then and now
One path, past and present.
Konjaku means “then and now.” On this journey, two times meet along one path.
Then — Kyogen, a comic theater tradition passed down for around 650 years, brings new stories from Akizuki’s history to the stage.
Now — Walk with a local guide by the rivers, across the bridges and through the temple district where the story takes place.
Next — Written for Akizuki, these new plays carry the town’s history to the next generation.
Three stories, three routes
Each story has its own path.
Episode 1 — Notori Course
Character: A mountain ascetic from Mt. Hiko
On his way from Mt. Hiko to Hakusangu Shrine, a thirsty mountain ascetic finds the clear waters that nurtured Akizuki’s plant-dyeing traditions.
Notori River · Akizuki Kaido Highway · Mount Kosho · Hakusangu Shrine · Goshinchi Pond
The walk visits a selection of these places.
Episode 2 — Akizuki Course
Character: Mori Tahei
Mori Tahei, the celebrated spear master and drinker sung about in Kuroda-bushi, introduces the newly founded castle town of Akizuki.
Meganebashi Bridge · Sugi no Baba · Akizuki Castle Ruins · Kuno Residence
The walk visits a selection of these places.
Episode 3 — Teramachi & Prayer Course
Character: A monk travelling through the provinces
A travelling monk follows a path of prayer to the memory of a retainer who saved Akizuki with a single tea caddy.
- Choshoji Temple
- Grave of Shunsaku Ogata
- Koshinji Temple
- Grave of Kuranosuke Eri
- Higiri Jizo
The story ends with a visit to Higiri Jizo and a prayer for peace.
Which story you will see is revealed on the day. Your walking route follows that story.
Your experience
Watch. Walk. Taste.
Watch the past — Kyogen
Kira Hiroyasu, an Izumi-school Kyogen performer, introduces the art’s voices and movements. Try the gestures of laughter, crying and anger if you wish, then watch one new play inspired by Akizuki’s history.
Walk the present — The story’s route
Walk with a local guide through the places you have just seen on stage. Follow the story’s paths through present-day Akizuki. The route changes with the play performed that day.
At places marked with a QR code on the map, you can listen to multilingual audio guides.
Taste Akizuki — Bento and conversation
Return to Akizuki VOX for a bento lunch made with ingredients from Asakura and conversation with the Kyogen performer. Lunch is served in a tatami room. If sitting on the floor is difficult, please ask about a chair and low table when booking.
Photos show the experience and scenery of Akizuki; some are stills taken from video. The bento is an example and its contents may vary.
From stage to streets, then to the table.
Meet at Akizuki VOX for an introduction to Kyogen and an optional hands-on session. Watch the play, walk through its setting with a local guide, then return to Akizuki VOX for bento and conversation with the Kyogen performer.
See the experience page for dates, prices, languages and booking conditions.
The people
The people behind your day
Kira Hiroyasu
Kyogen performer · Izumi school
Kira Hiroyasu joins you for the hands-on session, performance and conversation over lunch.
Local guides and bento makers
Local guides who know Akizuki’s streets and cooks working with ingredients from Asakura help bring this day together.
Continue the story