Performing Arts
Bunraku -- The National Bunraku Theater, 1-12-10 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku (tel. 06/6212-2531 for information, 06/6212-1122 for reservations), was completed in 1984 as the only theater in Japan dedicated to Japanese traditional puppet theater. Productions are staged five times a year, with most productions running for 2 to 3 weeks at a time and held daily at 11am for Part 1 and at 4pm for Part 2. When Bunraku is not being performed, other traditional performing arts are often shown, including classical Japanese music. English programs are available. To find out whether a performance is being held, check Meet Osaka or contact one of the visitor information centers. Tickets usually run ¥2,300 to ¥5,800 ($19-$48). The National Bunraku Theater is located east of Namba and the Dotombori entertainment district, a 1-minute walk from exit 7 of Nipponbashi Station.
Kabuki -- The Osaka Shochikuza, 1-9-19 Dotombori, Chuo-ku (tel. 06/6214-2211), was built more than 50 years ago but was remodeled in 1997 as part of a revival of interest in Kabuki. Traditional kabuki is performed in January, July, and some other months of the year (the schedule changes yearly), and performances start usually at 11am and 4:30pm, with tickets averaging ¥4,200 ($35). Performance information is also listed in Meet Osaka. The theater is located on Dotombori, just west of the Ebisu-bashi Bridge.
The Bar Scene
Osaka's liveliest -- and most economical -- nightlife district radiates from a narrow pedestrian lane called Dotombori (or Dotonbori), which flanks the south bank of the Dotonbori Canal. About a 2-minute walk from exit 14 of Namba Station or less than a 10-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station, it's lined with restaurants and drinking establishments and is good for a lively evening stroll even if you don't wish to stop anywhere.
