Kaho Theater Reopens on October 24 with Stage and Plaza Commemorative Events

Stage performances return to the historic playhouse

Originally built in 1931 as an entertainment venue for local coal miners, Kaho Theater is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. While maintaining its traditional architecture through changing eras, it closed in May 2021 following the dissolution of its operating organization. The theater was donated to the city of Iizuka in September of the same year and remained closed thereafter. To celebrate its reopening on October 24, 2026, a two-day commemorative event will be held, offering visitors a chance to experience the revival of this historic venue both on stage and out in the plaza.

The special performances inside the theater building feature taiko drumming, traditional dance, and stage drama. On October 24, the "Reopening Commemorative Performance: Kaho Theater Century Scroll" will be staged at 13:30 and 15:30 (50 minutes each). On October 25, performances run at 10:30, 14:00, and 16:00 (30 minutes each). Numbered tickets will be distributed on the day for each showing to the first 100 people, so deciding on your preferred showtime in advance makes it easier to schedule plaza activities and building tours.

General self-guided tours are available starting at 12:30 on October 24, but general tours are not permitted during active performances. Plan your visit so your tour time does not overlap with a show you want to see. Admission to Kaho Theater is free from October 24 to 26, though the reopening commemorative event itself takes place on October 24 and 25.

The Asian cymbidium orchid exhibit is held in the outdoor plaza on both days. Because it takes place in a separate area outside the main theater building, planning your visit to the plaza before or after a performance makes it convenient to also stop by the tea gathering and other daily attractions.

Compare schedules for outdoor plaza attractions

The open-air tea ceremony in the plaza runs from 13:00 to 16:00 on October 24, and from 10:00 to 16:00 on October 25. Numbered tickets are issued on the day, limited to 100 participants each day. As the tea ceremony may be canceled in bad weather and will end once capacity is reached, be sure to confirm the hours for the day you attend.

Plaza programming varies by day. October 24 features sales of local Eiraku anpan sweet red bean buns and food and beverage stalls. October 25 includes food stalls along with outdoor stage entertainment. In addition, the "Sugar Road Iizuka Sweets Collection" takes place exclusively on October 25 from 10:00 to 15:00, available in limited quantities while supplies last.

Evening illuminations are scheduled for October 23 (the eve of reopening) and October 24 (opening day), running from 17:30 to 20:00 on both nights. This allows visitors to admire the lit-up exterior of Kaho Theater at a different time from the daytime stage shows and exhibits. There is no parking at the theater. It is about a 15-minute walk from JR Iizuka Station on the JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line.