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Shinya Yamada

A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden

Updated: Nov 28


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden

A Perfect Day for a Unique Combination: Autumn Leaves, a Historic Japanese Garden, and Traditional Performing Arts in Tokyo


On November 23, 2024, I visited Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a renowned Japanese garden near Kagurazaka, Tokyo, and enjoyed the stunning autumn leaves and the Edo String Puppet (Traditional Performing Arts). The autumn foliage, though not yet at its peak, was already vibrant and captivating. The weather that day was perfect, making it an ideal time for admiring the autumn scenery.


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden

Koishikawa Korakuen  Garden is one of Japan’s most famous Japanese gardens, designated as both a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. It is one of only five such gardens in Japan, and only two in Tokyo, to hold this dual designation.


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden

In conjunction with the best viewing period for Iroha Maple leaves, Koishikawa Korakuen is hosting an event titled "Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu (Enjoy the Mountain’s Autumn Colors)" from November 16 to December 8. On November 23, a performance of the Edo String Puppet Theater took place as part of this event.


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden


Edo-Era Heritage: The Timeless Art of String Puppetry and Japan’s Oldest Japanese Garden


The Edo String Puppet Theater dates back to 1635, during the Edo period, and boasts a history of over 380 years. Interestingly, 1635 was also the year after Kagurazaka Dori was constructed by the third Tokugawa Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. The venue, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, was originally built in 1629 by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Tokugawa family, and completed by his successor, Tokugawa Mitsukuni. It is one of the oldest surviving daimyo (Samurai era) gardens from the Edo period (1603-1867).



A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden

The Edo String Puppet Theater has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Tokyo and is also listed as a Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. Using a control panel called a Teita (a wooden control panel for puppet manipulation) and about 20 strings, the puppeteer manipulates the puppets to produce delicate and expressive movements unique to Japanese artistry. The performance is so lifelike that it appears as though the puppets are alive.


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden

The audience on November 23 was filled with awe and admiration, with audible exclamations of “Wow!” throughout the performance. I also had the privilege of seeing the same puppeteer, Mitsuru Kamijo, perform at the Kagurazaka Street Stage Oedo Tour in May 2024. Both then and now, I was astonished by the lifelike movements of the puppets.


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden


Don’t Miss: Edo Spinning Tops Show with Humor and Skillful Performances


On Saturday, November 30, another traditional performance, the Edo Koma (Spinning Tops) Show, will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The performer, Lemon Mimasu, who also participated in the Kagurazaka Street Stage Oedo Tour 2024, will entertain the audience with lively talk and skillful performances. Enjoy this traditional Japanese performance alongside her lighthearted humor.


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden

A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden


Experience Peak Autumn Leaves and the Cultural Charm of Kagurazaka in Tokyo’s Historic Heart


The autumn leaves are expected to be at their peak on Saturday, November 30, making it the perfect time to visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden in the heart of Tokyo. While you’re there, we also recommend joining a Kagurazaka walking tour.


Kagurazaka is a rare town where various aspects of Japanese culture coexist—samurai traditions, temple towns, geisha districts, literary history, shopping streets, residential areas, and French culture. It has an atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto, a town of serendipity, where happiness awaits those who visit.


Come and experience it for yourself!


A Harmony of Autumn Leaves and Traditional Performing Arts: Enjoy Edo String Puppet Theater at Tokyo’s Japanese Garden


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How to Access Kagurazaka


The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.












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