National Bunraku Theatre
Theater fans won't want to miss the chance to see a performance at Osaka's National Bunraku Theatre. Bunraku is not your average puppet show: the 3-foot-tall puppets each require a trio of handlers, and the stories, mostly originating in Osaka, contain all the drama and tension (if not the sword fights) of a good samurai drama. The National Bunraku Theatre is Japan's premier place to watch this 300-year-old art form. An Earphone Guide (¥800 rental) explains the action in English as the play unfolds. Performances are usually twice daily (late morning and late afternoon) on weekends; tickets can be bought via the website. There is also a free museum inside.
