BIRD Theatre Festival spans three weekends, each offering a different program to enjoy. In addition to performances, there are events where you can experience the nature of Tottori and the town of Shikano.

Here, we offer several Itinerary Ideas to help you fully enjoy the festival!

For example,

during the first weekend, from 14 September to 16:

"■ For those living outside Tottori Prefecture: A 3-day, 2-night plan to immerse yourself in theatre and discover the charm of Tottori ~ Three days of soaking in Shikano Onsen and BIRD Theatre Festival 17 ~"

Saturday, 14 September

  • 11:00

    Participate in shopping and workshops at "'Tsunagaru: Be Connected' Autumn 2024." Learn about bananas that are discarded due to being non-standard and think about the SDGs.

  • 12:30

    Enjoy a lunch made with local ingredients at Tori Café.

  • 13:30

    Watch the play "The Elephant", an early masterpiece by one of Japan's leading playwrights, BETSUYAKU Minoru.

  • 16:00

    Watch the play "Shikano Time Travel Tour: 'Chidori's Dream - Deluxe'," which is a 'round-the-town' theatre performance.

  • 17:30

    Savor a special dessert made with non-standard bananas at Tori Café.

  • 18:30

    Take a short walk to Hotpia Shikano, the local onsen facility, to relax and refresh in the bath.

  • 20:30

    Join the Opening Party and enjoy interacting with the performers and other participants.

  • Stay overnight at Shikano's onsen ryokan, "Kokumin-Shukusha Sanshien." (Shuttle service to the inn is available.)

Sunday, 15 September

Monday, 16 September (National Holiday)

During the second weekend, from 21 September to 23:

"■ For Theatre Enthusiasts Who Want to Enjoy Two Theatre Festivals: A Plan to Fully Enjoy the Charm of the Toyooka Theatre Festival and the BIRD Theatre Festival 17 by Attending Both ~ Savor the Fruits of Tottori and Shikano in Autumn at the Bird Cafe and Mitsuboshi Market ~"

Saturday, 21 September

Sunday, 22 September

  • Take the Tori Bus (a free shuttle bus) from JR Tottori Station at 9:55 to Shikano.

  • 11:00

    Watch the play "Yoroboshi" and enjoy the intense words of MISHIMA in the compact space of The Assembly Hall Theatre.

  • 12:30

    Have lunch at a local eatery in Shikano Town and savor the local cuisine.

  • 13:30

    Watch the puppet show "Siira's Journey to Circus" based on a Finnish picture book, and enjoy its cute color scheme and unique world.

  • 14:30

    Participate in shopping and workshops at San'in 'Mitsuboshi' Three-Star Market. Join the harvest festival at the BIRD Yuki Farm and get some organic vegetables.

  • 16:00

    Watch the play "Sotoba Komachi" and be overwhelmed by the rich world of MISHIMA brought to life by the renowned actor ABE Kazunori.

  • 17:30

    Participate in "Talk: 'Playwright OOKA Jun Discusses MISHIMA Yukio and BETSUYAKU Minoru'" and immerse yourself in the profound worlds of these two playwrights.

  • 18:15

    Take a break at the Bird Cafe using the complimentary drink ticket that comes with the performance program.

  • 18:30

    Watch the play "The Village and The Road 2024". Listening to the story of fading memories will remind you of your own hometown, evoking feelings of nostalgia.

  • 20:30

    Join the Welcome Party and enjoy the performances by the cast members.

  • Stay overnight at Shikano's onsen ryokan, "Kokumin-Shukusha Sanshien." (Shuttle service to the inn is available.)

Monday, 23 September, (National Holiday)

during the third weekend, from 28 September to 29:

"■ For Residents of Tottori City: A Plan to Enjoy Theatre and "TOTTORI SHIKANO MACHIMISE – Weekend Town Market" ~ Experience the Theatre Festival and the Charm of Shikano, Including the "TOTTORI SHIKANO MACHIMISE – Weekend Town Market"! ~"

Saturday, 28 September

  • Take the Tori Bus (a free shuttle bus) from JR Tottori Station at 9:55 to Shikano.

  • 11:00

    Watch the play "Yoroboshi" and enjoy the intense words of MISHIMA in the compact space of The Assembly Hall Theatre.

  • 12:30

    Enjoy a lunch made with local ingredients at Tori Café.

  • 13:30

    Watch the play "Ahmed comes back, words & music." Enjoy the one-man show with incredible technique and unique live sound while reflecting on social issues.

  • 16:00

    Watch the play "Sotoba Komachi" and be overwhelmed by the rich world of MISHIMA brought to life by the renowned actor ABE Kazunori.

  • 17:00

    Participate in "Walk around Shikano" and gradually make your way to BIRD Theatre. Enjoy a guided tour through Shikano Town as you head to the theatre

  • 18:00

    Take a break at the Bird Cafe using the complimentary drink ticket that comes with the performance program.

  • 18:30

    Take a short walk to Hotpia Shikano, the local onsen facility, to relax and refresh in the bath.

  • Take the Tori Bus (a free shuttle bus) departing BIRD Theatre at 20:10 to JR Tottori Station and head home.

Sunday, 29 September

  • Take the Tori Bus (a free shuttle bus) from JR Tottori Station at 9:55 to Shikano.

  • 11:00

    Stroll through Shikano during the "TOTTORI SHIKANO MACHIMISE – Weekend Town Market." Enjoy exploring the town, which looks different from the day before, while visiting your favorite shops.

  • 12:30

    Pick up a takeout lunch from one of the "TOTTORI SHIKANO MACHIMISE – Weekend Town Market" and enjoy lunch under the tents on the ground in front of BIRD Theatre.

  • 14:00

    Discover and purchase new-to-you Tottori foods and crafts at the BIRD Theatre Festival Select Shop.

  • 15:00

    Watch the 'Street Kamishibai Paper Theatre' by HASHIDA Nina in the Shikano town and feel a sense of childhood nostalgia.

  • 16:00

    View "THE EXHIBITION OF Flora Basthier "Ongoing"" by French artist Flora. The pieces, which give a subtle sense of Japan, evoke a curious feeling.

  • 17:15

    Participate in a "Flora's Drawing Workshop: Let's Draw Together" and express the creative inspiration stirred by the exhibits.

  • 18:30

    Watch the play "Tear box." Immerse yourself in the gentle and mysterious world depicted by a Korean female writer, leaving you with a warm, comforting feeling.

  • 20:30

    Join the Closing Party, feeling a bit sad that the theatre festival is ending, but also looking forward to next year with a heart full of anticipation.

  • Stay overnight at Shikano's onsen ryokan, "Kokumin-Shukusha Sanshien." (Shuttle service to the inn is available.) Enjoy a morning bath the next day and then head home at your leisure.