Traditional Noh Performance in Kyoto

Don’t leave Japan without experiencing Noh — Japan’s dynamic traditional performing art — in Kyoto.

What to expect

See ENTER NOH: Masked Stage Art of Japan performances on Monday, October 21 and Friday, December 27. Both shows include backstage tours of the largest Noh theater in Kyoto, pre-performance introductions, and subtitles — all in English.

The plays performed will be Aoi no Ue, based on The Tale of Genji (Oct. 21), or Funa Benkei, based on The Tale of the Heike (Dec. 27).

Schedule 2024

Here are the details of the two performances.

October 21 (Mon.)

• 18:00–19:00: Backstage tour (doors at 17:30)
• 20:00–21:30: Noh play Aoi no Ue (doors at 19:30)

December 27 (Fri.)

• 14:00–15:00: Backstage tour (doors at 13:30 p.m.)
• 16:00–17:50: Noh play Funa Benkei (doors at 15:30 p.m.)

Tickets

You can buy tickets on the official website. There are four types:

• Backstage Tour + S Seat (1F Reserved seat)：¥25,000
• S Seat (1F Reserved seat)：¥12,000
• A Seat (1F Reserved seat)：¥10,000
• Student Seat* (2F Non-Reserved seat)：¥3,500

*ID is required on entry for the Student Seat. Students of graduate schools, universities, vocational schools, high schools, junior high schools, and elementary schools in Japan and abroad are eligible.

What is Noh?

Having been performed in Japan since the 14th century, Noh is a highly influential art form known for its costumes and — of course — iconic masks. It was developed by the playwrights and actors Kanami and Zeami, and since its inception has been prevalent throughout Japan’s history. In the modern day, Noh has gained global attention and has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

How to get there

The plays will be performed at Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater, around an 8-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line. You can get a 25-minute bus from Kyoto Station or take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike Station and change to the Tozai Line for Higashiyama.

Coming from Tokyo? Check out our Tokyo to Kyoto article first.