Written by Patrick Balfe
This October to December, Enter Noh presents the rare opportunity to experience a traditional noh theater performance up close and personal, with English subtitles in Kyoto’s largest noh theater.
What is noh?
Noh is a classical Japanese theatrical art form. Around since the 14th century, it’s one of the world’s oldest performing arts and designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Enter Noh offers participants an immersive experience into the world of classical noh theater, offering backstage access and expert educational insight into the stories and history behind the performances.
What to expect
The upcoming program will highlight two of noh’s most well-known performances — Funa Benkei (Benkei in the boat) and Hagoromo (The Feathered Robe).
Organizers will hold all shows at Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater, the largest noh theater in Kyoto, and feature introductory talks in English. If you’re a backstage ticket holder, you’ll also get the chance to see how the performers get ready for the show and step on stage for a performer’s-eye-view of the venue. The special backstage program is limited to 20 participants per session.
Schedule
These are the performances in this year’s program:
October 2 (Fri.)
- 17:00–18:15: Backstage tour (doors 16:30)
- 19:00–20:40: Noh play Funa Benkei (Benkei in the boat), (doors 18:30)
October 21 (Wed.)
- 17:00–18:15: Backstage tour (doors 16:30)
- 19:00–20:30: Noh play Hagoromo (The Feathered Robe), (doors 18:30)
November 12 (Thu.)
- 17:00–18:15: Backstage tour (doors 16:30)
- 19:00–20:40: Noh play Funa Benkei (Benkei in the boat), (doors 18:30)
December 22 (Tue.)
- 17:00–18:15: Backstage tour (doors 16:30)
- 19:00–20:30: Noh play Hagoromo (The Feathered Robe), (doors 18:30)
Tickets
You can buy tickets on the official website. There are four types:
- Backstage Tour + A Seat (1F Reserved seat)：¥27,000
- A Seat (1F Reserved seat)：¥13,000
- B Seat (1F Reserved seat with a partial view)：¥11,000
- Student Seat* (2F Non-Reserved seat)：¥4,000
*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.
How to get there
All performances will be held at Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater, which is an 8-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Tōzai Line.
To get to Higashiyama Station from Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike Station and change to the Tōzai Line for Higashiyama (roughly 15 minutes). You can also take the 206 city bus (about 25 minutes).
Coming from Tokyo? Check out our Tokyo to Kyoto article before you take off.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
- 269 m from Higashiyama Station Tōzai Line (T10)
- 0.7 km from Sanjō Keihan Station Tōzai Line (T11)
- 0.9 km from Sanjō Station Keihan Main Line (KH40)
