Traditional Noh Performance in Kyoto

This July to November, 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 Aoi no Ue (Lady Aoi).

Organizers will hold all shows at Kyoto Kanze Kaikan, 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

Each performance will occur twice over the course of the program.

July 14 (Mon.)

• 18:00–19:00: backstage tour (doors 17:30)
• 20:00–21:40: noh play Funa Benkei (Benkei in the boat), (doors 19:30)

September 30 (Tue.)

• 18:00–19:00: backstage tour (doors 17:30)
• 20:00–21:30: noh play Aoi no Ue (Lady Aoi), (doors 19:30)

October 21 (Tue.)

• 18:00–19:00: backstage tour (doors 17:30)
• 20:00–21:30: noh play Aoi no Ue (Lady Aoi), (doors 19:30)

November 11 (Tue.)

• 18:00–19:00: backstage tour (doors 17:30)
• 20:00–21:40: noh play Funa Benkei (Benkei in the boat), (doors 19:30)

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.

How to get there

All performances will be held at the noh theater Kyoto Kanze, 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.