Immerse into the artistry of Noh theater.
Enigmatic, elegant, & deeply spiritual.
Encounter Noh like never before.
Noh Theater is one of Japan's oldest performing arts and a recognized UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Characterized by masks that carry a multitude of emotions within a single carved expression, performances consist of rhythmic chanting, slow, measured movements, and an iconic stage adorned with a painted pine tree that mimics outdoor structures, this art has captivated countless for centuries.
Thought to form the gateway between the realm of humans and the realm of gods, Noh performances were historically staged outside, at temples, shrines, and even open fields. While contemporary stagings most frequently take place indoors, rare performances return to the theater’s outdoor origins: known as Takigi Noh, drama artfully blends with a natural backdrop. Illuminated only by bonfire and the glow of far-off moonlight, performers take to the stage in mask and costume beneath the stillness of starry nights.
Explore more Noh workshops
Receive instruction from a 4th-generation Noh performer at his private residences.
Discover the fabric of Noh theater, in costume and in spirirt, in this immersive workshop.
Encounter priceless, antique Noh masks passed down in the actor’s family for countless generations.
Join Noh actors on the stage and discover the secrets of performing this dramatic art.
Discover Japanese performing arts
Dynamic Kabuki performances, complex Bunraku puppetry, elegant Nihon Buyo dance, countless instruments such as the Koto and Wadaiko, and a range of other disciplines constitute Japan’s diverse range of performing arts.
Private Geisha Dinner
Spend an evening with Kyoto’s master entertainers.
Biwa Lute
Discover the charm of this classical instrument.