Article

Nohgaku is the collective term for Noh and Kyogen, the world’s oldest surviving theatrical tradition. Distinct in tone and style, the two are deeply connected, performed on the same polished cypress stage and shaped by centuries of shared history. While Noh took its present form in the mid-1300s as a solemn and poetic art, Kyogen remained more improvisational, offering moments of humor and grounded storytelling.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), Nohgaku flourished under the patronage of the shogun, with the shogunate officially designating it as its ceremonial performance art. Today, both Noh and Kyogen are recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Another distinctive feature of Nohgaku is its fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime nature—performances are typically held only once with the same cast and program. This reflects the Japanese spirit of ichigo ichie, the idea of treasuring each unique moment and encounter. That spirit lives on in the way Nohgaku brings together performers from different Noh schools, creating unrepeatable collaborations that transcend individual traditions.

What is Noh and Kyogen?

Two Genres, One Stage

Noh is a form of musical poetry brought to life. The main actor, often wearing a sophisticated mask, moves in slow, stylized dances (mai) in sync with chanting (utai), flute, and three traditional Japanese drums. Stories often feature spirits, deities, or famous heroes who appear in a traveler's dream and depart once their tales are told. Fantastical, dream-based plays are known as mugen Noh, while genzai Noh features only living human characters in realistic settings.

Kyogen is a briskly paced spoken comedy. Typically performed without masks—except for roles like animals or demons—it’s delivered in classical Japanese with a tone closer to everyday dialogue. Stories often revolve around gullible masters, clever servants, petty arguments over sake, and other lighthearted situations. With its lively rhythm and humor, Kyogen helps reset the mood before the next Noh performance.

A single Noh piece typically lasts 60–90 minutes, while Kyogen performances last 15–30 minutes. Most shows feature both genres, though some performances offer only Noh or only Kyogen. You can look for a title that interests you, or simply choose a date that suits your schedule—finding out what happens to be playing is part of the fun. Because performances are held year-round across Japan, it’s easy for newcomers to find a program that fits their plans.

Reading the Stage

Main stage (honbutai): a roofed square backed by a painted pine, a symbol of long life. Four pillars help masked actors—who see only a little through the eye-slits—stay oriented.

Bridgeway (hashigakari): the side passage for entrances and exits, also a metaphorical road between the human and spirit realms.

Mirror room (kagami-no-ma): a backstage room where the lead actor puts on the mask while musicians tune; the faint sound of drums and flutes here signals that the play is about to begin.

There are no curtains, scenery, or special lights. Each story emerges from an empty stage and, in the end, quietly returns to it, leaving the rest to your imagination.

Masks, Costumes and Props

Masks (omote) are carved from cypress and coated with crushed shells. Under the lights, a slight tilt changes calm to sorrow or delight.

Costumes (shozoku) in Noh are mostly made with silk, their surfaces gleaming with gold thread and embroidery; color and pattern show age, rank, and mood (a flash of scarlet hints at youth). Kyogen outfits are lighter hemp or cotton, boldly stenciled so you instantly know the character type.

Fans, made of bamboo ribs and washi paper, stand in for sake cups or swords. They are noticeably larger than tea ceremony or handheld fans.
Larger props are simple bamboo frames draped with cloth—just enough to suggest a house, boat, or ox cart.

Planning Your Visit to a Noh and Kyogen Show

Where to Watch

• National Noh Theatre (Tokyo)
• Kanze Noh Theatre (Tokyo)
• Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater (Kyoto)
• Yamamoto Noh Theatre (Osaka)
• Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater (Ishikawa)
• Yokohama Noh Theater (Kanagawa)

Buying Tickets at the National Noh Theatre

Online
National Theatre Ticket Centre
Use the English booking site and pay by credit card. Pick up your tickets at the National Noh Theatre box office on the day of the performance. For council-organized Noh shows held in other venues, collect tickets at that venue’s box office.

By Phone
Call +81-3-3230-3000 (10:00–18:00 JST, closed 1 July and during the New Year holidays).
Pay and pick up your tickets at the National Noh Theatre box office.

In Person
Visit the National Noh Theatre ticket office (10:00–18:00 JST; closed when no in‑house performance is scheduled, as well as 1 July and during the New Year holidays).
Cash (yen) and credit cards are accepted.
If seats remain, same-day tickets are sold at the theatre.

Watch Noh and Kyogen on Stage

Inside the National Noh Theatre

Opened in 1983 to safeguard and promote Nohgaku, the cypress-scented hall National Noh Theatre seats 627. For performances produced by the National Noh Theatre, every chair has an individual monitor that offers English subtitles; independent productions run four or five days each month. Beyond performances, the building houses a reference library (reservation required; use is free—fees apply only for photocopies or viewing archival recordings), an exhibition room displaying masks and robes, and an audio-visual corner where archival videos can be viewed.

Subtitle Monitors

A small screen is mounted on the back of every seat. One tap brings up the menu so you can choose Japanese text, English captions, or up to four other languages (depending on the performance), or hide the subtitles altogether. The English setting offers paraphrased dialogue and brief explanations, making it easy for first-time visitors to follow the action and appreciate key moments. If you are in the front row or another seat without a seat-back screen, lift the arm-rest lid to take out a handheld monitor.

Preparing for a Performance

Noh texts date back centuries and the chant can be hard to catch, so skim a plot summary before you go. Arrive ten minutes early, switch off your phone and settle in—leaving mid-play is discouraged.

Seat types and viewpoints

Front (shomen) – looks straight onto the stage and is usually the most popular area.

Side (waki-shomen) – runs parallel to the stage beside the hashigakari bridge, giving you a close look at performers as they enter and exit.

Middle (naka-shomen) – sits between front and side, offering a diagonal view. One of the pillars that supports the Noh stage can overlap the sight line, but at the National Noh Theatre the seating is arranged so the pillar falls in line with an aisle, lowering the risk of missing important moments.

Etiquette

There is no formal dress code, but noisy jewellery or rustling jackets can distract others. Food, drink, photography and recording are not permitted once you are seated, and applause waits until the very end. During Kyogen, however, it is perfectly acceptable to laugh at the on-stage antics—audience laughter is part of the experience.

Enjoy the Time Before the Curtain and During Intermission

Tranquil garden

Garden-View Café

On performance days the café opens 30 minutes before curtain and stays available during the interval; on non-show days it serves lunch from 11:30 to 14:00. Light meals, coffee, and seasonal cakes offer a quiet break from city noise.

Gift Shop

Open only on show days, the shop stocks bilingual program books, practice fans, miniature masks, and other Nohgaku-themed souvenirs—easy gifts for friends or a keepsake for yourself.

Exhibition Room

Costumes, masks, drums, and fans used on stage are displayed at eye level, letting you inspect the craftsmanship without a glass barrier. Admission is free.

National Noh Theatre's Noh & Kyogen Appreciation Event

Discover Noh & Kyogen

If you're curious about the refined world of Noh and Kyogen, Discover Noh & Kyogen is the perfect introduction. Presented by the National Noh Theatre, this special performance will take place on September 23, 2025, and is designed specifically for international audiences. Since its launch in 2016, the program has welcomed newcomers to experience Japan’s oldest theatrical traditions in a friendly and accessible way.

The event is divided into two parts. First, a specialist will deliver an engaging lecture in English, offering insights into the history and unique performance techniques of Noh and Kyogen. Then, sit back and enjoy a live performance of the comedic Kyogen followed by the poignant Noh.

To help you follow along, each seat is equipped with subtitle monitors offering translations in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and French. With clear explanations and cultural context, you can fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary theatrical world—no prior knowledge needed.

This one-day-only event is a rare opportunity to witness the elegance and subtle power of Noh and the humor and humanity of Kyogen, all in a setting designed to make your first encounter both comfortable and captivating. Don’t miss this chance to discover the heart of classical Japanese theater!

For more information, visit: https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/en/theatre/noh.html

National Noh Theatre Showcase

For travelers eager to actively engage with the experience, the National Noh Theatre Showcase is also highly recommended. Before the performance, hands-on activity stations are set up in the lobby, where visitors can try out instruments or costumes depending on the event.

For more information, visit: https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/en/theatre/noh.html

Visiting a Noh Theatre

National Noh Theatre Open Day

Held about once a month, the National Noh Theatre Open Day offers a rare chance to tour the theater with a professional Noh actor as your guide. You’ll even get to see the Japanese-style dressing room—a backstage area normally off-limits to the public—and the entire tour is free, making this a truly unique experience. Be sure to arrive at the theater in time for the scheduled start of the tour.

For more information, visit: https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/en/news/noh_theatre/2025/openday2025/

Noh Theater SANPO

At Noh Theater SANPO, an event held at Noh theatres in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kanazawa, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the day, including trying on Noh masks, viewing costume displays, and participating in workshops. It’s a valuable opportunity to explore Noh culture—even if you only have a short window of free time in your schedule.

For more information, visit: https://www.nohgaku.or.jp/en/journey

Step into the World of Noh and Kyogen

Attending a Noh or Kyogen performance isn’t just about watching a play—it’s about entering a centuries-old tradition where silence speaks volumes, movements are steeped in meaning, and every mask and melody holds a story. Whether it’s the graceful solemnity of Noh or the light-hearted wit of Kyogen, these classical arts offer a profound look into Japan’s cultural soul. With multilingual subtitle and the intimate atmosphere of Noh theatres, watching Noh and Kyogen is the perfect way to experience the beauty, depth, and timelessness of Japan’s traditional performing arts.

See below for other articles related to Noh and Kyogen.

• The Lifeforce and Prayers that Thrive in Traditional Performing Arts
• A soulful visit: experiencing Noh, Zen and Tea in Kanazawa
• Experience bustling markets and the serenity of Noh and ceramics in Osaka, the city of contrasts - Part 1

You can find a full list of articles on Noh and Kyogen in the link below:
https://japanculturalexpo.bunka.go.jp/en/article/?tag=Noh%2FKyogen