National Noh Theatre 国立能楽堂

Noh Theatre is a place to watch Nogaku (Noh and Kyogen)

The National Noh Theatre, located just a five-minute walk from Sendagaya Station, is the perfect place to watch Nogaku (encompassing both noh and kyogen theater styles), one of Japan's traditional performance arts. Nogaku has been performed for over 600 years and is one of Japan’s oldest traditional performing arts. Noh is an ancient form of Japanese musical drama characterized by the use of intricate masks and gestures in the telling of traditional stories, while kyogen is closer to a comedic performance based on wordplay. Both the exquisite beauty of noh and the easygoing humor of kyogen are sure to charm audiences. Nogaku has also been recognized globally for its artistry and certified as an Intangible Cultural Property by UNESCO.　
Performances are held year-round on the National Noh Theatre’s Noh stage, made from the wood of 400-year-old cypress trees. Please reserve or purchase tickets on the National Theatre Ticket Center website or by phone.

(Photographs provided and copyrighted by the Japan Arts Council) ©Japan Arts Council