National Noh Theatre 国立能楽堂

Say yes to Noh at the traditional National Noh Theatre

The National Noh Theatre, located just a five-minute walk from Sendagaya Station, is the perfect place to watch one of Japan's traditional performance arts. Nogaku is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Property by UNESCO and is a composed of noh and kyogen styles of theatre. Noh is an ancient 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. The theater, run by the Japan Arts Council, boasts a 400-year-old cypress stage, and hosts performances throughout the year. Enjoy a show with English subtitles, available at your seat with the press of a button.

Spend a meaningful day watching a full program of nogaku performances, including kyogen (comedic noh) pieces interspersed between. If you're scarce on time, you can catch a short performance on certain days. Either way, you're sure to be dazzled by the remarkable skill and artistry of the performers, and drawn in by the traditional craftsmanship of the theater itself. You can pick up tickets online through the National Theatre Ticket Center, reserve tickets by phone, or buy them at the theatre on days with performances.