Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater: A Living Tradition
Experience the captivating beauty of Noh, a classical Japanese performing art, at Kanazawa's dedicated Noh theater.
The Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater stands as a vibrant center for the traditional Japanese performing art of Noh. Opened in 1972 as the first independent public Noh theater in Japan, its mission is to preserve, transmit, and promote this unique art. The theater's stage has a rich history, originally constructed in 1932 for the Kanazawa Noh Theater before being relocated to its current site. This relocation infuses the space with a sense of history and timelessness. Noh is a classical Japanese dance-drama characterized by stylized movements, hypnotic music, and elaborate costumes. Dating back to the 14th century, it was historically a form of entertainment reserved for the nobility. Kanazawa is unique in that Noh was embraced by all social classes during the Edo period (1603-1867), leading to the development of the distinctive Kaga-Hosho style of Noh. The successive lords of the Kaga domain were great Noh enthusiasts, supporting the actors until the end of the Edo period. They also encouraged the townspeople to participate in Noh performances. Visitors can experience the magic of Noh through regular performances and stage tours. Even when there are no performances or rehearsals, you can take a free tour of the stage and see exhibited costumes and masks.
Local tips
- Check the theater's schedule for performances, especially weekend shows and summer/winter events.
- If the staff is available, take a free tour of the Noh stage to see the costumes and masks.
- Consider visiting the Kanazawa Noh Museum for an introduction to Noh before seeing a performance.
A brief summary to Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater
- Ishibiki, 4 Chome−18−3 石川県立能楽堂, Kanazawa, 4 Chome Ishibiki, Ishikawa, 920-0935, JP
- +8176-264-2598
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kanazawa Station, take the Kenrokuen Shuttle bus from bus stop #6 at the east exit bus terminal. Get off at the Prefectural Museum of Art / Seisonkaku bus stop. The ride takes about 14 minutes and costs a flat fare of ¥200. From the bus stop, it is a 2-minute walk to the theater. Alternatively, take any Hokuriku Railroad bus from bus stop #7 at the JR Kanazawa Station Kenrokuen Gate (East Gate) and get off at the Dewamachi bus stop, which is a 3-minute walk to the theater. A single ride on the bus is ¥210.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Kanazawa Station. The ride to Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater takes approximately 10-15 minutes, covering about 4 km. The estimated fare is ¥1,300 - ¥1,800, but this can vary depending on traffic.
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Car
If driving, use the Nohgakudo-mae parking lot next to the theater. Inform the guard you are visiting the Noh Theater to receive a parking ticket. Before leaving, have your ticket stamped at the reception desk on the first floor of the main building. Parking is limited and shared with other cultural facilities in the Kenrokuen area. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around ¥400 for the first hour and ¥200 for each additional 30 minutes.
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Kinjo Reitaku Sacred Well
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Kenrokuen Garden Kodatsuno Gate
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Ryuseki
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Sekirei-jima (Wagtail Island)
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Kenrokuen Garden Kamisaka Gate
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Gankou-Bashi (Flying Geese Bridge)
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Kaiseki Pagoda
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Ishikawa Local Products Center
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Northwest Turret Remains
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KAMU KANAZAWA
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Gojukken Nagaya - Kanazawa castle
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Sanjikken nagaya
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Kahoku-mon Gate
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Kaname Inn Tatemachi
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Hishi Yagura