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National Noh Theater: A Stage for Traditional Japanese Performing Arts

Experience the captivating beauty of Noh and the delightful humor of Kyogen at Tokyo's National Noh Theater, a stage for ancient Japanese traditions.

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The National Noh Theater in Tokyo is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Noh and Kyogen, traditional Japanese performing arts with roots stretching back to the 14th century. Experience the captivating blend of music, dance, and drama in this unique cultural space.

A brief summary to National Noh Theater

Local tips

  • Check the National Noh Theatre's official website for the performance schedule and to purchase tickets in advance.
  • Arrive early to explore the exhibition area and learn more about the history and traditions of Noh and Kyogen.
  • Consider attending a 'beginner' performance, which offers a shorter program and an introduction to Noh.
  • Take advantage of the English subtitles provided during performances to better understand the stories and themes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The National Noh Theater is conveniently accessible by public transport. The closest stations are Sendagaya Station (JR Chuo/Sobu Lines), a 5-minute walk away; Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station (Oedo Subway Line), also a 5-minute walk; and Kita-Sando Station (Fukutoshin Subway Line), a 7-minute walk. From Shibuya Station, take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Sendagaya Station, which costs between ¥120-¥250. Alternatively, take the Toei Oedo Line from Shinjuku Station to Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station, which costs between ¥170-¥220. Both train rides take approximately 6 minutes. A single bus fare in Tokyo is a flat rate of ¥210 for adults.

  • Walking

    From Sendagaya Station (JR Chuo/Sobu Lines), exit and walk approximately 5 minutes to the National Noh Theater. From Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station (Oedo Subway Line), exit and walk approximately 5 minutes to the theater. From Kita-Sando Station (Fukutoshin Subway Line), exit and walk approximately 7 minutes to the theater. Follow signs and use a map app for easy navigation.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tokyo. From Shibuya Station, a taxi ride to the National Noh Theater typically costs between ¥1,500 to ¥2,000 and takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fare in Tokyo starts around ¥710 for the first kilometer. Consider using a ride-hailing app like Uber or Go Taxi to book a taxi.

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Discover more about National Noh Theater

The National Noh Theater, located in Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo, is a premier venue for experiencing the ancient Japanese performing arts of Noh and Kyogen. Opened in 1983, the theater provides a stage for these venerable art forms, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in centuries of tradition. Noh is a classical dance-drama that has been performed in Japan since the 14th century. It is characterized by its slow, stylized movements, rich costumes, and the use of masks by the main actors. Noh plays often draw upon tales from Japanese literature and folklore, exploring themes of dreams, the supernatural, and the human condition. Kyogen, on the other hand, are comedic interludes that are performed between Noh plays. These short plays feature humorous characters and situations, offering a contrast to the more serious and solemn Noh. Together, Noh and Kyogen are known as Nogaku. The National Noh Theater stages regular performances of Noh and Kyogen, offering both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers the opportunity to appreciate these art forms. The theater also features a rehearsal stage, an exhibition area, a lecture room, and a reference library, providing resources for those interested in learning more about Noh and Kyogen. Subtitles in Japanese and English are often provided during performances, enhancing the experience for foreign viewers.

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