Nohgaku is a traditional performing art that represents Japan, and is a collective term for Noh and Kyogen. It was perfected by Kannami and Zeami during the Muromachi period, and has a history of over 600 years. Noh is a musical and dance drama based on song and dance, performed while wearing Noh masks. Nohgaku is mainly performed according to stories created from Japanese classical literature, and the way it conveys human psychology through a small number of movements reflects Japanese culture, but on the other hand, this can also make it difficult for viewers to understand.
On this tour, the Kashokaku Noh Theatre in Kyoto will be exclusively reserved for one group. From Nagoya Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto Station in 45 minutes. After arriving at Kyoto Station, you will be guided to the Kashokaku Noh Theatre and will receive a briefing of about 1.5 hours, covering everything from the history of Noh to the story of the Noh performance. Afterwards, there will be a break for a chat with the performers and you will be able to ask them any questions you may have about the upcoming Noh performance.
For lunch, you will enjoy Kyoto cuisine in a bento box delivered by a long-established Kyoto restaurant.
After the meal, it’s finally time to watch today’s Noh performance. While moving freely around the spacious seats, you can enjoy about an hour of Noh performance from your favorite program, choosing a place where you can easily see the performers. After the performance, there will be another social time with the performers, and we will answer any questions you may have. You will then put on the Noh masks and costumes used in the performance and go up onto the Noh stage, experiencing what it’s like to move around on stage as if you were a performer, and we will also take you backstage. Please feel free to take photos as well. If you wish, you can also purchase the Noh masks and costumes on the spot.
The Noh performance will be by Master Inoue Hirohisa, a Noh performer designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Here, you will be able to truly enjoy the mysterious world of Kanze-style Noh.

Tour highlights (estimated number of participants: 2 to 4 people)
1. Learn basic knowledge of Noh and the content of the programs to be performed directly from the performers
2. Enjoy a 30-minute Noh performance at the Kanze School Noh Theater “Kashokaku”
3. Try on a Noh mask and costume used in Noh and experience a Noh performance on stage.
4. A cameraman will film the participants performing and edit the video.
5. You can also choose the option to try out playing the taiko and drums used in the chanting.

・tour schedule

Return to tour list