Beginner-Friendly Noh Events Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo
The Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024, held in Shinjuku’s Kagurazaka from Saturday, October 12th to Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, features a variety of events. Among them, we would like to introduce events related to our traditional cultural experience tours and other recommended activities. The second event we’d like to highlight is Yarai Noh Theater.
At Yarai Noh Theater, three events are scheduled: "Kanze Kyukokai October Regular Performance" (Sunday, October 13th), "First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special" (Friday, November 1st), and "First-Time Yarai Noh Theater: Open House" (Sunday, November 3rd, National Holiday). We especially recommend the two events, "First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special" and "First-Time Yarai Noh Theater: Open House," for beginners in Tokyo.
An Ideal Introduction to Noh: English Subtitles and Exclusive Photo Opportunity
The "First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special" is an introductory performance with explanations, perfect for those seeing Noh for the first time or beginners. On the day of the event, special tablets with explanations for Japanese and English subtitles will be available for rent.
There will be approximately 70 tablets, equivalent to about 30% of the total seating capacity. Watching the Noh performance while following along with these subtitle explanations will make it easier for beginners to understand the complex language of Noh. The availability of English subtitles makes this event ideal for foreign visitors who may not understand Japanese. We strongly recommend this event to foreigners interested in traditional Japanese culture.
Additionally, there will be a photo session with the Noh actors after the Noh performance. While photography is prohibited during the performance, this is a rare opportunity to take photos with the Noh actors afterward.
"First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special"
Date and Time: Friday, November 1st, 7:00 PM
Location: Kanze Kyukokai Yarai Noh Theater, 60 Yarai-cho, Shinjuku
Reservation: Required
Ticket Price (All seats reserved, tax included): General: ¥4,500, Elementary, Middle, and High School Student Tickets: ¥2,000
Explore the History and Beauty of Noh at Yarai Noh Theater’s Open House
Another event recommended for beginners is the "First-Time Yarai Noh Theater: Open House," a free open house of the nationally registered tangible cultural property, Yarai Noh Theater. On this day, there will be a mini-exhibition of costumes and Noh masks, and explanations about Noh will be provided on the hour. Visitors can enter and exit freely during the open hours.
Currently, Yarai Noh Theater is the second oldest Noh theater in Tokyo and is well worth a visit. The explanations about Noh are also known for their clarity. Seeing the costumes and Noh masks up close, which are rarely seen, will be an incredibly valuable experience. You can appreciate the stylistic beauty of Noh, which has a history of over 600 years, refined through the elimination of unnecessary elements over time.
"First-Time Yarai Noh Theater: Open House"
Date and Time: Sunday, November 3rd (National Holiday), 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Kanze Kyukokai Yarai Noh Theater, 60 Yarai-cho, Shinjuku
Reservation: Not required
For Noh Enthusiasts: Kanze Kyukokai October Regular Performance
The "Kanze Kyukokai October Regular Performance" is a regular Noh performance. Unlike the previous two events, this one is not aimed at beginners, but it is highly recommended for those familiar with Noh. Please note that there will be no subtitle explanation tablets available for this event.
"Kanze Kyukokai October Regular Performance"
Date and Time: Sunday, October 13th, First Part: 12:30 PM, Second Part: 3:30 PM (The two parts are separate performances.)
Location: Kanze Kyukokai Yarai Noh Theater, 60 Yarai-cho, Shinjuku
Reservation: Required
Ticket Price (All seats reserved, tax included): General: ¥4,400 – 5,500, Student Tickets: ¥2,200
Experience the Elegance of Noh: Private Tours at Historic Yarai Noh Theater
Additionally, our company offers the "Kagurazaka Refined Wander" premium tour year-round, featuring a "Noh Experience" at Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo. This premium tour includes a private rental of the nationally registered tangible cultural property, Yarai Noh Theater, where you can watch a Noh actor perform "Shimai" (a short dance) up close and even try on Noh masks on the Noh stage. The tour content can be adjusted to fit your budget. Please feel free to inquire.
"Noh" is the world’s oldest surviving stage art, with over 600 years of history, and is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. We encourage you to experience this rare and precious premium tour with us. All who have participated in this tour have been deeply moved, and we guarantee it will move you as well. It might even become the most memorable experience of your life.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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