Regarded as one of Japan’s greatest forms of classical performing arts, Noh is a type of theater popularized during the Muromachi Period (1336-1568) that tells stories through music, dance, ornate costumes, and drama. Typically these plays are based on traditional Japanese literature and legends.
Experience this elegant artform firsthand during Tokyo Ginza Noh Week! Held from August 19-25, 2024 at Kanze Noh Theater, this immersive event features rare and exclusive experiences you cannot find elsewhere. The theater is located in the heart of Tokyo’s trendy Ginza area on the third floor of shopping complex GINZA SIX, making it an exceptional and convenient way to elevate your itinerary. Tickets are sold at the door.
English-speaking Noh actors are stationed throughout the event, there is an interpreter in the lobby, and signs and descriptions have English translations, so you do not need to worry about language barriers!
Important note about payments
The 500 yen admission fee is cash only. However, the Event Shop accepts cash and cashless payments.
Learn more about the event’s offerings below, and check out the end of the article for special information about guided Ginza tours.
Workshop with Kanze Noh Performers
This 45-minute workshop is one of the highlights of Tokyo Ginza Noh Week and is held twice a day at 3pm and 6pm in the facility’s theater room. During the workshop, Kanze Noh performers and English interpreters will present information about the history of Noh and its iconic costumes and masks. After the lecture, they will lead the crowd through common Noh exercises, such as vocal training and acting practice. The workshop truly stimulates both your mind and body! After the workshop, you can take photos with Noh actors in the lobby.
Noh Mask Experience
The event’s most exclusive offering is its Noh Mask Experience, which allows participants to wear authentic masks that were once used on stage. Normally, these masks are solely handled by performers and authorized personnel. The event has a selection of roughly 30 masks that represent characters such as women, old men, demons, and spirits.
Noh Masks and Costumes Exhibition
This exhibition allows you to admire traditional embroidery and Noh designs up close. The masks and costumes on display are still used in performances today, and the oldest pieces are roughly 100 years old!
Movie: "Kanze Noh Theater Backstage Tour"
Only Noh performers can enter the theater’s backstage area. Through the “Kanze Noh Theater Backstage Tour” movie, you can learn about this unseen part of Noh. The movie has English subtitles.
Event Shop with Limited-edition Goods
The Event Shop sells goods from Kanze Noh Theater’s souvenir shop, such as t-shirts and bags. It also offers items exclusive to Tokyo Ginza Noh Week, including Noh and Snoopy collaboration products, as well as Noh-imprinted senbei (rice crackers).
Noh Costume Demonstration (planned implementation)
Watch how a Noh performer would dress for the stage. The costumes used for this rare demonstration are for the famous Noh play Hagoromo, which tells the tale of a celestial maiden.
*Please note that the theater plans to implement this activity but has not confirmed it yet.
Guided Ginza Tours!
During the duration of the event, you can join two guided Ginza tours in English to further experience the charm of the area. The Discover Ginza Tour includes tea and dessert in Ginza, one hour at Kanze Noh Theater, and Tokyo sightseeing from Ginza Six’s Rooftop Garden. The Ginza Highlights Tour offers a one-hour experience at Kanze Noh Theater and an introduction to the Ginza area.
Veronica Carnevale @veronica.carnevale
Fulfilling my traveler's soul!
