The Kyoto City Tourism Association (DMO Kyoto) ＆ Discover Noh in Kyoto are pleased to announce the launch of “IMAGINE NOH” official guided theater experience.
Its spectators will enjoy viewing Japan’s traditional performing arts – noh and kyogen, alongside insightful commentary on their history, spirit and highlights provided by specialists.
“IMAGINE NOH” is designed to make these ancient art forms accessible to all, including first-time audiences. The guidance offered during the event helps the audience to fully appreciate the performances, which have been specially adapted into a shorter format suited for beginners. A question-and-answer session will be held after the play, allowing for a deeper engagement with the arts.
In this article
Dates & Location
October 14 (Wed), 22 (Thu), 28 (Wed), and November 5 (Thu), 2026 at Kyoto Kanze Kaikan Noh Theater.
Schedule
4:30 PM: Reception opening *Refreshments will be served in the lobby from 4:30 PM.
5:30 PM: Start of the performance
7:00 PM: End of the event
Tickets
Admission fee
Tickets are available for online purchase until the start of the reception on the day of the event.
After the reception opens, tickets will be sold at the door.
| Age | Admission fee |
| Adults over 25 | 23,000 yen |
| Ages 18-25 | 5,000 yen |
| Children ages 6-17 | Free |
How to purchase tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the following websites and locations.
| IMAGINE NOH Official Website | https://imagine-noh.com/ |
| GetYourGuide | Coming soon… |
| Viator | Coming soon… |
| Peatix | Coming soon… |
| The Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater (Ticket Pia Getti website) | Coming soon… |
| Kyoto Tourist Information Center | Coming soon… |
Performance details
Noh play Kokaji
The legendary swordsmith Munechika forges the emperor’s sword with the help of the fox deity of Inari Shrine.
Kyogen play Kaki Yamabushi
A mountain priest is caught trying to steal a persimmon from a tree, resulting in a humorous revenge being exacted by its owner.
Additional highlights
Explanation in English:
The program features curated noh and kyogen performances, preceded by an English introduction given by a specialist of these arts.
Photo session:
After the performance ends, there will be an opportunity to take photos of the stage and actors. You are welcome to capture this special memory of your trip to Japan. We would also greatly appreciate it if you could share your photos on Instagram or Facebook.
Image taken during the photo session
After-talk with performers (Q＆A):
A noh specialist will provide consecutive interpretation of the audience’s questions and performers’ responses, allowing for smooth communication regardless of language barriers.
Comments from last year’s spectators
Guest from the Netherlands:
“The explanations were helpful and interesting. Even without much comprehension of Japanese, I could understand some of the jokes and they made me laugh more than I had expected.”
Guest from Indonesia:
”The whole performance is so impressive, it’s almost magical. The voices of the singers are so powerful and showed the discipline and hours dedicated to mastering it.”
Guest from United States:
“NOH theater is often touched on as a part of most Theater History / Historiography courses in the USA, so it was really great to be able to see it live.”
About the Kyoto City Tourism Association / DMO KYOTO
The Kyoto City Tourism Association is the central organization for promoting tourism in Kyoto, engaging in a wide range of activities including attracting visitors, providing tourist information, and developing tourism infrastructure. The association aims to contribute to the development of Kyoto as a sustainable tourism destination and a site for prosperous dialogue between both residents and visitors.
Learn more
Contact information (email)
About Discover Noh In Kyoto
Discover Noh in Kyoto specializes in curating events centered on noh and kyogen theater. Their mission is to increase global awareness of this traditional art form through multicultural and multilingual engagement. A portion of the proceeds from its events and tours is used to support educational initiatives for students and young audiences, helping to preserve the art form for future generations.
Discover Noh in Kyoto official website
Contact information (email)
