Noh is a classical Japanese performing art combining poetry, chant, dance, music, costumes, and masks. Developed in the 14th century, it presents stories of deities, spirits, and noble figures through an aesthetics of elegance and restraint. Kyogen, its comic counterpart, portrays everyday situations with humor, while sharing the same historical and aesthetic traditions.

The official program of Kyoto City Tourism Association (DMO KYOTO) and Discover Noh in Kyoto, presented in collaboration with the Nogaku Performers’ Association. The program features curated performances of noh and kyogen with English introduction by certified guides (City of Kyoto Visitors Host) and an after-talk with performers. The performances include short plays based on legends of Kyoto, staged in shrines and temples that are still here today. Imagine Noh is tailored to be enjoyable even for those seeing noh for the first time, making it the perfect opportunity to be immersed in the legends and history of Kyoto, and experience the thrill and laughter of traditional theatre. 

There are noh and kyogen performances going on almost everyweekend in the many theatres, shrines and temples in Kyoto.  However, if you are not coming on the weekend or are not sure if you are ready to enjoy a full-length play without being introduced to noh and kyogen, IMAGINE NOH is the perfect choice to appreciate the inspiring intensity of the art form in smaller bites with engaging introductions and aftertalks with the performers.

– Insightful introductions in English by certified guides

– Epic scenes in accessible programs / excerpts of time-honored noh plays

– Aftertalk with professional performers