Kita Noh Theatre

A narrow street any casual passerby might miss—but venture down this Meguro side street and you’ll find the Kita Noh Theatre. Ask any Japanese person and they may tell you that Noh is difficult to understand or too out-of-date, but you’ll also find that most have never seen this traditional art form.

Noh is many things. It has roots in the old military-ruling class of Japan who were official sponsors of the art form, and it has even experienced a few major upheavals—the dismantling of the ruling warrior families, for example, forced Noh to establish schools and find alternative means of sponsorship. And yet, this centuries-old stylistic theater performance has survived.

The theater began in 1893 it burned down during the Kanto Great Earthquake in 1923 but enjoyed a donation from Asanoke Betei Noubutai for a new stage and place to perform. Later, during World War II, it burned down once more—this served as another major turning point for Noh as an art as well, which struggled to survive after the war shortages and the decline in patronage.

You can enjoy a real viewing of Noh at the Kita Noh Theatre in Meguro, Tokyo. Reconstructed at its current location in 1955, the theater seats 385 guests and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. This is largely thanks to how Noh is performed; Noh actors must consider their 360-degree positioning while moving on the small stage and bridge to allow for the most artful appearance.

While you sit at the Kita Noh Theatre, enjoy the authentic venue and rich pine tree painted as the backdrop for the plays (also painted during the reconstruction). Be enamored by the live performances by skilled professional Noh actors. Feel the drum and flute play in your chest with the chorus chants along to the story played and danced out by the main roles, and marvel at the luxurious silk costumes and hard-carved masks—both of which can be several hundred years old. Truly, Noh is an art to be treasured.

Be sure to check out the Kita Noh's schedule for information on shows and how to buy tickets. The site is in Japanese so you may need to ask a Japanese friend or hotel staff for assistance. Prices can vary by show, but each performance is a gem to watch.