Minamiza Theatre

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Minamiza Theatre

A traditional theater with more than 400 years of history.

3.39 6

Last update :
Supervised by :  Shochiku Co., Ltd.

A theater that features Kabuki which originated in Kyoto. Kabuki is said to have originated from the “Kabuki Odori” dance, invented by a woman named Izumo no Okuni. As the dance started to popularize during the early Edo period, around this time the Minami-za also opened. It is Japan’s oldest theater with more than 400 years of history located in the same place.

Out of the many genres of entertainment hosted in the theater, the Kabuki performance “Kichirei Kaomise Performance” held every December is a Kyoto favorite in the winter. During the Edo period, the theater and actors had a one-year contract. It was considered most important to preview the year's ensemble via “Kaomise”, to this day plenty of visitors flock to see the actors.

The historical building is made with traditional techniques with a Momoyama relief, and was built in 1929. In 1996, it was designated a national registered tangible cultural asset. It later was designated a historic landmark by Kyoto city. In 2018, the entire building was refurbished and re-opened while still retaining its main features. It is loved by Kyoto as a landmark that preserves its history and legacy.

Highlights

  • A traditional theater with historical roots to the Edo period.
  • Hosting traditional arts and performances such as Kabuki.
  • A national registered tangible cultural asset, and historic landmark by Kyoto city.

Photos

  • Kyoto’s landmark standing in the bright and busy Gion. *Photo from Kichirei Kaomise Performance in 2021.

    Kyoto’s landmark standing in the bright and busy Gion. *Photo from Kichirei Kaomise Performance in 2021.

  • A 3 story theater with 1082 seats. ⒸShochiku.

    A 3 story theater with 1082 seats. ⒸShochiku.

  • Art Deco style interior design is also noteworthy. ⒸShochiku.

    Art Deco style interior design is also noteworthy. ⒸShochiku.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have foreign language support? (If it is available, what language is available?)

A

Due to the pandemic, some shows are Japanese only. Some staff members speak English, so we can answer simple questions in English.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

If you have ticket stubs, yes.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Not available.

Q

Is eating or drinking allowed? Can I bring my own food or drinks?

A

Yes, during break in your seats.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Yes

Q

Are there any discounted tickets available?

A

Base price tickets available in the Minami-za Ticket Counter.

Reviews

6

Some reviews are AI-translated.

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    This time I visited Kyoto’s famous Minamiza Theatre. Just seeing the historic exterior made me stop and take photos.

    Located near Gion in Kyoto, Minamiza is one of Japan’s most iconic kabuki theaters and an important venue for traditional Japanese performing arts. The exterior retains a distinctly Japanese style, with eye-catching signage and traditional decorations that create an interesting contrast with the modern shops around it, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into another era.

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    The first time I walked along Shijo Street, I caught sight of Minamiza in the distance on the other side of the bridge, and I still remember it today. This Momoyama-style theater has a beautiful exterior that makes you wonder what stories are being performed inside.

    Minamiza’s history dates back to the early Edo period. With more than 400 years of history, it is one of Japan’s oldest theaters and an important symbol of Kyoto’s kabuki culture. Every December, during the “Kichirei Kaomise Kogyo,” wooden signs bearing the actors’ names are hung in front of the theater, creating a distinctive winter scene in Kyoto.

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    Kyoto Minamiza is a kabuki theater located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, and is recognized as the oldest theater in Japan. It stands on the east side of Shijo Bridge, where Shijo Street meets the Kamo River, and is operated by Shochiku Co., Ltd. The current building, with four floors above ground and one basement level, was rebuilt in 1929 and designated a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1996.
    The main highlights and visitor information for Kyoto Minamiza are as follows:

    History and Development

    • Origins: The history of Minamiza dates back to the early Edo period, around 1610. At that time, Izumo no Okuni pioneered kabuki performances at Kyoto’s Shijo riverbank, and the Tokugawa shogunate issued an officially authorized business license for this site.
    • Architectural style: The ornate exterior is designed in the style of the Momoyama period, while the interior combines traditional kabuki stage features, such as the hanamichi and revolving stage, with Western architectural structures. Extensive seismic reinforcement and facility renovations were completed in 2018.

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    The performance at Kyoto Minamiza was truly wonderful. With my friend translating each scene for me in real time, I could not only follow the story but also better appreciate the actors’ incredible skills. I got a lot out of the experience.

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    Minamiza—modern architecture in the Momoyama style. If you want to see geisha, this is the place to go!

Details

Name in Japanese
南座
Postal Code
605-0075
Address
East side, Shijō-ōhashi-bridge, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-561-1155
Directions
1) Adjacent to Kyoto Main Line Gion-Shijo station.
2) 3 min walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto Kawara-cho Station.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa