Minamiza Theatre

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.