Yozakura-Noh

The event is held at the Yasukuni Shrine Noh Stage, known as the oldest wooden Noh theater in Tokyo, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The event was started in 1992 with the aim of promoting Noh, a traditional Japanese performing art, to a wide audience. It has taken root as a firelit Noh play featuring the holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties as well as notable young performers. The year 2024 will mark the 31st performance.

Nohgaku is the generic name for Noh and Kyogen. The traditional art, which was established in the Muromachi period and has been handed down for 600 years since then, can be viewed with the cherry blossoms lit up. The Noh Theater, which serves as the stage, was originally the Shiba Noh Theater in Shiba Park, which was moved to Yasukuni Shrine in 1903. This historic stage was the foundation for the revival of Noh theater during the Meiji period, and in addition to Noh and kyogen, mai-bayashi (dance music) is performed on it.

Enjoying a Noh play with a Yozakura sightseeing tour is a wonderful and memorable experience. For beginners, an earphone guide (Japanese and English) is available for 700 yen each.