Discover Kyoto’s Timeless Traditions
Feel the elegance of unmissable cultural events this month
If you're visiting Kyoto this month, and are eager to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture, you're in for a treat. Kyoto offers unique opportunities to experience two of most refined and ancient arts—Noh theater and flower arrangement.
Noh is a classical Japanese performing art that was developed by the playwrights and actors Kanami and Zeami around the 14th century. The Kyoto Kanze Noh Theatre is the largest Noh theater in Kyoto and hosts numerous Noh performances throughout the year. This month, Kyoto Kanze Noh Theatre offers a special program for international tourists and residents titled “Enter NOH: Masked Stage Art of Japan.”
Noh Stage at Kyoto Kanze Noh Theatre
People who participate in the Backstage Tour (limited to 20 persons) will be able to watch how the performers don precious masks and costumes up close as well as to visit the backstage of a Noh theatre, guided by Englishspeaking Noh experts.
During the performance, English subtitles will be displayed to provide commentary. The subtitles shown on a rental tablet or on your smartphone will scroll automatically along with the action on stage, making the stories easy to understand, even for beginners.
Backstage tour: 18:00 - 19:00, Performance: 20:00-21:30; Ticket: Backstage Tour + S Seat ¥25,000, S Seat ¥12,000, A Seat ¥10,000, Students (2F Non-reserved seats) ¥3,500.
The Belgian flower artist, Daniel Ost, creates works that highlight the unique qualities of floral materials, with a focus on the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Ost has created works for the royal wedding of the Belgian royal family and exhibited his creations in various traditional architectural settings around the world. His use of plants as a medium to create breathtaking designs transcends traditional concepts of floral art, elevating flowers to a new realm of artistic expression.
Photo: To-ji Temple; 2006; © DANIEL OST All rights reserved.
His innovative Japanese-style art displayed at Kyoto’s traditional townhouse Sugimoto Residence, Ninna-ji Temple, the Kanjo-in of To-ji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple has surprised and moved many people, offering an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of Japanese culture. His modern and artistic floral installations blend harmoniously with traditional Wajima lacquerware and ceramics, filling the venue with stunning displays.
¥5,500; 9:00-20:00 (lit-up starts from 17:00); Take Kyoto City Bus #6 from Kyoto Sta., get off at Dotenjo-cho.