Nara City Tourism Association

Outdoor Noh performances, held in various locations around the country, are believed to have their origins in Takigi O-Noh, one of the traditional events for which Nara is renowned.

 The oldest recorded performance of Takigi Sarugaku (origin of noh) was in 869, during the Shunie ceremony at Kohfukuji Temple’s Western Golden Hall. Since then, the form we see today has undergone many changes.

In 1990, the performing arts were designated a Nara City Intangible Folk Cultural Property. This event is highly significant as it is regarded as representing the beginnings of Noh in Japan.

Originally performed by the Yamato Sarugaku-shiza (four groups) during ceremonies at Kasugataisha Shrine, Kohfukuji Temple, and elsewhere. Takigi O-Noh today is performed on two days at Kasugataisha Shrine and Kohfukuji Temple by the Nohgaku-shiza (four schools of Noh): Kanze, Konparu, Hōshō, and Kongō, along with Kyōgen (comedy) performed by the Okura School.

On both days, a morning performance takes place at Kasugataisha Shrine, followed by an evening performance at Kohfukuji Temple. During the evening events, firelight creates a profound air of mystery, with the actors’ voices resonating throughout the otherwise quiet space.

The Noh play "Yaezakura," which has not been performed since the Edo period and has been revived for the first time in about 400 years, will be dedicated at the Nandaimon Ceremony. (*This play was revived by cherry blossom lovers in Nara together with the Konparu School, which has ties to Nara.)

Kohfukuji’s evening ‘Nandaimon-no-Gi’ is held on the west side of the iconic pagoda, and south of the beautiful Chukondō (Middle Golden Hall), on the site of the Han’nya-no-Shiba site of the Nandaimon Gate remains. The program is terrific, and the ceremonies that precede the performances are unique. Before O-Noh and Kyōgen are performed, monks known as Kohfukuji Shuto, who were mainly responsible for temple administration and security, conduct a ritual known as Butai Aratame, or ‘Stage Inspection’.

Butai Aratame has been passed down from a time when Takigi O-Noh performances were held on outdoor stages. Before they started, paper was laid across the grass to assess its condition and decide whether the performances could proceed.

Takigi O-Noh is performed on stage today, so there is no need to check the condition of the grass. However, the Butai Aratame ceremony still takes place before performances to carry on the tradition.

A Gen no Sengi proclamation was then sent out, via the Shuto, to people outside the temple, informing them of the condition of the ground. These traditional rituals and customs are unique to Takigi O-Noh and are not found with other Noh stages.

Viewing these events is a good way to appreciate Nara's history.

Both venues have sponsor seats from which you can comfortably watch the Takigi O-Noh performances. All seats are non-reserved. Sponsored (paid-for) seat tickets, valid for one day only, must be purchased on the day of the event.

These seat tickets can be used, for example, on the same day for the Kasugataisha Shrine event in the morning and the Kohfukuji Temple performance in the evening.

However, a ticket cannot be used on both days. Therefore, you cannot visit the Kohfukuji Temple venue one afternoon and then attend the Miyashiro-agari-no-Gi at Kasugataisha Shrine the next morning. Please keep this in mind when buying your tickets.

You may not have much time to see the performances. If you only wish to watch for a short time, we suggest visiting the Nandaimon-no-Gi at Kohfukuji Temple in the evening. Although viewing of the stage is slightly restricted, this is the only venue with standing space, and viewing from these spots is free of charge.

For sale on day 6,500 yen per person (includes an explanatory guide book ※Japanese only).

● Kasugataisha Shrine Venue: Sponsored (paid) seats only.

● Kohfukuji Temple Venue: Both sponsored and ordinary (free-standing) seats are available.

※ Adult and children's ticket prices are the same. Please purchase tickets at the entrances to both venues.

※ Receptions will close when all tickets are sold.

※ In some instances, the program and performers may change. 

※ Photography and video recording (including on mobile phones) are prohibited.

※ All seats are non-reserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

※ In case of rain, the Nandaimon-no-Gi will be held at the Nara Centennial Hall (3-minute walk from the JR Nara Station West exit). However, only sponsor seats will be available.

※ Notices about venue changes will be posted on the Nara City Tourism Association's Facebook page around 1:00 PM on the day of the event.

We will provide a "Smartphone Commentary" service.

You can listen to the commentary on the Takigi Ono performance using your smartphone and headphones.

To access the commentary, please bring your smartphone and headphones.

This year, we are also planning to offer English commentary.

Cost: Free

*This service may not be available depending on your smartphone model and settings.

*You will need your smartphone and headphones to use this service.

*The "Smartphone Commentary" service is only available for the evening performance at Kohfukuji Temple.

*This service may not be available due to streaming issues on the day.

*This service is supported by the "Shuga Foundation."

Takigi Ono will use YouTube to distribute a variety of videos related to events. 

Please check it out!

Nara Prefecture, Nara City, Nara Prefectural Board of Education, Nara City Board of Education, The Asahi Shimbun Company

Takigi Ono Preservation Society / 0742-30-0230

 (Nara City Tourist Association / Weekdays 9:00-17:00)