Once-a-Year Sacred Noh Performance at Nara’s Kohfuku-ji: Prayer Offering at a Cultural Heritage Site with Expert Insight

16:00-20:00- ¥11,000／person

A rare Noh performance dedicated to the gods and Buddha, with expert insights into its deeper meaning and refined movements.

Along with Kabuki, Noh theater is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held only once a year at Kohfuku-ji Temple in Nara, a sacred place for Noh theater, Toei Noh is a rare and solemn performance where Buddhism and Noh are deeply intertwined. With restrained applause and the stage not viewed directly from the front, it retains the solemn formality of a religious ritual.

For this experience, Mr. Petko Slavov, who holds a doctorate in Noh studies, and Ms. Yoshie Yamamoto, an expert in Noh theater, will offer a detailed pre-performance explanation at the cultural property "Yoshikien Shuto(Main Building)," which is normally closed to the public. After learning in an atmosphere steeped in history and tranquility, enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening as you experience the enchanting performance on stage.

*The photos related to Noh are different from the performance in this program.

Expert Commentary by Yamamoto Noh Theater, a Leading Authority in the World of Noh

For this experience, Mr. Petko Slavov, who holds a doctorate in Noh studies, and Ms. Yoshie Yamamoto, a Noh specialist from the prestigious Yamamoto Noh Theater, will offer a clear and detailed explanation of the performance’s background, the meanings behind its movements, and its connection to Buddhism. Additionally, English interpretation will be provided by Mr. Petko Slavov, ensuring that even newcomers to this art form can participate with confidence and gain a deeper understanding of Noh.

〇Expert Profile：Petko Slavov (Bulgaria)

"Cultural coordinator, and app developer with a deep commitment to promoting Japanese traditional culture, especially Noh drama, internationally.
He holds degrees in Computer Science, Japanese Studies, East Asian Languages and Cultures, and Classical Japanese Literature, and earned his PhD in Noh Drama from Osaka University in 2014.
As co-founder of Team OKINA Ltd. (Sofia, Bulgaria), he develops mobile and desktop applications and games that highlight Japan’s traditional performing arts. He also works as a performance coordinator, app and web developer at Yamamoto Noh Theater (Osaka, Japan), supporting international events and digital content development."

Venue Introduction: The Cultural Property “Yoshikien Shuto(Main Building),” Normally Closed to the Public

The venue for the explanation is a special hall called "Yoshikien Shuto," situated within the former premises of Kohfuku-ji. Located on the grounds of the Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara, this building is registered as a tangible cultural asset by Nara Prefecture under the name "Former Shohoin Family Residence" and is typically not open to the public. Immersed in the serene atmosphere of a distinguished traditional Japanese building, this intimate Noh learning experience with a small group will offer a rare and unforgettable time.

Additionally, during the explanation, matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets will be served. While savoring them in an authentic Japanese environment, you will deepen your understanding of the world of Noh.

*The image is for illustrative purposes.

Noh and Kohfuku-ji: The Temple Where Noh Theater Began

Kohfuku-ji is a historic temple representing Japan’s rich heritage, founded when the capital was established in Nara in 710. As the main temple of the Hosso sect of Buddhism, many national ceremonies have been held at Kohfuku-ji since the Nara period (710-794), and the temple has been deeply involved in the culture and history of the ancient capital. The temple houses many masterpieces of Buddhist art, including the Ashura statue, a national treasure, preserving the history of Japanese Buddhism to this day.

Kohfuku-ji is known as one of the places where Sarugaku, the precursor to Noh theater, was originally performed as an offering before Buddhist altars, making the temple deeply connected to the origins and development of Noh, a traditional performing art unique to Japan. In the medieval period, performances were held alongside temple rituals and ceremonies, which eventually evolved into what is now known as Noh theater. The opportunity to watch a performance at Kohfuku-ji, widely regarded as the birthplace of Noh, is a truly special and meaningful experience.

Toei Noh: Noh as a Sacred Ritual

Toei Noh is a sacred annual firelight Noh performance dedicated to the principal deity of Kohfuku-ji Temple. Before the performance begins, monks chant sutras, and the Noh play quietly opens as part of a Buddhist ritual. With distinctive customs such as the stage not being directly viewed from the front and restrained applause, each performance unfolds as if offered in prayer. In the enchanting temple grounds at night, the chant and dance resonate through the stillness. Within this solemn atmosphere, a deeply spiritual performance unfolds, offering an experience distinct from any other in the world of Noh.

*Please note that this year’s performance will take place at the Chukondo Hall, so the actual venue differs from the one shown in the photos.

What's Included

◎ Viewing of Toei Noh play
◎ Explanation of Noh history and the performance by a Noh expert
◎ Traditional Japanese Sweet
◎ English interpretation provided by a Noh scholar

What To Expect

15:50 – Meet at Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara
The reception will be held at the "Yoshikien Shuto," a cultural heritage building that was once part of the Kohfuku-ji temple grounds and is usually not open to the public. In this special space enveloped in tranquility, an extraordinary experience begins.

16:00 – Explanation of Toei Noh by Noh specialists
Mr. Petko Slavov, who holds a doctorate in Noh studies, and Ms. Yoshie Yamamoto, a Noh specialist from the renowned Yamamoto Noh Theater, will offer an in-depth explanation of the characters, narrative background, Buddhist themes, and the meaning behind the movements and chanting featured in the performance. This introduction will help even those new to Noh enjoy the upcoming performance with deeper understanding and greater appreciation.

17:30 – Appreciation of Toei Noh performance
The sacred performance begins with sutra chanting by the temple monks.
In this enchanting setting, take in a special Noh performance dedicated to the principal deity of Kohfuku-ji. This is a rare experience that can only be felt within the solemn atmosphere of this sacred site, which sets it apart from typical Noh performances.

20:00 – End of the Toei Noh performance

*In case of rain, the event will be held at the Kasugano International Forum Noh Theatre.

Detail

Dates	Saturday, October 4 A truly special event held only once a year..
Fee	¥11,000 per person
Capacity	Minimum number of participants: 5 Maximum: 15 For groups larger than 15, please contact us directly.
Venue	・Pre-Performance Lecture: Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara, Yoshikien Shuto ・Toei Noh Performance: Front garden of the Tokondo (Eastern Golden Hall), Kohfuku-ji Temple *In case of rain, the event will be held at the Kasugano International Forum Noh Theater.
Contact	If you have any questions, please contact us at E-mail：hello@sharing-kyoto.co.jp Phone：+81-(0)75-254-7485

Additional Info

・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 week in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.

Cancellation policy

・Free of charge for cancellations up to 15 days prior to the ewperience date, 100% for cancellations 14 days or less prior to the experience date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.

Where you'll be

Address
62 Noboriojicho, Nara, 630-8213

Directions
・From JR Nara Station
Get off at 'Kencho Higashi' bus stop. 3-minute walk.

・From Kintetsu Nara Station
About a 15 minutes walk .