Kyoto Kanzekaikan
Location and History
The Kyoto Kanzekaikan is located in Okazaki, a center for culture and the arts within the city of Kyoto. It is located near other famous sites such as Heian Shrine, the National Museum of Modern Art, the ROHM Theatre Kyoto, the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Miyako Messe, the Kyoto City Zoo, and the Kyoto City International House. It is a lovely area with water flowing from the Shirakawa River and Lake Biwa and scenic views that change with each passing season. The cherry blossoms in spring and the red and yellow leaves of autumn are particularly beautiful. Visitors planning to come to the Kyoto Kanzekaikan should by all means take time to enjoy the scenery in Okazaki Park.
The Kyoto Kanzekaikan Noh stage was previously located in the Kawaramachi Marutamachi area before the second world war, but sadly, it met the unfortunate fate of being closed down just before the end of the war on April 15, 1945. However, our predecessors had a strong desire to perform Noh on their own Noh stage, and, with the efforts of a great many people who shared in this understanding, were able to build the Kyoto Kanzekaikan on its current location on March 25, 1958. We also owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the many theatergoers and other guests who have supported us from the early days until 2018, when the Kyoto Kanzekaikan celebrated its 60th Anniversary, and beyond.
The Kyoto Kanzekaikan Noh stage is made entirely of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, and the old pine tree on the kagami-ita (scene panel) is by Japanese painter and Kyoto native Domoto Insho. Domoto’s style of painting, considered fresh and modern at the time it was made, makes ample use of gold and verdigris and has aged quite well with the stage over the passage of sixty years. It has created an exciting new appeal in the present day.
This hall serves as a base for shite-kata (performers who play the main roles in Noh plays) who follow the Kanze-ryu Noh style that is based in Kyoto. It has hosted a number of events such as independent performances by Noh performers, including regular performances by Kyoto Kanzekaikan members, as well as seasonal Noh performances by each Noh family, individual performances, Kyogen performance groups, and rehearsals.
All of the performances listed on this site are open to the general public, so please feel free to come and watch.
