Yozakura Noh

This performance is held when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the Yasukuni Jinja Noh Theater, known as Tokyo’s oldest wooden Noh theater. Launched in 1992 to introduce Noh theater, one of Japan’s traditional performing arts, to a wider audience, it has become an established open-air showcase featuring Important Intangible Cultural Property holders and rising young performers. The event will be held for the 33rd time in 2026.

Nohgaku is the collective term for Noh and Kyogen theater. Audiences can experience this traditional performing art, established during the Muromachi period and passed down for over 600 years, against a backdrop of illuminated cherry blossoms. The Noh theater serving as the venue was originally the Shiba Noh Theater in Shiba Park and was relocated to Yasukuni Jinja in 1903 (Meiji 36). This historic stage helped lay the foundation for the revival of Nohgaku during the Meiji period. Performances include Noh, Kyogen, and mai-bayashi, or dance excerpts accompanied by musicians.

Watching Nohgaku amid the cherry blossoms at night is an unforgettable experience. First-time visitors may also wish to use the audio guide, available in Japanese and English for ¥800 each.