Discover the World of Noh in a Rural Kyoto Village - Includes Tea & Kyoto Sweets at a Temple

A “Healing Village” Where Nature and Historic Temples Harmoniously Coexist

Ohara, in northern Kyoto City, is a tranquil rural area showcasing Japan's traditional landscape. Rich in history and culture, it's home to many temples and was a retreat for aristocrats and samurai. Notably, women of the Heike clan, a prominent samurai family in the 12th century, sought refuge here after their fall, a story depicted in a famous noh play.

Ohara, Kyoto, embraced by nature

In this experience, your guide and interpreter is Julia Yamane, who represents Discover Noh in Kyoto. Knowledgeable about Kyoto, she leads workshops, tours, and guides to promote noh. Julia describes Ohara's charm as more than its ancient temples; it's a place where the emotions and lives of its inhabitants resonate, deeply moving visitors.

Julia Yamane, your guide, will explain the connection between Ohara and noh in detail

The plan begins with experiencing the natural beauty of Ohara. You'll join Julia on your way to the noh stage, surrounded by rice fields, the gentle river, and birdsong—nature you won’t find in the city.

Soothing Sadness and Suffering, Reflecting the Beauty of Impermanence

In noh practice, you first learn basic knowledge directly from a noh actor. Originally, noh was a ritual offering to gods, Buddhas, and spirits of the deceased. Thus, actors portray not only humans but also vengeful demons and spirits burdened with regrets, aiming to soothe souls through tales of human sorrow, anger, and suffering. Noh conveys a deep spiritual message, depicting the link between the natural and human realms, and between our world and the afterlife.

The noh stage is a sacred space, linking the real world and the afterlife

Noh is deeply intertwined with the Buddhist concept of "Shinra Bansho," which teaches that everything lacks inherent substance, constantly changes, and is interconnected. A central theme of noh is to perceive the profound meanings and unseen emotions beyond mere appearances. It transcends mere art, bridging the worlds of life and death, maintaining significance even in modern times.

Noh masks leave a deep impression, revealing multiple expressions on a single mask

During the experience, you'll view noh masks and exquisite costumes made from high-quality fabrics like brocade, accompanied by explanations. The masks' meanings shift with angles and colors; for instance, covering the mouth of a Hannya (a jealous female demon) mask changes it from anger to deep sadness. You'll discover that masks in noh serve not only to express characters' emotions but also to conceal the performer's changing facial expressions, emphasizing the deeper meanings and emotions they convey.

Lose Yourself and Blend With Nature to Dance Noh

After learning the basics of noh, you'll proceed to learn etiquette from a noh actor. Noh movements are distinctive: performers engage their hips, tuck their chins, and glide without lifting their feet off the ground. Even gestures like withholding tears or pouring sake are simplified to their essence. Small actions, such as adjusting a mask, subtly alter its angle, revealing striking expressions.

Even seemingly expressionless women's masks convey subtle emotions with a slight angle

The stylized movements in noh are stripped of unnecessary elements, inviting the audience to engage their imagination and insight. Actors are taught to embody characters by "letting go and dancing like yorishiro,” objects in Shinto rituals believed to attract and house spirits.

The noh performer carefully instructs on arm stretching and breathing techniques

After the practice, you’ll observe the noh performer's dance. It's a unique experience to witness his mesmerizing movements blend with the garden on an open stage caressed by the wind. When the performer gazes at the sky or into the distance, you inevitably picture the moon and feel a sense of nostalgia and warmth. One of the unique charms of noh is how it sharpens your senses, allowing you to fully enjoy the unfolding scenes.

The dance, blending with nature, is a breathtaking spectacle

As an option, you can also invite a noh instrument player, known as "Hayashikata," to perform. They play a flute, a small drum (Kotsuzumi), or a large drum (Otsuzumi), enhancing the performance and musical score. Additionally, there is a special option where the noh performer wears an exquisite costume and mask, typically reserved for formal performances.

Relax at a Serene Zen Temple

The experience concludes with a visit to a secluded temple just 5 minutes from the noh stage. Normally off-limits to tourists, you'll have exclusive access as part of this plan. Here, you can relax with Julia over tea and sweets, enjoying a delightful conversation.

Enjoy seasonal Kyoto sweets and tea on the veranda

The garden seen from the temple's veranda is a hidden gem, stunning in every season—from lush greenery in early summer to vibrant autumn leaves. Amidst the temple's serene surroundings, the lively flowers, plants, and pond creatures celebrate the beauty of life.

Discover the Beauty of Impermanence in Harmony With Nature

The changing seasons are a key theme in noh, featuring cherry blossoms in spring, summer rivers, autumn leaves, and winter snow. Audiences sense the fleeting nature of the seasons through the performers' expressions. The quiet yet passionate dances highlight the connection between humans and nature. This experience offers insight into Japan's cultural and spiritual harmony with nature, finding beauty in impermanence. It's a unique aspect of the noh stage in Ohara.

Experience deep relaxation in the serene temple surroundings

Custom tours can be tailored to your preferences. Ohara boasts temples with stunning gardens and national treasure Buddhist statues, along with hot springs and charming inns. Enjoy leisurely walks by waterfalls, and savor local specialties like red shiso and fresh vegetables. Embrace nature's tranquility and reconnect with your inner self in this serene setting where time moves at a gentle pace.