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Enjoy the world’s oldest play “Nôgaku” in Nara Park

Experience beautiful traditional culture with all your senses and immerse yourself in the world’s oldest theatrical art at Nara Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while enjoying a special performance with an interactive workshop led by the performers!

Nôgaku, considered the oldest form of theater in the world, originated in Nara, Japan, over 700 years ago and continues to thrive today. Nara, the birthplace of Nôgaku, is home to many sites where visitors can immerse themselves in the world where this art form once flourished.

On the first evening of the tour, guests will enjoy a performance of Kasuga Ryujin (The Dragon God of Kasuga), a play deeply connected to Nara Park, where the theater is located. The story follows a monk traveling from Japan to India for training, who is stopped by a Shinto priest and a dragon god. The dragon god creates a stunning scene of golden light, symbolizing the divine radiance of Nara Park and Mt. Kasuga, leaving the monk in awe of the land’s unparalleled beauty.

The following morning, participants will take a guided tour of Nara Park, with English interpretation, to visit locations linked to Nôgaku plays and gain deeper insight into this ancient theatrical tradition.

Address76 Noboriojicho, Nara City, Nara
Open hoursNo.1 [ Nôgaku performance ]
Monday, December 23, 2024 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
No.1 [ Guided tour ]
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 09:00 AM -10:30 AM

No.2 [ Nôgaku performance ]
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
No.2 [ Guided tour ]
Wednesday, January 22 2025 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Price¥10,000 (tax included)
Seating60 people
Remarks【Price includes】 Nôgaku viewing ticket / Nôgaku,Gagaku workshop / Guided tour of Nôgaku
spots in Nara Park / English guidebook (Nôgaku explanation / Nara Park Nôgaku spots guide map) / Fee for four accompanying English guides
NotesApplication deadline:
No.1 Friday, December 20, 2024 5:00PM
No.2 Saturday, January 18, 2025 5:00PM
※Applications will close once the limit is reached.
InformationThis program will be developed and implemented as part of the FY 2024 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project (by commission) “Project for Building and Promoting the International Brand of Nara Park, a Sacred Site Combining the Highest Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage”.
https://www.atigajapan.com/
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