Tour/ExperienceTours & Experiences

Discover NOH — A Winter Workshop Exploring the Spirit of Noh on Sado Island

Sado Island, the Island of Noh
Discover the Spirit of Noh on a Winter Stage

 

Sado Island is one of the few places in Japan where Noh theater continues to live as part of everyday life.
Noh stages remain across the island, and traditional performances such as torch-lit Noh and dedicatory Noh are still performed today.
This workshop offers a rare opportunity to not only watch Noh, but to experience it firsthand in the place where it has been preserved and passed down through generations.

 
 

The workshop takes place at Hori Memorial Kanai Noh Theater,
an authentic Noh stage filled with a solemn and timeless atmosphere.
Participants will learn the basics of Noh directly from instructors of Gakuyō Yūbu no Kai, a group dedicated to preserving Noh on Sado Island.

In the first half, participants will watch a short Noh dance performance, followed by an easy-to-understand introduction to what Noh is and its deep connection to Sado Island.
In the second half, participants will experience basic movements and gestures, and have the rare opportunity to hold and closely observe a Noh mask.

Through each carefully controlled movement and the emotions that dwell within silence, participants are naturally guided to reflect inwardly.

Although Noh is a classical performing art, it is also an art that reflects human joy, sorrow, and prayer.
Experiencing it on Sado Island allows its essence to be conveyed more deeply and quietly.

This is a cultural experience that goes beyond watching alone.
Whether you wish to explore culture, enrich your journey, or feel Japanese tradition through your body,
this workshop is open to everyone.

Discover NOH: A Historic Noh Performance Revived After 100 Years at Atsushihiko Shrine (Hōshō School, Gakuyō Yūbu no Kai)

Instructor

Hōshō School — Gakuyō Yūbu no Kai

Tadao Houri
Noh Master of the Hōshō School / Founder and Director of Gakuyō Yūbu no Kai
Based on Sado Island, Niigata

Tadao Houri founded Gakuyō Yūbu no Kai in 2008 and currently teaches approximately 20 students on Sado Island.
The group focuses on the practice of chanting (utai) and dance (mai), and holds an annual recital to present the　results of their training.
They also actively participate in Noh events across the island, including traditional torch-lit Noh performances, carrying out activities deeply rooted in the local community.

Believing that Noh is not merely a traditional performing art but a mirror reflecting the human heart,
Iwai is dedicated to passing on both the techniques and the spiritual richness of Noh to the next generation.

※Please note that the workshop will be led by trained disciples of Gakuyō Yūbu no Kai.

Discover NOH - Workshop at Atsushihiko Shrine Noh Stage (October 25, 2025)

  • Setting date
    January 25 (Sun), February 15 (Sun), February 22 (Sun),March 21 (Sat), March 22 (Sun)
  • Setting time
    15:00–16:30 (Approx. 1.5 hours)
  • fee
    Plan A: ¥2,000
    Plan B: ¥12,000 (with English interpretation)
  • What's included in the price
    Plan A: Workshop fee, insurance
    Plan B: Interpretation fee, workshop fee, insurance
  • Minimum number of participants
    Minimum participants: 2
  • Capacity
    Maximum participants: 10
  • How to make a reservation
    ①Google Form
    https://forms.gle/7bGRdcu5hDc1detu7
    ②By Phone
    050-3317-0734 (10:00–17:00)
    Please provide your name, preferred date, number of participants, contact details, and area of residence.
    ③By Email
    info@sado-art.com

    →Please include your name, preferred date, number of participants, contact details, and area of residence.
  • Reservation deadline
    3 days prior to the workshop date
  • Meeting place
    Hori Memorial Kanai Noh Theater
    (Nakakō, Sado City, Niigata)
  • Itinerary
    14:55　Meet at Hori Memorial Kanai Noh Theater
    15:00　Watch a short Noh dance performance
    15:30　Introduction to Noh & hands-on experience
    16:30　Dismissal
  • Precautions
    ・Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time.
    ・Payment is to be made on site. Please prepare the exact amount.
    ・Registration may close once capacity is reached.
    ・Program details may vary depending on content.
    ・The program may be changed or canceled due to weather or operational reasons.
    ・Participants are kindly asked to complete a short questionnaire.
    ・Photos and videos may be taken for documentation and promotional use (website, social media, printed materials).
  • Other
    Recommended for／Those interested in Noh but unsure where to begin ／Visitors wishing to experience traditional Japanese culture ／Anyone who wants to step onto an authentic Noh stage ／Those who wish to deepen their understanding of Sado’s culture