Kyoto

Kabuki at Minamiza

Maiko visit to beautiful old Kyoto theater on rainy day

Cathy Cawood Jan 07, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Huge paper lanterns hang outside the theater</p>

<p>The actors' names are painted in big bold calligraphy on wooden strips</p>

<p>Many Japanese say they can't understand the Kabuki plays, but for a fee you can hire earphones that explain the plays to you while you are watching. However I don't think they are available in English.</p>

<p>Paintings of scenes from the various plays being performed</p>

<p>I was lucky enough to see three maiko on their way to the performance</p>

<p>Theater goers under their umbrellas</p>

<p>Chatting and bowing before entering the theater</p>

<p>The cheapest seats are at the top and back of the theater, but the view is pretty good.</p>

<p>Waiting for the performance to begin</p>

When I lived in Kyoto, I sometimes attended the special Kao-mise kabuki performance at the end of the year, which showcases the best Kabuki talent from around Japan. Kyoto's Minamiza Theater is a lovely old building on Shijo Street near the Kamogawa, and when it hosts Kabuki the facade is decorated with the actors' names written in distinctive lettering, along with paintings of scenes from the plays being performed. The show is long - several hours of amazing sets and gorgeous costumes, with several different plays, and includes a 30 minute break for people to eat obento lunch or dinner.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...