4 Best Performing Arts Venues in Central Kyoto, Kyoto

GEAR

This nonverbal show incorporates mime, magic, break dancing, and dramatic lighting effects as its energetic actors play robots temporarily unstuck from their assembly line. The 1928 art deco–like architecture of the former Mainichi Newspaper building provides the set.
Theater Family
Nakagyo-ku Sanjo-dori, Gokomachi-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, Japan
075-254–6520
www.gear.ac/en
performing-arts Details
Rate Includes: From ¥3,700, Fri., weekends, holidays, and 2nd and 4th Wed. of month at 2 and 7 pm

Kongo Noh Theater

Kamigyo-ku

This theater presenting performances of the Kongo school of Noh drama was moved to this location on the former estate of an aristocrat. The architecture is completely modern, but the garden—there's a view of it from the lobby—is completely traditional. English translations of the librettos are often available.

Theater
Karasuma-dori, Ichijo-sagaru, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 606-8341, Japan
075-441–7222
www.kongou-net.com
performing-arts Details
Rate Includes: ¥2,500–¥7,000

Ponto-cho Kabukirenjo Theater

Nakagyo-ku

The maiko and geiko of the Ponto-cho district perform at this theater in spring and fall. Occasionally other dance performances are scheduled here.

Recommended Fodor's Video

RAN Music Theatre

Nakagyo-ku
RAN is a new venue with highly rated performances of traditional instruments: the shamisen, taiko drums, koto zither, and Noh flute, with shows on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Doors open at 5:30 and 7:30 for shows at 6 and 8 pm, respectively.
Theater
583-4 Nakanocho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8042, Japan
www.rankyoto.com
performing-arts Details
Rate Includes: ¥4,000 in advance, ¥4,500 at the door