Embodying history and tradition, and one of Nara’s most traditional events, Takigi O-Noh performances are held annually at the World Heritage Kasuga Taisha, and at Kohfukuji Temple’s Nandaimon Gate Han’nya-no-Shiba site in Nara on the third Friday and Saturday in May. Outdoor Noh performances, held in various places around the country, are thought to have their origins in Takigi O-Noh, one of the traditional events Nara is rightly proud of.
On both days, a daytime performance is held at Kasuga Taisha and an evening performance at Kohfukuji Temple. The evening events are performed by firelight when a profound air of mystery is created with the actors’ voices resonating around the otherwise quiet space.