Live music in Kyoto
Kichirei Kaomise Kogyo (December Grand Kabuki), Minamiza
Kyoto's year-end kabuki tradition. Matinee from 10:30 AM (ends around 3:15 PM), evening show from 4:00 PM (ends around 9:10 PM). The matinees on Dec 12, 19 and 20 and the evening show on Dec 18 are private bookings.
- Dates
- Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 24 (Thu)
- Hours
- 10:30 – 21:10
- Venue
- Minamiza Theatre
- Nearest station
- Gion-Shijo
- Admission
- ¥6,000 to ¥28,000 depending on seat
About this event
The 2026 Kaomise Kabuki performances mark the succession of Onoe Tatsunosuke III. Leading kabuki actors from eastern and western Japan gather for a program of classical plays. The daytime program includes Shofudatsuki Kongen Kusazuri, Ehon Taikoki, Otowagatake Danmari and Kochiyama. Nizaemon Kataoka and Koshiro Matsumoto alternate in the role of Kochiyama according to the performance date. The evening program includes Shinpan Utazaimon: Nozaki Village and a formal succession announcement. It is a chance to experience a longstanding Kyoto theatrical tradition at a moment of generational change.
Highlights
- The succession of Onoe Tatsunosuke III
- Otowagatake Danmari in the daytime program
- Nizaemon Kataoka and Koshiro Matsumoto alternate in Kochiyama
- Nozaki Village and the formal succession announcement
- Good for
- For visitors interested in kabuki, classical Japanese theatre and theatrical succession traditions.
Good to know before you go
- Tickets are scheduled to go on sale November 9.
- Check the dates of private performances.
- Some roles are performed by different actors on different dates.
- Scheduled finishing times are subject to change.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy is Kaomise Kabuki a signature December tradition in Kyoto?
Kyoto's Shijo riverbank was a centre of theatrical culture from the early Edo period. Between 1615 and 1623, seven licensed theatres operated in the area. Minamiza is the only one that has continued presenting performances to the present day.
The present Minamiza building was completed in 1929 in an architectural style recalling the Azuchi-Momoyama period. It is a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property. A major renovation in 1991 preserved its historic appearance while updating its theatrical facilities.
Kaomise is an important occasion when kabuki actors appear together in a seasonal program. In Kyoto it has become closely associated with the end of the year. The tradition is part of the city's cultural history, not merely a collection of stage performances.
That is why the historic exterior of Minamiza, as well as the performance itself, deserves attention.
Sources: Kabuki Bito: History of Minamiza (Japanese), Kabuki Bito: Kaomise Performance (Japanese)
Long ago, around hereWhat was the Shijo riverbank like in the past?
Between 1615 and 1623, seven officially licensed theatres operated along the Shijo riverbank. This district became closely associated with Kyoto's theatrical entertainment during the Edo period.
Over the centuries the theatres changed or disappeared. Minamiza alone continued presenting performances. Its current building dates from 1929 and underwent major renovation in 1991.
When walking from Shijo Bridge to Minamiza, notice how the theatre still stands beside the historic riverbank entertainment district.
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🍜 Where to eat after
Restaurants near here on Google Maps→Many restaurants in Kyoto take reservations, and some are cash only. Check the restaurant page before you go.
FAQ
- What is Kichirei Kaomise Kogyo (December Grand Kabuki), Minamiza?
- The 2026 Kaomise Kabuki performances mark the succession of Onoe Tatsunosuke III. Leading kabuki actors from eastern and western Japan gather for a program of classical plays. The daytime program includes Shofudatsuki Kongen Kusazuri, Ehon Taikoki, Otowagatake Danmari and Kochiyama. Nizaemon Kataoka and Koshiro Matsumoto alternate in the role of Kochiyama according to the performance date. The evening program includes Shinpan Utazaimon: Nozaki Village and a formal succession announcement. It is a chance to experience a longstanding Kyoto theatrical tradition at a moment of generational change.
- When is Kichirei Kaomise Kogyo (December Grand Kabuki), Minamiza?
- From Dec 1 (Tue) to Dec 24 (Thu), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 10:30 – 21:10
- How much does it cost?
- ¥6,000 to ¥28,000 depending on seat
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Minamiza Theatre. The nearest station is Gion-Shijo.
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