Kyoto, Japan Attractions

Minami-za Kabuki Theater

Kyoto’s leading Kabuki theater, the Minami-za, opened in 1929, although its heritage dates back to the seventeenth century. With more than a thousand seats, the facility stages its main event, the Kaomise Festival, during the month of December. Kabuki is Japan’s classic combination of drama and dance, featuring heavily made-up performers in elaborate costumes. It is not unusual for a popular Japanese actor to play a Kabuki role. Performances may offer earphones with translations to help English-speaking members of the audience better appreciate the story.