All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

Very original, fun, creative!
Kids and adults loved it!!

I could not have asked for a better way to spend my vacation day in Asakusa than being able to roam around with a Kimono. The moment I entered their office, I was greeted immediately by the ladies there, and I can attest that they are all professionals. There's an array of kimonos and hakamas to choose from, and it only took less than 30 minutes for them to dress me. For women, they even fix your hair for you. When I posted up my pictures, all of my friends who visited Japan before were jealous that I got to experience this. This is definitely another way to immerse yourself in the culture, and a great way to spend your visit in Japan.

Thank you to the ladies for being so dandy! You will be pleased to know that I recommended you to all of my friends and family.

A great experience if you are traveling in the area. The dinner cruise was fun and great sights! I will definitely do this again when in Tokyo.

Located on a side street will need directions or map. Helpful ladies at Sakura Photo Studio quickly dress you. Selection of different colors. Memorable experience to walk around in kimono attire!

It was very good time for my children.Thank you so much.

The kimono experience was awesome!
The whole outfit and hair do made me feel a bit Japanese, all the ladies who took care of it were lovely.
The photographer was great too, and an amazing guide too!in on of the best locations in Tokyo.
Truly recommended.

We had an awesome experience! There were plenty of beautiful kimono choices and the staff were very friendly, efficient and professional! My daughter who is 4 yo totally enjoyed the experience too!

NICE AND FUNNY TIME AT JAPANESE PLASTIC FOOD SAMPLE ART EXPERIENCE.

My first experience with Edo Kiriko was quite nerve-wracking, but while receiving a lecture, I was able to practice with samples at the beginning, so in the end, I was able to create a satisfying piece!

It took about 90 minutes to complete, and I think even those who are not very skilled can enjoy it. It was a fascinating time that made me want to try creating this pattern... I feel like I could really get into it. This experience sparked my interest in Japanese culture, and I'm really glad I participated.

初めての江戸切子、たいへん緊張しましたが、レクチャーを受けつつ、最初はサンプルで練習もできるので、最終的には満足いく作品が出来上がります！

時間も90分ほどで出来上がり、不器用な方でも十分楽しめると思います。この模様を作ってみたい・・・と思うほど、のめりこみそうな不思議な時間でした。これをきっかけに日本文化に興味持てそうで、参加してとても良かったです。

We love sakura studio as their provide fast and efficient service from the kimono choosing process and hair do. Some how just a minor irritation when its get too crowded in the shop. There is no personal room/separate room for gents or ladies as well as locker to put your valuable stuff. Its kinda bit of discomfort when other guy looking at you dressing up. Make sure to wear not see through clothing for your inner because you need to wear your kimono in-front of others. Overall, it can be improve in future and the host is great in many languages!

The staff was very friendly and helped with the difficult parts. They also explained in general about the tecniques of making food samples, which was very interesting.

I always thought that riding a yakatabune (traditional Japanese boat) was something to do in the summer, but I heard that in December there are Christmas illuminations and fireworks, so I decided to take a ride on a winter yakatabune!

We gathered at the boat dock, about a 5-minute walk from Kachidoki Station. Since it was the year-end party season, there were more people than I expected. After waiting for a while, we boarded the boat, and drinks were served right away as we set off. On Saturdays in December, there are fireworks in Odaiba, so we took a reverse route from usual. We headed towards the Christmas illuminations in Odaiba and stopped for a while to wait for the fireworks. During that time, freshly made, crispy tempura was served, and I was very satisfied with the food! Before the fireworks, not many people went out onto the deck, and the illuminations along with other yakatabune created an indescribably beautiful scene.

When the fireworks started at 7 PM, I went up to the second floor and was greeted by the Rainbow Bridge and a spectacular display of fireworks right in front of me! It was the best spot! Although it was a short 10 minutes, it was amazing. After the fireworks, we enjoyed the remaining food while heading towards Asakusa. We also got to see the Skytree lit up in green for Christmas, and it reminded me of the wonderful aspects of Tokyo. The lady who was serving and guiding us was fluent in English, so I definitely plan to use this service again when friends from abroad visit!

屋形船に乗るなら絶対夏だなーとなんとなく思っていましたが、12月はクリスマスイルミネーションと花火があると聞いて真冬の屋形船に乗ってきました！
勝どき駅から徒歩5分くらいの船着場に集合。忘年会シーズンということもあり、思った以上に人が集まってました。暫く待って乗船し、すぐに飲み物が配られ、出発。12月の土曜は花火がお台場で花火があるため普段とは逆ルートで回るとのこと。クリスマスイルミネーションのお台場に向かって進んで行き、暫らく止まって花火待ち。その間にも揚げたてサクサクの天ぷらが配られ、料理にも大満足！花火前は甲板に出る人も少なく、イルミネーションと他の屋形船が光を放ってなんとも言えない綺麗さでした。19時に花火が始まって2階に上がってみると目の前にはレインボーブリッジと大輪の花火！ベスポジでした！！10分程度と短い時間でしたが最高でした。花火が終わって残りの料理を食べつつ、浅草方面へ。クリスマス仕様で緑色に光るスカイツリーも見れて、改めて東京の良い所が見れました。運びとガイドをしていたお姉さんは英語も堪能で、海外から友人が来たら是非また利用しようと思います♪

Before the performance started, the waiting area felt like a lounge, with drinks, light snacks from Kanedaka, and a kimono DJ that really lifted the mood. The opening skit was also entertaining, and it was great to have a direct explanation of the kyogen from the performer right before the show. The content was easy to understand, and even though it was my first time experiencing kyogen, I enjoyed it very much! The backstage tour was also wonderful, as I got to see areas like the dressing rooms and behind the scenes that are usually off-limits.

演目が始まるまでは前室がラウンジのようになっていてドリンクや金田中さんの軽食、着物DJなどで気分が上がります。
前座のコント？も面白かったですし、演目前に狂言師さん直々に狂言の説明をしていただけたのが良かったです。内容もわかりやすかったですし、初めての狂言でしたがとても楽しめました！
バックヤードツアーも普段入ることのできない楽屋や舞台裏を見ることができて良かったです。

This is my second time participating, following my first visit about three years ago. I looked at other options, but since I wanted to invite my mother-in-law and my parents, I decided to go with this place again, where I was satisfied last time.

On the day of the event, I strolled around Hamarikyu until the meeting point, passing through Tsukiji, enjoying a walk in Tokyo. It was beautiful as the lights began to illuminate. At the boarding area, which is visible right from Reimei Bridge, two boats were already docked, and many participants had gathered.

One boat was reserved by a company, and the other was for our group. From the moment we boarded, the staff member Kaoruko provided guidance in both English and Japanese, which was reassuring for my mother-in-law, who doesn't understand Japanese. I think this service wasn't available last time, but perhaps it was tailored to the clientele.

I was delighted with the seasonal appetizers, but it seemed that my two-year-old child and my parents particularly enjoyed the Edo-style tempura served one dish at a time! The all-you-can-drink option was also great, and they encouraged us to try a lot, which was fun.

My mother-in-law was pleased with the fan-shaped menu that also served as a guide to Tokyo. Taking photos on the deck at various points was essential, and these little touches were perfect for the hospitality.

This time, my child was the only small one, but with Kaoruko's care and the understanding of those around us, we were able to relax comfortably. Towards the end, my father discovered that someone from the neighboring group was from the same hometown, which created a sense of camaraderie and made us feel the joy of being part of a shared experience.

I look forward to participating again!

約3年前に続き2回目の参加です。
他も見ましたが義理の母、私の両親を招待するので、自分が前回満足できたこちらに再度お願いすることにしました。
当日は集合まで浜離宮をぷらぷら、築地を通って集合場所まで東京散歩。ライトアップされ始める時間で綺麗でした。
黎明橋からすぐ見える乗り場にはすでに二艘停泊していて、参加者の方も多く集まっていました。
一艘はどこか会社の貸切で、もう一艘が私達の乗合でした。
乗り込む際からスタッフの薫子さんが英語と半々で案内してくださったので、日本語が分からない義母にも安心でした。前回は無かったサービスだと思いますが、客層に合わせた器量でのおもてなしだったのかもしれません。
季節の前菜から嬉しかったですが、2歳の子供、両親にはやはり一品一品出てくる江戸前天ぷらがお気に入りのようでした！飲み放題も嬉しいですよね。たくさん勧めていただけます笑
義母は扇子状のメニュー兼東京案内に喜んでいました。ポイントポイントでデッキでの写真撮影も欠かせないですが、細かなところがおもてなしにピッタリなんですね。
今回小さな子供はうちの子だけでしたが、薫子さんのケアを始め周りの方のご理解があり、居心地よく過ごさせていただきました。
終盤では隣のグループの方と父が同郷ということが分かって一気に一体感が高まり、乗合の醍醐味みたいなものを感じられる時間でした。
また参加させていただきますね！

I have an interest in traditional performing arts, and I learned about this tour through a friend's recommendation. I had experienced Bunraku before, but it was my first time seeing Noh and Kyogen. I felt a bit nervous entering the venue, as it seemed somewhat highbrow. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a Japanese-style club. The attendees appeared to be quite affluent, but there were also various people, including someone pulling a carry-on bag from afar and a young child who seemed to be in elementary school (later revealed to be the son of one of the performers). There was also a merchandise booth, and as someone wearing a kimono, I was very intrigued by the reasonably priced hanhaba obi and obi-dome. Before the performance, the performers provided a rather rough synopsis, and a comedian explained the etiquette for watching Kyogen, which made me feel at ease even without prior preparation. I never expected to laugh so much while enjoying traditional performing arts, which I thought would be highbrow. I believe it was a very approachable atmosphere for beginners in traditional arts. This was my first time using a tour, so I have no comparisons, but I was very satisfied!

伝統芸能に興味があり、知人の紹介でこのツアーを知り申し込みました。文楽鑑賞はしたことがありましたが、能・狂言は初めてでした。なんとなく敷居が高い気がして少し緊張して会場に入りました。会場は和風のクラブかと思わせるような雰囲気。来ている人達はなんとなくリッチにみえるような方々が多かった気がしますが、キャリーバックを引いた遠方からと思われる方、小学生低学年と思われるちびっ子（のちにこのちびっ子は演者さんの息子さんと判明）もいるなど様々な方が来ていました。また物販のブースもあり、着物を着る私にとっては半幅帯や帯留めがかなりのリーズナブルさだったことに興味津々でした。本番前には演者さんたちによる、かなり大荒なあらすじ解説、芸人さんによる前せつで狂言の鑑賞マナーを知ることができ、予習をしていなくとも安心して観ることができました。敷居が高いと思っていた伝統芸能でこんなにケラケラと笑うとは思ってもみないほど楽しく鑑賞できました。伝統芸能初心者にとっては、とてもとっつきやすい雰囲気だったと思います。初めてのツアー利用で比較対象がありませんが、大満足でした！

This time, I was invited by a friend to my first Kyogen Lounge! I hadn't seen Kyogen since my elementary school field trip... I was a bit nervous, not knowing there was a Kyogen stage right in the heart of Shibuya, but when I arrived, I saw stylish people enjoying drinks in front of the stage with a glass of wine in hand. There was an older gentleman in a kimono DJing, and the fusion of traditional and modern created a really fun atmosphere.

In front of the stage, the performers humorously explained Kyogen. They were so approachable, almost like comedians. In the opening act, someone from a theater troupe performed, and it was really entertaining! It felt well-crafted and thought out.

As for the Kyogen itself, they explained the story beforehand, so I had a good understanding of what was happening. Even though it uses old language, it's still Japanese, so if you listen closely, you can grasp almost all of the story, which is reassuring.

I signed up for the backstage tour through Veltra because I heard it was exclusive to Veltra after the performance. The staff kindly guided us through in order. The details are a secret, haha. It seems they have different performances each time, so I’d love to bring my foreign friends and come again!

今回は友人に誘われ初の狂言ラウンジへ！狂言は小学校の社会科見学以来・・・
渋谷のど真ん中に狂言の舞台があったなんて知らず、ちょっと緊張していきましたが、
会場についてみるとワインを片手に持ったオシャレな人たちが、舞台前のドリンクを楽しんでいました。着物を着たおじさんがＤＪを回していたり、和と洋が融合してとても楽しい雰囲気でした。

舞台前には出演者がおもしろおかしく狂言を説明してくれました。まるでお笑い芸人のようで
本当に親しみやすかったです。前座では、どこかの劇団の方がでてらっしゃってそれがまたおもしろい！よく練って作られているな～という感じでした。
狂言そのものも、事前にストーリーを説明してくれるのでだいたいわかります。昔の言葉とはいっても日本語。よーく聞いていればほぼお話の内容はわかるので安心ですよ。

今回ベルトラで申し込んだのは、公演後のバックヤードツアーはベルトラ限定だと聞いたからです。お付きの方が順番に中を丁寧に案内してくれました。詳細は内緒です笑
毎回違う演目をやっているようなので、外国人の友人も連れてもう一度来たいなと思いました。

The guides on the boat only spoke Japanese, so we had no idea what we were looking at or what they were saying. They did a lot of speaking. Even ordering plum wine was a challenge. I feel that they should have had some narration for non-Japanese speaking people. What we saw was very pretty and the food was very good, so the only complaint is language problem.

It was my first time experiencing Kyogen, and I really enjoyed it. However, I arrived early and sat in a good spot, but for some reason, I was moved, which was disappointing. It seemed like a group related to someone in the performance.

狂言自体、始めてで、本当に楽しめました。
ただ、早めに会場入りして、見やすい席に座っていたのですが、なぜか移動させられ残念でした。身内？の団体さんのようでした。

My first experience with Kyogen with a friend. I thought it would be just right for beginners since it’s said to be easy to enjoy, so I decided to participate.

The duration is set for two hours, with the following schedule:
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Time to enjoy drinks and light snacks
8:00 PM: Explanation by the performers
8:15 PM: Skits by the troupe members
8:30 PM: Performance of Kyogen

Upon arriving at the venue, I checked in and spent an hour enjoying wine until the show started. (I didn’t realize that I could take my seat right after checking in, so I was absentmindedly drinking wine and by the time I noticed, the seats directly in front of the stage were all taken. It would have been helpful if they had informed me about the seating during check-in.)

I entered the venue when they announced, “Five minutes until showtime.” I was impressed by the beautiful and grand stage when the performers appeared. They provided an explanation about Kyogen with some humor. Next was a skit by the troupe members, which was a modern take on today’s performance, interwoven with interesting facts about Kyogen.

Finally, the main performance began. Thanks to the explanation by the performers and the skit by the troupe members, I was able to understand the storyline and enjoy the Kyogen even as a beginner.

After the performance, I had the opportunity to take photos with the performers and even participated in a backstage tour, which was pleasantly low-key for a traditional performing art.

友人と初めての狂言。
気軽に楽しめるとのことなので、初心者にはちょうど良いかなと思い、参加することにしました。

所要時間２時間となっていますが、
19:00〜20:00はドリンクや軽食を楽しむ時間
20:00〜演者さんによる解説
20:15〜劇団員さんによるコント
20:30〜狂言の上演
という感じの時間配分でした。

会場に到着して、受付を済ませて、ワインをいただきながら開演時間までの1時間を過ごしました。（受付を済ませ次第、席を取っても良いということを知らず、ぼんやりとワインを飲んでいたので、気づいた時には舞台正面の席は満席になっていました。受付の時に、席のことを教えていただけるとありがたかったです。）

「開演時間5分前です」というお声がかかり、会場に入りました。美しく立派な舞台に感心していると、演者さんが登場。笑いを交えて、狂言についての解説をしてくださいました。
続いて、劇団員さんによるコント。今日の演目を現代版にした内容に、狂言の豆知識を織り交ぜたコントでした。
そして、いよいよ本編。演者さんの解説と、劇団員さんによるコントのおかげで、あらすじを理解した上で狂言を観ることができるので、初心者でも楽しむことができました。

上演終了後には、演者さんと写真を撮らせていただいたり、バックヤードツアーもしていただいたりと、いい意味で伝統芸能らしからぬ敷居の低さでした。

This was my second time experiencing Kyogen, and I enjoyed it very much.

In the lounge before it started, there were many stylish guests. Some were in kimonos, while others were dressed in leather pants or mini skirts. I was able to enjoy the pleasant music and white wine, which created a mysterious atmosphere before the performance.

Once inside the Noh theater, the performers provided a clear and very interesting explanation of how to enjoy the show. I had prepared myself to sit up straight and watch seriously, thinking it would be stiff and formal, but I was relieved to hear that it was simply about having fun.

The actual Kyogen was easy to understand, and before I knew it, it was over while I was laughing. I definitely want to see it again!

狂言は2度目でしたが、とても楽しめました。

始まる前のラウンジには、おしゃれなお客様がいっぱい。着物の方もいれば、皮のパンツで決めている方やミニスカートの女子なども。心地よい音楽と白ワインで狂言前の不思議な雰囲気を味わえました。

能楽堂に入ると、楽しみ方の説明が演者の方から直接あります。わかりやすくとっても面白い！堅くて真面目なイメージなので、居住まいを正して観なくてはと構えていましたが、ただ楽しんで、ということでしたのでホッとしました。

実際の狂言は、内容もわかりやすく笑っているうちにあっという間でした。また是非見に行きたいなと、思います。

As I passed through the door, I was greeted by the vibrant stage of the kyogen performance. It was huge! So close! I could feel the excitement building, knowing something amazing was about to begin.

Before the show started, the performers casually shared the story of today's program and explained the kyogen language. Their encouraging words, "Don't worry about what you don't understand!" gave me courage. There was absolutely no stiffness; they made us laugh a lot and helped us relax.

Once the main performance began, the laid-back atmosphere transformed into something sharp and cool. As the show progressed, there were many moments that made me laugh out loud, and my first experience watching kyogen flew by in no time. If it’s like this, it might be nice to casually drop by after work.

扉をくぐると、狂言の舞台がドーン！と待ち受けておりました。
デカい！近い！これから何かすごいものが始まるぞーと、気分が高まります。

開演前に、演者さんがカジュアルな雰囲気で今日の演目のストーリーや狂言の言葉を教えてくれます。分からないところは気にするな！という力強いお言葉に勇気をもらいました。堅苦しさは全くなく、たくさん笑わせて、リラックスさせてくれます。

本番が始まると、さっきまでのゆるい感じが嘘のようにキリッとカッコイイ。その後、舞台が進むにつれ声を出して笑ってしまう場面が何度もあり、初めての狂言鑑賞はあっとゆう間でした。こうゆうのだったら仕事帰りに気軽に行けていいかも。

The dialogue seems to be in Japanese from the Muromachi period. I can only understand half of it, but I can still follow the story. However! This means that if I were to time travel to the Sengoku period, I think almost no modern Japanese would be understood. I hereby declare that I have given up on developing a time machine.

セリフは室町時代の日本語らしいです。半分しか理解できませんがなんとかストーリーは追えます。しかし！と言う事は戦国時代にタイムスリップしたらほとんど今の日本語は通じないと思いました。今ここにタイムマシンを開発する事を諦めたのを宣言します。

For me, who experienced kyogen for the first time, it was a very interesting event, and I enjoyed it a lot. What I liked first was the opening act by the theater group Enban Rider. This pre-show, which explained the basic knowledge of Noh theater through a skit modeled after the performance, allowed me to prepare for entering the world of kyogen while also relaxing and enjoying the show.

Additionally, it seems that the selected performances are likely chosen to be interesting even for beginners. I appreciated that the comedic moments were easy to understand.

The backstage tour was also very fascinating, as it allowed us to peek behind the scenes of the Noh stage, which is not something you can see often. The explanations were thorough, ensuring that any questions were addressed, which gave me a little insight into the traditional performing arts of Noh and kyogen and the environment in which they have developed.

If I were to be picky, I thought the club-like atmosphere might be unnecessary. I believe many young people could enjoy it even without that aspect.

However, I still think it was a great event that was entertaining and allowed for a relaxed interaction with traditional performing arts.

初めて狂言を鑑賞した私にとっても非常に面白いイベントで、とても楽しめました。まず気に入ったのが円盤ライダーという劇団の方々による前説です。今回の演目を模したコントで能舞台の基礎知識を説明する、この前説では狂言の世界に入り込む準備ができるとともに、肩の力を抜いて鑑賞できるという良さもありました。

また、おそらく演目も初心者が見ても面白いものを選択しているのでしょう。笑いどころが分かりやすいものが上演されていたのもありがたかったです。

バックヤードツアーもなかなか見ることができない能舞台の裏側をのぞくことができて非常に興味深かったです。何かあれば、しっかり痒いところまで手が届くような説明がされるので、能や狂言がどのような土壌で育ってきた伝統芸能かと言うことが少しだけわかった気がします。

欲を言えば、クラブ風にするのは蛇足かなあとも思いました。若い人もこれが無くても楽しめる人は多いだろうと思うからです。

しかし、やっぱり面白いし肩の力を抜いて伝統芸能に触れ合える、良いイベントだったと思います。

I arrived at the Noh Theatre 30 minutes before the performance. The lounge, bustling with guests, felt just like a party venue! The clever touch of using Hyakunin Isshu reading cards as drink tickets allowed me to enjoy some sparkling wine.

To ensure that even beginners could enjoy the experience, they provided explanations about the history of Kyogen and the stage before the performance, which was fascinating! Since Kyogen uses classical Japanese rather than modern language, it felt like listening to a foreign language, but thanks to the performers' gestures, vocal inflections, and speaking style, I was able to understand it to some extent.

This time, I had signed up for a backstage tour, which allowed me to sneak into areas usually off-limits to the public. Guided by an apprentice, I listened to explanations about the performers' waiting area, dressing rooms, and props, and even got to see a demonstration of how the curtains are opened and closed, making the tour even more engaging regarding Kyogen.

In this otherworldly space, I was able to spend a noble and stylish time, creating a memorable evening. It seems there will be regular performances next year, so I would love to attend again.

開演30分前に能楽堂に到着。お客さんで賑わうラウンジはまさにパーティー会場のよう♪
百人一首の読札がドリンク券というニクい演出で、スパークリングワインをいただきました。

初心者の人でも楽しめるよう、上演前に狂言の歴史や舞台を解説してくれますが、これがおもしろい！狂言自体は現代語ではなく古語を使うため、外国語を聞いているようでしたが、演者の所作、声の抑揚、話し方のおかげで、ある程度、理解することができました。

今回、バックヤードツアー付きを申し込んでいたため、普段一般の人が入ることのできない裏舞台に潜入することができました。お弟子さんの案内のもと、演者控えの場や、楽屋、小道具などの説明を聞いたり、幕の開け閉めを再現してくれたりと、狂言に対してより興味が沸くツアー内容でした。

異空間の中、高貴でオシャレな時間を過ごすことができ、思い出に残る一夜となりました。
来年も定期的に公演があるようですので、また鑑賞してみたいと思いました。

I had absolutely no prior knowledge about Kyogen, but I was invited and decided to participate. I thought there would be many older people given the name "Noh Theatre," but I was surprised to see mostly young attendees! The lounge was filled with stylish adult women in kimonos and dressed up nicely. True to its title, it really had a "party-like" atmosphere.

The performance was "Hagi Daimyo." I came without knowing the story, but the performers explained how to enjoy it and the highlights in a fun and easy-to-understand way. It turns out that as long as you know a few tips, anyone can enjoy Kyogen! Before I knew it, an hour had flown by as I was captivated. I want to invite my friends and parents to go see it again next time.

狂言って何？というくらい予備知識はまったくありませんでしたが、お誘いいただいて参加してきました。
「能楽堂」という名前から年配の方が多いのかな？と思っていましたが、予想外に若い方ばかりでびっくり！ラウンジは着物の方やドレスアップされた方など、オトナ女子のおしゃれな方ばかり。タイトル通り、本当に「パーティー感覚」の雰囲気でした。

演目は萩大名。ストーリーも知らないまま来てしまいましたが、演者の方が楽しみ方、見所など面白くわかりやすく説明してくれます。狂言はコツだけ知れば、誰でも楽しめるものなのですね！見入っているうちにあっという間の1時間でした。
次は友達や両親を誘ってまた観に行きたいと思います。

The teacher was very good, her English was excellent and she explained everything very clearly. With no previous experience I was able to play a tune very quickly and the lesson was structured to allow me to play the tune with additional notes to add further detail / harmony to the melody.

The teacher was very patient and clearly knew her instrument very well; I felt that the lesson was worth every penny and was a unique and memorable experience.

Is there really a Noh theater on the second basement level of the Cerulean Tower? I was curious and decided to participate. After checking in and entering the Noh theater, I could see the stage from the side. I took a seat in the front row to the side of the stage and went to the foyer to exchange the Hyakunin Isshu card I received at the reception for a drink. Many people were already enjoying drinks, creating a lively atmosphere, and I had some whiskey. It helped me relax a bit. Then, I passed by the DJ booth and returned to the venue, taking photos of the stage and leisurely waiting for the performance to start.

When it was time for the show to begin, they started with an introduction to the food served in the foyer, followed by an amusing explanation of theater etiquette and how to handle difficult words. The performance this time was "Hagi Daimyo." The distance to the stage was close, allowing me to see the performers' expressions up close. The dialogue had a lot of repetition, making the structure of the story easy to understand, and I could listen without feeling tense. Even if there were parts I couldn't catch, the exaggerated expressions and movements of the performers were entertaining in themselves. I'm glad I was able to experience the performance.

セルリアンタワー地下２階に能楽堂なんてあるの？？と興味を持って参加しました。
受付を済ませて能楽堂に入ると舞台が横から見えます。舞台横前列の席をとり、受付でいただいた百人一首の札を持ってホワイエに飲み物と交換に行きました。すでにお酒を召し上がっている方が大勢いらしてざわついた雰囲気の中、ウィスキーを頂きました。お酒でちょっとリラックスできます。それから、ＤＪブースの横を通り会場に戻って、舞台の写真などを撮ったりしてのんびり開演を待ちました。
開演時間になると、ホワイエで振舞っていた料理の紹介に始まり、観劇のマナー、とっつきにくい言葉への対応方法など面白おかしく説明していただけました。
今回の演目は萩大名。舞台との距離が近くて演者の表情が間近で見え、反復の多い会話でしたのでお話の構成も分かりやすく、身構えずに聞くことができました。また、よく聞き取れないところがあっても、演者の大げさな表情・所作だけでも面白く感じました。
観劇できてよかったです。

When I was in high school, I had seen kyogen, but I didn't understand it at all. However, having grown since then, I thought that experiencing Japanese culture is part of education, so I decided to apply.

The Shibuya Noh Theatre is located on the basement level 2 of the Cerulean Tower.

When the venue opens, you are given a drink ticket, which is a Hyakunin Isshu, and I enjoyed some champagne while getting into the mood before the kyogen performance. In addition to drinks, there is a paid option where the Japanese restaurant "Kitanaka" prepares special mini kaiseki dishes, which you can also savor.

The kyogen lounge has a completely relaxed atmosphere. Before the kyogen performance, there is a pre-show with skits, where explanations of words related to kyogen and the stage are provided, making it easy for first-timers to enjoy the performance. Additionally, Mr. Motoharu Okura, the organizer, gives an explanation of the program before the kyogen, making it easier to understand the performance itself.

After the kyogen, there is a tour of the backstage of the Noh Theatre. You can see the behind-the-scenes of the kyogen you just watched, including the back of the curtain and the timing for raising the curtain. Although it was a short time, it was a fun experience to witness scenes that you normally wouldn't see.

Kyogen often has a stiff image, but in this kyogen lounge, I felt it was something more familiar. I had a wonderful time, and I'm considering attending the kyogen lounge next year.

高校生の頃、狂言を見たことはあったのですが、
まったく理解出来ませんでしたが、成長したこともあり
日本文化に触れることも教養の1つだと思い申し込みました。

渋谷能楽堂は、セルリアンタワーの地下2階にあります。

会場がOPENになると、ドリンクチケット=百人一首を渡されるので
シャンパンを頂き、狂言の前に一心地付きました。
ドリンクの他にも有料ではりますが、和食「金田中」が特注の
ミニ懐石料理を作ってくださっているので味わうことも出来ます。

狂言ラウンジは、畏まった感じは全くなく、
狂言の前には前座で、コントが繰り広げられ、そこで狂言に纏わる
言葉の説明や舞台の説明等あるので、狂言が初めての方でも
鑑賞し易いと思います。また、主催者である大藏基誠氏からも
狂言の前に、演目のご説明をされるので、狂言自体も理解し易いです。

狂言の後は、能楽堂のバックヤードの見学です。
少し前に見た狂言の舞台裏を拝見出来るので、
幕の裏側、幕を上げるタイミング等々、確かに普段では見れない
光景を目の当たりに出来るので、短時間ではありましたが
楽しかったです。

狂言は、堅苦しいイメージがありますが、この狂言ラウンジでは
身近なものに感じることが出来ましたら、楽しい時間を過ごせ
来年開催の狂言ラウンジにはお伺いしようかなと思っています。

The opening act was funny like a skit. I was also interested in the keyboard rider. The foolishness of the "Baka Tono" left a strong impression; I think it was a great event.

前説がコントで面白かった。鍵盤ライダーさんも興味を持ちました。バカ殿のバカぶりが印象に残った、よいイベントだったと思います。

I attended the "Kyogen Lounge" at the Cerulean Tower Noh Theatre.

One of the Hyakunin Isshu poems was transformed into a stylish free drink ticket, allowing us to enjoy a glass of wine, and we savored hors d'oeuvres inspired by that day's performance prepared by the chef from Kanesaka. We laughed at the modern and amusing pre-show commentary and were impressed by the behind-the-scenes stories of the Noh stage. There were so many unique and unconventional ideas to enjoy the classical art of "Kyogen," which has remained unchanged since the Muromachi period! It was a very enjoyable time.

I also participated in a backstage tour, and compared to opera houses both domestic and international, it was very simple! This is understandable, as opera is a comprehensive art that includes stage sets and costumes, while Noh and Kyogen rely as little as possible on costumes and props, focusing instead on "evoking the audience's imagination." I found this very intriguing.

By experiencing the Noh stage from both the front and the back, I felt I could somewhat grasp the concept of "Rikimi no Mi." Thank you for a wonderful extraordinary experience.

セルリアンタワー能楽堂の『狂言ラウンジ』を拝見してきました。

百人一首の一枚がお洒落なフリードリンク券になっていてグラスワインを頂けたり、「金田中」の料理長によるその日の演目に因んだオードブルに舌鼓を打ったり、現代風オモシロ前説に笑ったり、能舞台のアレコレ裏話になるほど！っと感心したり・・・・室町時代から変わらぬ古典芸能「狂言」をフランクに味わうための型にはまらない粋な趣向がいっぱい！！とても愉しいひとときでした。

舞台裏見学にも参加したのですが、内外のオペラハウスのバックステージと比べてとってもシンプル！！それもそのはず、オペラは舞台セットやコスチュームも含む総合芸術なのに対して、お能や狂言は極力衣装や道具に頼らず『観客のイメージ力を喚起する芸』なのだと伺ってとても興味深かったです。

表から裏から能舞台を観ることで、すこしだけ「離見の見」を体感できたように思います。素敵な非日常体験をありがとうございました。